SP-Z Series 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) diameter solid stainless steel optical pedestals provide the most compact and versatile mounting of optical components. They feature a magnetic base to allow faster, easier, and more accurate alignment of optical systems compared to traditional pedestals. The machined-in pedestal base provides the most stable and rigid means of mounting components to an optical table, while the magnet hold ensures secure positioning while clamping the base to the surface.
- Pedestal style 0.5 in. diameter, stainless steel optical posts
- Magnetic base for stabilizing post prior to clamping
- Crossed drilled holes for additional tightening & loosening torque
- English and metric thread options See All Features
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | M-SP-1.5Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 38.1 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | M-SP-1Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 25.4 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | M-SP-2Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 50.8 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | M-SP-3Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 76.2 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | M-SP-4Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 101.6 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | SP-1.5Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 1.5 in. Height, 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 | |||||
![]() | SP-1Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 1.0 in. Height, 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 | |||||
![]() | SP-2Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 2.0 in. Height, 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 | |||||
![]() | SP-3Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 3.0 in. Height, 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 | |||||
![]() | SP-4Z 0.5 in. Magnetic Base Optical Pedestal PillarsOptical Pedestal, Magnetic Base, 4.0 in. Height, 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 |
Features
Pedestal Pillar Design for Versatility
These SP-Z 0.5 in. Miniature Optical Pillars provide the most space saving and versatile means for mounting components directly to an optical table. The miniature optical pedestals are constructed from solid stainless steel for stability and versatility with an 8-32 (M4) tapped hole for mounting majority of our optical components. 8-32 (M4) to 2-56 (M2) thread adapters (TR-E2E8-10 and TR-M2M4-10) are available for 1/2-in. Suprema™ mirror mounts (i.e. SN050 or SS050 series) or our Tiny™ mirror mounts (i.e. 987X and 976X series). which have 2-56 (M2) clearance mounting hole. Adding to their versatility, these 0.5 in. pedestals are still compatible with standard 0.5 in. optical posts holders.
Magnet-assisted Mounting
All SP-Z series pedestals have a magnet located in the base to steady the pedestal prior to clamping it to an optical table by a SP-F clamping fork. This feature allows experimenters to securely position their optical mounts prior to clamping them down. Not only does the magnetic base reduce the potential for damaging optical components, it also greatly increases the speed and efficiency with which an experiment can be set up.
Cross-Drilled Hole for Easy Tightening and Loosening
Pedestals that are 2.0 inches and taller feature a 0.16 in. (4.1 mm) diameter cross-drilled hole below the 8-32 (M4) end. By inserting a 1/8 in. (3.0 mm) hex wrench (or similar tool) into this hole, it can be used to easily attach or detach an extension post or optical mount on its top.
Accessories for Customizable Heights and Architectures
Post spacers and threaded extenders are available to offer precise tuning of mounting height to optical posts allowing optics to be mounted at non-standard height. Post collars provide an index point for a specific post height, allowing a 0.5’’ post to be removed from a post holder and returned to the same height. Post-joining angle clamps offer versatile post-post mounting solutions with locking mechanism in place. Fixed 90-degree and adjustable angle versions are available. Optical mount adapter clamps fasten a mount at any angle to a post. Separate adjustment and clamp screws allow you to adjust the position of the mirror without loosening the clamp from the post.
Accessories
Clamping Fork
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | SP-F Clamping Fork, 0.5 in. Optical Pedestals, 1/4-20(M6) Slot |
Posts Spacers
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | SP-0.031-S-10 Pedestal Spacer Pack, 1/32 in., 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 (M4) CLR, Qty 10 | |||||
![]() | SP-0.063-S-10 Pedestal Spacer Pack, 1/16 in., 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 (M4) CLR, Qty 10 | |||||
![]() | SP-0.125-S-10 Pedestal Spacer Pack, 1/8 in., 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 (M4) CLR, Qty 10 | |||||
![]() | SP-0.25-S-10 Pedestal Spacer Pack, 1/4 in., 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 (M4) CLR, Qty 10 |
Extension Posts
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | M-SP-0.5E Pedestal Extender, 12.7 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | M-SP-1E Pedestal Extender, 25.4 mm Height, 12.7 mm Diameter, M4 Thread | |||||
![]() | SP-0.5E Pedestal Extender, 0.5 in. Diameter, 0.5 in. Height, 8-32 | |||||
![]() | SP-1E Pedestal Extender, 1.0 in. Height, 0.5 in. Diameter, 8-32 Thread |
Resources
Technical Notes
Selection Guides
Technical Articles
The Finer Points of Fine Mechanics(2.1 MB, PDF)




















