Instrumentation Shelves


  • 9" x 13" or 14" x 18" Surface
  • A Variety of Post or Breadboard Mounting Options

S1418

S1418

Shown on Post

S913B

S913A

S913A and S913B Shown with
MC2000B Chopper Controller

Detail of S913A Base
and Sorbothane Sheet

Related Items


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S1418 Instrumentation Shelf on One Post
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15" x 10" Laptop Supported by
S1418 Shelf Mounted with a Single Ø1.5" Post

Features

  • Two Sizes Available for Mounting a Variety of Benchtop Instruments
    • 9" x 13" (228.6 mm x 330.2 mm)
    • 14" x 18" (355.6 mm x 457.2 mm)
  • Some Models are Post Mountable to Conserve Optical Table Space
  • Vibration Isolation Accessories for Direct Breadboard Mounting

Our Benchtop Instrumentation Shelves are ideal solutions for mounting instruments above an optical table or breadboard surface. We also offer a Benchtop Isolation Plate and Sorbothane® Sheets that help isolate mechanical noise and vibrations.

S913A Mounting Options

 

Single-Shelf Post Mounting

A single S913A Instrument Shelf may be mounted above a breadboard, as shown in Figure 1 below. To complete this configuration, you will need the following:

  • One S913A Shelf
  • One Ø1.5" Post
  • One PB1 Post Base (Alternative: PB2 Post Base, or a PF85B, PF125B, or PF175B Clamping Fork with a PB4 or PB4R Pedestal Base)
  • 1/4"-20 Cap Screws, 3/8" Long (M6 Cap Screws, 10 mm Long for Metric Items)

The Ø1.5" post is attached to the middle of the bottom of the S913A shelf utilizing the BA2 base. Insert one 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screw through the central hole of the shelf and into the counterbore of the BA2 base, and then thread this onto the post. (A detail of the underside of the shelf, showing the BA2 base, is shown in Figure 2.) Next, flip the shelf over and attach the PB1, PB2, or PB4. The shelf is now ready to be attached to the optical table or breadboard.

Post-Mounted S913A
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Figure 1: Complete Post-Mounted S913A Assembly, Shown with Fiber-Coupled Laser Source

S913A Mounting Detail
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Figure 2: Underside of S913A, Showing the Ø1.5" Post Mounted to the BA2 Base

 

Post-Mounted S913A
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Figure 3: Stacked S913A Shelves, Shown with Fiber-Coupled Laser Sources

Post Mounting of Stacked Shelves

Several S913A shelves may be stacked above a breadboard, as shown in Figure 3 to the right. For this configuration, you will need the following:

  • Two (or More) S913A Shelves
  • Two Ø1.5" Posts
  • C1505 Angle Brackets (Two per Shelf)
  • Two PB1 Post Bases (Aternative: PB1 Post Bases or PF85B, PF125B, or PF175B Clamping Forks with PB4 or PB4R Pedestal Bases)
  • 1/4"-20 Cap Screws, 3/8" Long (M6 Cap Screws, 10 mm Long for Metric Items)

Attach the C1505 Angle Brackets to the underside of either end of each S913A shelf using 1/4"-20 cap screws. Attach the PB1, PB2, or PB4 base to each Ø1.5" Post. Slide the clamp of one C1505 Bracket over the end of one Ø1.5" Post and then repeat with the second post on the other end of the shelf. Tighten down both clamping mechanisms so that the shelf is at the appropriate height and level. Repeat this process with the second shelf.

 

Direct Breadboard Placement for Vibration Isolation Applications

The S913A shelf features sorbothane feet designed to provide some vibration isolation for applications in which a benchtop instrument must be placed on the optical table surface. A close-up view of these feet is shown in Figure 4.

For more demanding vibration-isolation applications, Thorlabs recommends using our S913B isolation plate and sorbothane sheeting. To complete this configuration, you will need:

  • One S913A Shelf
  • One Sorbothane Sheet (SB12A, SB12B, or SB12C)
  • One S913B Isolation Plate

Place the S913A shelf on your breadboard, with the feet facing the table. Then, cut the sorbothane sheet to fit the surface of the shelf, and lay the sheet on the shelf. Place the S913B isolation plate on top of the sorbothane sheet. This configuration is shown in Figure 5, and will provide a stable, vibration-limiting base for benchtop instruments which otherwise might disturb sensitive experiments.

S913A Shelf Mounting Detail
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Figure 4: Detail of Vibration-Isolating Sorbothane Feet, One Located on Each Corner

S913A Shelf Mounting with Sorbothane
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Figure 5: Vibration Isolation Solution using S913A Shelf, Sorbothane Sheet, and S913B Plate Shown with MC2000B Chopper Controller. The Inset Shows the S913A and Sorbothane Sheet Stack.

S1418 Mounting Options

 

S1418 Shelf Mounting Detail
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: Underside of S1418, Showing the Ø1.5" Post Mounted to the BA2 Base, and the SP620 Power Strip Mounting Feature

Power Strip Mounting

An additional feature of the S1418 Shelf is the ability to mount our SP620 Power Strip. To use this feature, you will need:

  • One S1418 Shelf
  • One SP620 Power Strip
  • Four 6-32 Cap Head Screws (M3 for Metric Items)

Thread the 6-32 (M3) cap screws so that the head is slightly raised from the surface of the shelf. The SP620 power strip features four slots which accept the cap screw head; once the screw head is in the slot, push back on one end of the power strip to lock it in place. Figure 1 shows the bottom side of a shelf with a power strip attached. Power strip mounting may be used with any of the post-mounting options described below.

 

S1418 Shelf Mounting Detail
Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: SP1418, Mounted Using a Single Ø1.5" Post, Shown with a Mounted SP620 Power Supply and Motorized Stage Controller

Mounting with a Single Ø1.5" Post

A single S1415 shelf may be mounted above a breadboard, using a single Ø1.5" post. To complete this configuration, you will need:

  • One S1418 Shelf
  • One Ø1.5" Post
  • One PB1 Post Base (Alternatively, a PB2 Post Base, or a PF85B, PF125B, or PF175B Clamping Fork with a PB4 or PB4R Pedestal Base)
  • 1/4"-20 Cap Screws, 3/8" Long (M6 Cap Screws, 10 mm Long for Metric Items)

The Ø1.5" post is attached utilizing the BA2 base, which is supplied with the S1418 shelf. Insert the 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screw (included with the S1418 shelf) through the central hole of the shelf and into the counterbore of the BA2 base, and then thread this onto the post (A detail of the underside of the shelf, showing the BA2 base, is shown in Figure 1 above). Next, flip the shelf over, so that the PB1, PB2, or PB4 may be attached. Then, the shelf is ready to be attached to the optical table or breadboard. The completed assembly is shown in Figure 2, including a mounted SP620 power strip.

 

Multiple Post Mounting

The S1415 shelf may be supported by four posts, one in each corner, which is ideal for heavy or uneven loads. The needs will depend upon which post style you choose; this mounting method will work with any of our posts with a 1/4"-20 (M6) tap, including our Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø1.5" posts. Each of these options also features a variety of bases for securing the posts to the optical table. For example, Figure 3 shows the S1418 shelf supported by four Ø1/2" posts, post holders, and BA2 bases. Another alternative is shown in Figure 4, where the shelf is supported by four Ø1" posts and clamping forks.

S1418 Shelf Mounting Detail
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: SP1418, Mounted Using Four Ø1/2" Posts,
Shown with a Mounted SP620 Power Supply

S1414 Shelf Mounting Detail
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: SP1418, Mounted Using Four Ø1" Posts

 

Direct Breadboard Placement for Vibration Isolation Applications

For more demanding vibration-isolation applications, Thorlabs recommends using our S1418 shelf and sorbothane sheeting. To complete this configuration, you will need:

  • One S1418 Shelf
  • One Sorbothane Sheet (SB12A or SB12B)

Cut the sorbothane sheet to fit the surface of the shelf, and lay the sheet on the optical table or breadboard. Place the S1418 isolation plate on top of the sorbothane sheet. This configuration will provide a stable, vibration-limiting base for benchtop instruments which otherwise might disturb sensitive experiments.

For instruments smaller than 9" x 13" (228 mm x 330 mm), we recommend using our S913A Shelf, sorbothane sheet, and S913B Isolation Plate, which will provide greater levels of isolation. For details, please see the S913A Mounting tab above.


Posted Comments:
sharrell  (posted 2012-09-24 09:50:00.0)
Response from Sean at Thorlabs: Thank you for pointing out the error. The correct weight limit for the S1418 is 35 kg (77 lbs). We will correct the online catalog pdf as soon as possible. In addition, I noticed that this value was missing from our web presentation, it has been added there as well.
cwinter  (posted 2012-09-24 08:00:32.0)
I asked myself what could be the max. loading of this shelf and found as well 35lbs as 77kg in the cataloge. Both cannot be correct. Please update cataloge.
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9" x 13" Shelf and Isolation Plate

The S913A(/M) Instrumentation Shelf measures 9" x 13" (228.6 mm x 330.2 mm) and offers flexible mounting options to maximize the space on an optical table. A centered 1/4" (M6) counterbore is provided for mounting the shelf on a Ø1.5" post and fourteen 1/4"-20 (M6) taps help hold down small benchtop instruments. As shown in the middle photo below, multiple shelves can be mounted in a stacked configuration to place several instruments in a small space. More details on these mounting options are available in the S913A Mounting tab above.

The S913B Isolation Plate also measures 9" x 13" but does not have any holes or mounting pads. For additional vibration isolation, the S913B can be placed on top of the S913A shelf with a Sorbothane® sheet (sold below) sandwiched between, as shown in the right image below. More details on this mounting option are available in the S913A Mounting tab above.

S913A Instrumentation Shelf on One Post
Click to Enlarge

S913A Shelf Mounted with a Single Ø1.5" Post
S913A Instrumentation Shelves with Stacked Boxes
Click to Enlarge

Stacked S913A Shelves Mounted with Multiple Ø1.5" Posts
Instrumentation Shelf with Sorbothane
Click to Enlarge

S913A Shelf, Sorbothane, and S913B Isolation Plate (from Bottom to Top) Vibrationally Isolate Controller Box from Optical Table
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
S913A Support Documentation
S913A9" x 13" Instrumentation Shelf, 1/4"-20 Taps
$79.66
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
S913B Support Documentation
S913B9" x 13" Isolation Plate
$64.55
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
S913A/M Support Documentation
S913A/M9" x 13" Instrumentation Shelf, M6 Taps
$79.66
3-5 Days
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14" x 18" Instrumentation Shelves

S1418 Instrumentation Shelf on One Post
Click to Enlarge

S1418 Shelf Mounted with a Single Ø1.5" Post
Large Instrumentation Shelf Supported by Posts
Click to Enlarge

Stacked S1418 Shelves Mounted with Multiple Ø1/2" Posts

The S1418(/M) Instrumentation Shelf measures 14" x 18" (355.6 mm x 457.2 mm) and offers flexible mounting options to maximize the space on an optical table. A centered 1/4" (M6) counterbore is provided for mounting the shelf on a Ø1.5" post. Four 6-32 (M3), two 8-32 (M4), and eight 1/4"-20 (M6) taps help hold down larger benchtop instruments.

The shelf's maximum load capacity is 77 lbs (35 kg) when measured 6.00" (152.4 mm) off center. When large or uneven loads are to be placed on the shelf, it is recommended that the shelf be supported at all four corners. To that end, four of the 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes are located at the corners. These taps allow the shelf to be supported by our Ø1/2" posts. The 6-32 (M3) tapped holes offer easy integration of our SP620 Power Strip.

For additional details on all of the mounting options mentioned here, please see the S1418 Mounting tab above.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
S1418 Support Documentation
S141814" x 18" Instrumentation Shelf, Imperial Taps
$114.62
3-5 Days
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
S1418/M Support Documentation
S1418/M14" x 18" Instrumentation Shelf, Metric Taps
$114.62
3-5 Days
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Sorbothane Sheets


Click to Enlarge

SS913A Shelf, Sorbothane, and S913B Isolation Plate (from Bottom to Top) Vibrationally Isolate Controller Box from Optical Table
  • 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) Sheet Size with 1/8" (3.2 mm), 1/4" (6.4 mm), or 1/2" (12.7 mm) Thickness
  • Easy to Cut and Shape for Multiple Uses
  • Hardness: 70 Durometer

These pliable Sorbothane Sheets are ideal for isolating mechanical noise or vibrations. The substrate absorbs up to 95.5% of impact energy and reforms to its original shape. For objects over 5 lbs (approx. 2.2 kg), the thicker 1/4" (SB12B) or 1/2" (SB12C) sheets are recommended. Sorbothane sheets may be hand-cut, die-cut, or kiss-cut to suit various custom applications. Please contact Technical Support to request Sorbothane sheets with a lower hardness.

These sheets are ideal for placement between our S913A shelf and S913B isolation plate, as pictured to the right. For more information, please see the S913A Mounting tab above.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SB12A Support Documentation
SB12ASorbothane Sheet, 12" x 12" x 1/8", Hardness 70 Durometer
$31.77
3-5 Days
SB12B Support Documentation
SB12BSorbothane Sheet, 12" x 12" x 1/4", Hardness 70 Durometer
$63.26
3-5 Days
SB12C Support Documentation
SB12CSorbothane Sheet, 12" x 12" x 1/2", Hardness 70 Durometer
$127.09
3-5 Days
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Adhesive Sheets for Sorbothane Isolators

  • 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) Adhesive Sheets
    • SB12D: Two-Sided Adhesive Sheet for Semi-Permanent Setups
    • SB12E: One-Sided Adhesive Sheet with Felt Backing to Prevent Surface Marring from Sorbothane
  • Sheets Sized for Compatiblity with Sorbothane Sheets (Sold Above)
  • Can be Cut to Size for Use with Sorbothane Feet

These Adhesive Sheets are designed to be used with our Sorbothane mounting feet or sheets. The SB12D sheet, which has two adhesive surfaces, is ideal for semi-permanent applications where the sorbothane surface will not have to be moved often. Our SB12E sheet, which has one adhesive and one felt surface, prevents the sorbothane from marking or marring the table surface that they are placed on.

These sheets are sized to fit directly under our 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) sorbothane sheets, but can also be cut down to fit under our sorbothane mounting feet.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SB12D Support Documentation
SB12D12" x 12", Two-Sided Adhesive Sheet
$9.08
Lead Time
SB12E Support Documentation
SB12E12" x 12", One-Sided Adhesive Felt Sheet
$9.08
3-5 Days