34 mm Optical Construction Rails


  • Stock Lengths up to 2000 mm for 4-Sided Rails
  • 1-, 2-, or 4-Sided Rails
  • Custom Lengths Available from 50 to 2000 mm

XT34DP-500

Double Dovetail

XT34SP-500

Single Dovetail

XT34-1000

Standard
34 mm Rail

XT34SD-250

Single Dovetail

XT34SD-250, XT34SD-500, and XT34SD-750

XT34SP-500

XT34DP-500

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Features

  • 34 mm Optical Rails
  • Stock Lengths Range from 200 mm to 2000 mm
  • Dovetail Profile Enables Clamping to Optomechanical Assemblies or Other Rails
  • Single and Double Dovetail Versions with Reduced Footprint
  • Custom Rail Lengths Offered

Thorlabs' XT34 Optical Rails provide the building blocks necessary for constructing stable, rigid, three-dimensional mechanical assemblies. They consist of extruded lengths of aluminum with a dovetail mounting surface that allows rails to be joined to each other, breadboards, or other optomechanical assemblies. Mounted objects can easily traverse the full length of these dovetails without interruption. The 34 mm rail series includes rails that have the dovetail on one, two, or four sides, as shown in the photos at the top of the page. These dovetail rails feature either a clear or a black anodized coating.

The standard four-sided clear anodized rails measure 34 mm to a side and are available from stock in lengths ranging from 200 to 1000 mm. Upon request, we can ship these rails in custom lengths from 50 mm to 2000 mm. The standard four-sided rails are also offered in a raw extrusion length of 2 m (6.6').

We offer two-sided rails with clear anodization in lengths of 100 or 500 mm from stock.

The single dovetail rails have a compact design that provides additional mounting flexibility when constructing optical rail systems. Thorlabs offers 500 mm and 1000 mm long rails with a durable clear anodized finish. They do not include counterbored holes for mounting or an engraved scale. We also offer one-sided rails that include counterbores for mounting to an optical table without the need for clamps. These counterbored rails have a black anodized finish and an engraved scale in 1 mm increments for precise and repeatable positioning along the length of the rail. They are available in lengths from 250 mm to 750 mm.

We also offer dovetail baseplates with an inner 34 mm dovetail, allowing 34 mm rail components to be integrated with our XRN25, XR25, and XR50 translation stages. Each baseplate features a 1/4" (M6) counterbored hole and 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots for mounting to an optical table. Baseplates compatible with our XR25 and XR50 translation stages feature an outer 3" dovetail, while baseplates compatible with our XRN25 stages feature an outer 2" dovetail.

Thorlabs offers a wide and growing complement of accessories for 34 mm rails, including clamps and angle brackets, breadboard mounts, rail carriers, mounting platforms, lens tube adapters, and rail joiners. Together with size adapters that incorporate 66 mm and 95 mm rails into an XT34 setup, these tools provide a complete family of rigid, versatile building blocks suited for virtually any optomechanical setup.


Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2023-10-13 13:59:07.617)
how I can connect PR01/M and XT34 in vertical position?
jdelia  (posted 2023-10-16 10:36:03.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We are not able to clarify this with you since your feedback was submitted anonymously, but this depends on exactly what you mean by connected "in vertical position." For instance, PR01/M does not have a great method for mounting onto the rail from its bottom plate, but it does have a mounting hole on its side that could potentially be interfaced with an XT34 mounting plate. To discuss this further, you may reach out to techsupport@thorlabs.com
pascal.wettstein  (posted 2016-05-26 12:47:39.363)
Have you ever considered extruding the rails with holes in the four corners? Then the end user could cut the tube to the desired length and then either tap the hole or mount e.g. the adaptor / rail joiner with a self tapping screw. Anodizing (black) of the rail would also be great.
besembeson  (posted 2016-05-26 04:00:52.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for your feedback. We will review this.
patrick.berry  (posted 2015-08-13 15:08:42.923)
You should offer the XT34 34 mm Single Dovetail Rail with slots in the middle for mounting directly to the table with 1/4"-20s.
besembeson  (posted 2015-09-25 09:13:00.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for the feedback. We will review this option but in the meantime, the clamps are what we recommend: http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=191
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XT34 34 mm Construction Rails

  • Tapped with Four M3 Holes at the Corners on Both Sides for Mounting
  • Ø29 mm Clear Aperture Through Rail
  • Durable, Clear Anodized Finish

Our standard 34 mm Construction Rails have a dovetail mounting surface on all four sides for use in one-, two-, or three-dimensional constructions. Objects can be slid along the dovetail before being clamped into place. The rail ends are tapped with four M3 holes for mounting lens tube adapters, mounting plates, or rail joiners.

These rails are offered in stock lengths of 200 mm, 500 mm, and 1000 mm. If our pre-cut lengths do not suit your application, custom lengths from 50 mm - 2000 mm can be ordered by using the XT34-CUSTRAIL field in the price box below or contacting Technical Support.

These are also offered as a rough-cut, unanodized extrusion (see XT34RL2 below) for our customers who prefer to machine and finish the rails themselves.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XT34-200 Support Documentation
XT34-20034 mm Construction Rail, L = 200 mm
$35.05
Today
XT34-500 Support Documentation
XT34-50034 mm Construction Rail, L = 500 mm
$70.09
Today
XT34-1000 Support Documentation
XT34-100034 mm Construction Rail, L = 1000 mm
$109.88
7-10 Days
XT34-CUSTRAILCustomized Rail from 50 to 2000 mm , Enter custom Length
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XT34 34 mm Construction Rail, Raw Extrusion

  • Unanodized Extrusion for Custom Applications
  • 2 m (6.6') Length
  • Rail Ends Are Not Tapped

The XT34RL2 is an unanodized, rough-cut extrusion for customers who prefer to machine and finish their own rails. The rail’s unanodized aluminum construction enables easy custom machining.

Upon request, we can provide this extrusion in custom lengths up to 3.0 m (9.84'). Please contact Technical Support for a quote.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XT34RL2 Support Documentation
XT34RL2Raw, Unanodized 34 mm Rail Extrusion, 2 m
$70.09
Today
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XT34 34 mm Double Dovetail Rail

  • Versatile Double Dovetail Profile, Ideal for Coupling Two 34 mm Rails
  • Durable, Clear Anodized Finish
  • Easily Modified for Custom Applications

The XT34DP-500's double dovetail design allows two 34 mm construction rails to be coupled together using dovetail clamps. In particular, this enables optical assemblies to be coupled to a base rail and moved as a complete sub-assembly.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XT34DP-500 Support Documentation
XT34DP-50034 mm Double Dovetail Rail, L = 500 mm
$52.56
Today
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XT34 34 mm Single Dovetail Rails

XT34SD-250 Mounted
Click to Enlarge

XT34SD-250 Mounted to a Table with our SH25LP38 
Low-Profile Cap Screws
XT34SP Drawing
Click to Enlarge

Cross-Section of XT34SP-500
XT34SP Drawing
Click to Enlarge

Cross-Section of XT34SD-250, XT34SD-500, and XT34SD-750
  • 34 mm Rail with Smallest Footprint for One-Dimensional Constructions
  • XT34SP: Clear Anodized Finish 
  • XT34SD: Black Anodized Finish with Mounting Counterbores and Engraved Scale

The XT34SP-500 rail and XT34SD series of rails each have a compact, single dovetail design that provides additional mounting flexibility when constructing optical rail systems. The XT34SP-500 is
500 mm long and has a durable clear anodized finish. It does not include counterbored holes for mounting or an engraved scale. The XT34SP-500 can be easily mounted to an optical table using our compact table clamps.

The XT34SD series ranges from 250 mm to 750 mm in length and has a black anodized finish. These rails include 1 to 5 central 1/4" (M6) counterbored holes and 4 to 12 surrounding 1" long, 1/4" (M6) counterbored slots for direct mounting to an optical table with a metric or imperial hole pattern. A schematic diagram showing mounting hole locations can be downloaded by clicking on the red icon to the left of each part number below. When our SH25LP38 Low-Profile Cap Screws are used, as shown in the image to the far right, full uninterrupted travel along the length of the rails is possible. A scale with 1 mm increments is engraved along the length of each XT34SD rail for precise and repeatable positioning. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XT34SP-500 Support Documentation
XT34SP-50034 mm Single Dovetail Rail, L = 500 mm
$45.15
Today
XT34SD-250 Support Documentation
XT34SD-250Customer Inspired! 34 mm Single Dovetail Rail with Mounting Counterbores,
L = 250 mm
$64.06
Today
XT34SD-500 Support Documentation
XT34SD-500Customer Inspired! 34 mm Single Dovetail Rail with Mounting Counterbores, L = 500 mm
$83.84
Today
XT34SD-750 Support Documentation
XT34SD-750Customer Inspired! 34 mm Single Dovetail Rail with Mounting Counterbores, L = 750 mm
$103.36
Today
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Baseplates with 34 mm and 2" Dovetails


Click to Enlarge

When mounted on the XRN25DR2 extended baseplate, the XRN25C stage's translation axis is perpendicular to the adjustment axis of the baseplate.
  • Single 34 mm Dovetail for Compatibility with 34 mm Rail Accessories
  • Single 2" Wide Dovetail for Compatibility with XRN25 Translation Stages
  • Engraved Scale with 1 mm Increments for Precise and Repeatable Positioning
  • Counterbored Mounting Slots Compatible with Imperial and Metric Breadboards

These baseplates feature a central rail for use with our 34 mm construction accessories. Additionally, the outer edges of the rail create a 2” dovetail, which is compatible with our XRN25 translation stages.

A mounted component can be translated across the entire length of the baseplate. The XRN25DR2, XRN25DR, and XRN25DR3 come in lengths of 150 mm, 250 mm, and 500 mm, respectively. For XRN25 stages, travel along the rail would be in the direction orthogonal to the stage's translation axis.

The baseplates feature 1" long 1/4" (M6) counterbored mounting slots and a central 1/4" (M6) counterbored mounting hole that allow the rail to be used with both imperial and metric breadboard hole patterns. Standard cap screws can be used with this baseplate without interrupting the translation of mounted components.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XRN25DR2 Support Documentation
XRN25DR22" Dovetail Rail, 150 mm Long
$79.15
Today
XRN25DR Support Documentation
XRN25DR2" Dovetail Rail, 250 mm Long
$88.20
Today
XRN25DR3 Support Documentation
XRN25DR3Customer Inspired! 2" Dovetail Rail, 500 mm Long
$135.68
Today
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Baseplates with 34 mm and 3" Dovetails


Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
XR25DR13" Dovetail Rail, 250 mm Long
XT34C21Double Dovetail Clamp for 34 mm Rails, 30 mm Long
XT34D2-30130 mm Long XT34 Platform with One 1/4" (M6) Counterbore
PH1.51Ø1/2" Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L = 1.5"
TR21Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 2"
KM1001Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
XR25DR13" Dovetail Rail, 250 mm Long
XT34C21Double Dovetail Clamp for 34 mm Rails, 30 mm Long
XT34D2-30130 mm Long XT34 Platform with One 1/4" (M6) Counterbore
PH40/M1Ø12.7 mm Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L=40 mm
TR50/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 50 mm
KM1001Kinematic Mirror Mount for Ø1" Optics
XR25DR Holding 34 mm Rail Clamp with Post and Mirror Mount
Note: Mirror Not Included in Product Lists


Click to Enlarge

When mounted on the XR25DR extended baseplate, the XR25C stage's translation axis is perpendicular to the adjustment axis of the baseplate.
  • Single 34 mm Dovetail for Compatibility with 34 mm Rail Accessories
  • Single 3" Wide Dovetail for Compatibility with XR25 and XR50 Translation Stages
  • Engraved Scale with 1 mm Increments for Precise and Repeatable Positioning
  • Counterbored Mounting Slots Compatible with Imperial and Metric Breadboards

These baseplates feature a central rail for use with our 34 mm construction accessories. Additionally, the outer edges of the rail create a 3” dovetail, which is compatible with our XR25 and XR50 translation stages.

A mounted component can be translated across the entire length of the baseplate. The XR25DR2, XR25DR, and XR25DR3 are offered in lengths of 150 mm, 250 mm, and 500 mm, respectively. For XR25 and XR50 stages, travel along the rail would be in the direction orthogonal to the stage's translation axis.

The baseplates feature 1" long 1/4" (M6) counterbored mounting slots and a central 1/4" (M6) counterbored mounting hole that allow the rail to be used with both imperial and metric breadboard hole patterns. Standard cap screws can be used with this baseplate without interrupting the translation of mounted components.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
XR25DR2 Support Documentation
XR25DR2Customer Inspired! 3" Dovetail Rail, 150 mm Long
$81.53
Today
XR25DR Support Documentation
XR25DR3" Dovetail Rail, 250 mm Long
$90.84
Today
XR25DR3 Support Documentation
XR25DR3Customer Inspired! 3" Dovetail Rail, 500 mm Long
$135.68
Today