Vacuum-Compatible Adjusters

• Five Lengths Available from 0.50" to 2.00"
• 5/64" (2 mm) Hex Key Compatible
• Max Load: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Usable Down to 10^-6 Torr as Shipped
• Axially-Vented Ball Seat
• Uses Vacuum-Compatible Epoxy

Our high-precision 1/4"-100 Fine Hex Adjusters can be adjusted with a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key or a POLARIS-N5 removable knob (sold below). These vacuum-compatible adjusters have a maximum load of 15 lbs (6.8 kg). The adjuster body is constructed of 304L stainless steel. The axial vent hole allows for air trapped under the ball to escape, allowing these to be used down to 10^-6 Torr as shipped. The 440 stainless steel ball tip is fixed onto the adjuster with vacuum-compatible 353NDPK epoxy.

Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
These 1/4"-100 adjusters are compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. The adjusters are chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, it is double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom.

Drilling and Tapping
While we recommend using our fine adjusters with the appropriately matched threaded bushing (sold below), it is also possible to incorporate them directly into a part or material by creating a threaded hole. For the adjusters on this page, the diameter of the pilot bore should be 0.240" +0.002" / -0.001". The hole can then be tapped with a TAP14100 tap. For fine pitch threads, it is especially important to tightly tolerance the pilot bore because of the shallow thread depth. For more information, see our taps and drill bit kit page.

• Ideal for Slip Fit
• Two Lengths Available
• Material: 510 Phosphor Bronze (Vacuum Rated for 10^-6 Torr)
• Recommended Bore Diameter: 0.3395" +0.0005"/-0.0000"

Our 1/4"-100 Threaded Bushings are commonly used in slip fit applications where fine adjusters are needed. Due to the tolerances of our fine adjusters, we discourage press fitting these bushings. The recommended bore diameter for our 1/4"-100 bushings is 0.3395" +0.0005"/-0.0000". To learn more about the use of fine adjustment screws and bushings in optomechanical systems, please see the Integration tab above.

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LNR25M Stage Fitted with
F25USA1 Adapter, F25US200 Adjuster, and F25USK1 Knob

• Material: 510 Phosphor Bronze (Vacuum Rated for 10^-6 Torr)
• Adapts 1/4"-100 Adjusters to Ø3/8" Barrel Size
• Recommended Bore Diameter: 0.375" +0.002"/-0.000"

This 1/4"-100 threaded to Ø3/8" barrel adapter is made from 510 Phosphor Bronze (vacuum rated for 10^-6 torr). This item allows our 1/4"-100 adjusters to be used with linear translation stages that accept actuators with Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) barrels. The photo to the right shows an adjuster screw used as a replacement for the actuator included with the translation stage. For vacuum applications, we recommend a thorough ultrasonic cleaning to remove any grease or particulates prior to use.

• Knurled Outside Diameter for Easy Tightening
• Material: 510 Phosphor Bronze
• Vacuum Compatibility: 10^-6 Torr

The LN25100 lock nut features a knurled outside diameter, which helps when tightening or loosening the nut. This lock nut is made from 510 Phosphor Bronze, which is vacuum rated for 10^-6 Torr. Each nut features blind holes that allow a hex key to be used to help tighten the lock nut.

• Lock Nut Compatible with the 1/4"-100 Adjusters Sold Above
• Also Compatible with the Adjusters Included on our Polaris Mounts for Ø1" Optics
• Tighten Using a 13 mm Hex Thin-Head or Cone Wrench
• 0.08" (1.9 mm) Thick

The POLARIS-LN1 stainless steel lock nut can be used with any 1/4"-100 adjuster for long-term stability and features a 13 mm hex. This lock nut is compatible with Polaris mounts that have 1/4"-100 adjusters, excluding the piezo-driven mounts, mounts with low-profile adjusters, and vertically driven mounts. The adjuster can be held in place with an adjuster thumbscrew or hex key while lightly tightening the lock nut by hand or with a 13 mm thin-head wrench or cone wrench.

For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the lock nuts only need to be lightly tightened by hand to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench. To avoid cross threading the lock nut, place it against the adjuster and "unscrew" the lock nut until you feel a slight drop; then thread the lock nut onto the adjuster.

Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
This lock nut is compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. The lock nut is chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, it is double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom.

• Compact Locking Collar: Ø0.33" (Ø8.4 mm), 0.08" (1.9 mm) Thick
• Use One Collar To Lock an Adjuster to a Bushing
• Use Two Collars to Create a Hard Stop on an Adjuster
• Install and Remove with the POLARIS-T2 Spanner Wrench

The POLARIS-LNS1 locking collar is a compact alternative to the lock nut sold above. This locking collar is compatible with all of the 1/4"-100 adjusters sold on this page, as well as those used in many of our mirror mounts and stages. This locking collar is compatible with Polaris mounts that have 1/4"-100 adjusters, excluding the piezo-driven mounts and mounts with low-profile adjusters. Each collar is only 0.08" (1.9 mm) thick and constructed of stainless steel. We recommend the POLARIS-T2 Spanner Wrench to install or remove these locking collars. A center through hole allows a 2 mm ball driver to pass through the spanner wrench, so that the adjuster can be held in position while the locking collar is engaged.

The locking collar can be used to lock an adjuster in a desired position or to create a hard stop at any position to prevent overdriving an adjuster. For applications that require frequent tuning of the adjusters, the locking collar only needs to be lightly tightened to a torque of approximately 4 to 8 oz-in (0.03 to 0.06 N·m). For long term stability, we recommend tightening to a torque of 32 oz-in, which can be achieved by using our TW13 preset torque wrench in combination with the POLARIS-T2 wrench. To avoid cross threading the locking collar, place it against the adjuster and "unscrew" the collar until you feel a slight drop; then thread the collar onto the adjuster.

Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
This locking collar is compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. The locking collar is chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, it is double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom.

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POLARIS-K1C4 Mount with Optic and Optional POLARIS-N5 Removable Knobs Mounted to its 1/4"-100 Adjusters

• For Convenient Adjustment of 1/4"-100 Adjusters
• Attaches Directly to Adjuster Threading
• Sold Individually

The Polaris^® Removable Knob for 1/4"-100 Adjusters allows the user to turn 1/4"-100 adjusters by hand. The knob threads directly onto an adjuster and maintains access to the adjuster screw's 5/64" (2 mm) hex socket via a Ø0.10" (2.5 mm) thru hole. The knobs are made from chemically cleaned and heat-treated 303 stainless steel that provides vacuum compatibility down to 10^-9 Torr at 25 °C with proper bake out (10^-5 Torr at 25 °C without bake out).

Cleanroom and Vacuum Compatibility
This removable knob is compatible with cleanroom and vacuum applications. The knob is chemically cleaned using the Carpenter AAA passivation method to remove sulfur, iron, and contaminants from the surface. After passivation, it is double vacuum bagged to eliminate contamination when transported into a cleanroom.