Thorlabs CP02T 30mm cage plate

Product Description

Thorlabs CP02T – 30mm Cage System Plate, SM1 (1.035″-40) Threaded Bore, 0.35″ Thick

A precision-machined cage plate from Thorlabs’ industry-standard 30mm cage system. The CP02T features a central SM1 (1.035″-40) threaded bore and a 0.35″ (8.9mm) thickness, providing a rigid mounting platform for lenses, filters, beam splitters, and other Ø1″ optics within a 30mm cage assembly. Excellent surplus condition – ready for immediate integration.

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🔍 Key Specifications:

📐 Dimensions & Geometry:

• Manufacturer: Thorlabs

• Part Number: CP02T

• System Compatibility: 30mm Cage System (Ø6mm cage rods)

• Plate Thickness: 0.35″ (8.9 mm) – substantial rigidity, minimal flex

• Outer Dimensions: 1.5″ × 1.5″ (38.1 mm × 38.1 mm) – standard 30mm cage footprint

• Clear Aperture: 0.92″ (23.4 mm) – accepts Ø1″ optics with retaining rings

🔧 Threading & Mounting:

• Central Bore: SM1 (1.035″-40) threaded – industry standard for Ø1″ optics

• Cage Rod Holes: Four Ø6mm through-holes at corners – accepts Ø6mm cage rods

• Mounting Holes: Additional tapped holes for component attachment (varies by revision)

• Material: Black-anodized aluminum – durable, non-reflective finish

• Retaining Ring: SM1RR retaining ring included (typical) – secures optics in place

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⚙️ Why This Component is Essential:

🔬 30mm Cage System – The Industry Standard:
Thorlabs’ 30mm cage system is the most widely used optomechanical construction platform in research and industry:

• Modular, rigid, and scalable – build complex 3D assemblies

• Kinematic compatibility – integrates with translation stages, rotation mounts

• Component ecosystem – hundreds of compatible parts

📏 0.35″ Thickness – Enhanced Stability:
Unlike thinner cage plates (0.5″ version CP02), the CP02T’s 0.35″ thickness provides:

• Greater bending resistance – critical for heavy optics or vertical assemblies

• Reduced vibrational sensitivity – cleaner alignment in sensitive setups

• More thread engagement – retains optics more securely

🎯 SM1 Central Bore – Maximum Flexibility:
The SM1 (1.035″-40) thread accepts:

• Lens tubes (SM1L series) – extend optical paths, hold multiple elements

• Filter holders – drop-in 1″ filters and dichroics

• Focusing assemblies – SM1-compatible focusers

• Beam splitters – mount cubes and plates

• Custom components – machine your own SM1-threaded parts

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🛠️ Applications & Uses:

🔬 Optical Subsystem Building:

• Lens mounting – secure single or stacked lenses in 30mm cage

• Filter wheels – integrate motorized or manual filter changers

• Beam steering – mount mirrors at 45° with cage-compatible holders

🔭 Telescope & Imaging:

• Eyepiece holder – SM1 to 1.25″ eyepiece adapters

• Camera coupling – mount C-mount or CS-mount cameras

• Filter sliders – quick-swap filter insertion

💡 Laser Systems:

• Beam expanders – mount positive/negative lens pairs

• Spatial filters – pinhole and microscope objective mounting

• Isolator mounting – secure Faraday isolators

🧪 Research & Education:

• Optical breadboard experiments – quick configuration changes

• Teaching labs – demonstrate optomechanical assembly principles

• Prototyping – rapid iteration without custom machining

🔧 Replacement & Expansion:

• Lost or damaged CP02T – direct replacement for existing assemblies

• System expansion – add stations to existing cage builds

• Spare inventory – keep on hand for quick modifications