OpticalCage System
The Zolix 30mm optical cage system is a highly versatile, modular building framework for constructing optical setups. Precision machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, it guarantees coaxial alignment along steel support rods for lasers, lens paths, and microscopes.
By submitting your request enquiry we will forward all relevant details regarding full specifications, step files, pricing, and any other necessary information you require.
Need a tailored setup? If you also need, we can organize a technical meeting to discuss and design the best solution that fits your specific application.
Cage Spacing
30 mm Standard
Coaxial Ø6 mm rods
Main Material
6061-T6 Aluminum
Black anodic oxide finish
Optical Threads
SM1 (1.035"-40)
Direct lens tube compatibility
Positioning
±3 mm / 360°
High accuracy fine tuning
Interactive Configurator
30mm Optical Cage System Configurator
Configure plates, cubes, kinematic mounts, post adapters, custom stainless guide rod lengths, and SM1 lens tubes below. Build your configuration and add it to your enquiry to receive pricing and STEP files.
CSP1-25.4 Standard 30mm Cage Plate
Identified Model Reference
CSP1-25.4
Specifications
- Aperture: SM1 threaded (1.035"-40)
- Thickness: 9 mm
- Compatible optics: Ø25.4 mm (1")
- Includes 2 SM1R retaining rings
We will match this configuration with Zolix Instruments 30mm cage parts and provide the relevant pricing, STEP files, and technical solution.
Standard Cage Plates & Cubes
The mechanical foundation of the 30mm cage. Designed to mount optics or lens tubes perpendicularly to the axis defined by 4 coaxial cage rods.
Standard Cage Plates (CSP1 Series)
Zolix offers a comprehensive selection of cage plates suited for Ø25.4mm optics, lens tubes, or microscope objectives. Each plate has 4 precision through-holes for sliding smoothly along Ø6mm cage rods, secured via M3 nylon setscrews.
| Model | Central Bore / Thread | Thickness | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSP1-25.4 | SM1 Thread (1.035"-40) | 9 mm | Ø25.4mm optics (includes 2 retaining rings) |
| CSP1-SM1 | Ø30.6mm smooth bore | 9 mm | Mounting SM1 lens tubes |
| CSP1-RMS | RMS Thread (0.800"-36) | 9 mm | Microscope objectives & lenses |
| CSP1R-SM1 | SM1 Thread, rotating | 23 mm | 360° rotation (polarization elements) |
Cage Cubes (CSC1-M3 & CSC1-T6 Series)
Zolix cage cubes provide multi-axial intersections for building beamsplitter blocks or right-angle folding mirrors. The CSC1-M3 series fixes Ø6 mm cage rods directly via M3 threaded holes; the CSC1-T6 series features Ø6 mm through-holes on front and back so rods pass straight through. Each cube is available bare or with combinations of M4 / SM1 / through-hole top & bottom covers.
| Model | Side Plates | Top / Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| CSC1-M3 | SM1 + M3 (4 sides) | No covers |
| CSC1-M3-A | SM1 + M3 (4 sides) | M4 / M4 (with M4×7 nylon-tipped setscrew) |
| CSC1-M3-B | SM1 + M3 (4 sides) | SM1 / SM1 |
| CSC1-M3-C | SM1 + M3 (4 sides) | SM1 through-hole top / SM1 bottom |
| CSC1-T6 | SM1 (L/R) + Ø6 mm through-holes (F/B) | No covers |
| CSC1-T6-A | SM1 (L/R) + Ø6 mm through-holes (F/B) | M4 / M4 (with M4×7 nylon-tipped setscrew) |
| CSC1-T6-B | SM1 (L/R) + Ø6 mm through-holes (F/B) | SM1 / SM1 |
| CSC1-T6-C | SM1 (L/R) + Ø6 mm through-holes (F/B) | SM1 top / M4 bottom |
CSC1-CP-A (cover)
M4 threaded bore. 4× M3 screws included for combining with CSC1-M3 / CSC1-T6.
CSC1-CP-B (cover)
SM1 threaded bore. Combine with CSC1-M3 / CSC1-T6 to build 4-, 5-, or 6-sided cubes.
Precision Translation & Rotation Mounts
Integrate alignment mechanics directly inside the cage structure. Ideal for spatial filter assemblies, lens focusing, and angle-resolved optics.
XY Translation Mounts
CSXY1-1 · 1F · 3 · 3A
Aligns Ø25.4 mm optics perpendicular to the optical axis. Adjuster screws (0.2 mm per rev) or micrometer fine adjustment (0.01 mm per scale, 0.5 mm per rev). SM1 internal thread on both faces for direct lens-tube coupling.
| Model | Travel | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| CSXY1-1 | ±1 mm | Adjuster screw |
| CSXY1-1F | ±1 mm | Adjuster screw + M4 post tap |
| CSXY1-3 | ±3 mm | Adjuster screw |
| CSXY1-3A | ±3 mm | Micrometer |
- • **Optic thickness:** 10 mm (±1 mm) / 12.2 mm (±3 mm)
- • **SM1R retaining rings:** 2 included on ±3 mm variants
- • **CSXY1-1F:** M4 tapped hole for post mounting
XYZ Translation Mount
CSXYZ1-1.5
Three-axis translation of Ø12.7 mm optics relative to a 30 mm cage axis. The inner carriage moves in X, Y, and Z; side-located setscrews fix the unit on the cage rods. Differential Z-scale (0.01 mm per scale, 0.5 mm per rev).
- • **Travel:** ±1.5 mm XYZ
- • **XY resolution:** 0.2 mm per rev · **Z:** 0.5 mm per rev
- • **Thread:** SM05 internal · optics up to 8 mm thick
- • **Post mounting:** M4 tapped hole on bottom
Cylindrical Lens Mount
CSM1-CL
Orients a cylindrical lens or rectangular optic horizontally or vertically within a 30 mm cage. Two manually positioned sliding arms hold optics from 4 mm up to 17 mm tall. Pair with CSP1R-SM1 for in-plane rotation.
- • **Optic height range:** 4 – 17 mm
- • **Cage plate:** Centered SM1 threaded hole for 1″ optics
- • **Post mounting:** M4 tapped holes on bottom
Rotary Quick-Release Mount
CSM1-F
Enables 360° manual rotation along the cage axis. Quick-release design allows inserts to be added or removed without disassembling cage rods.
- • **Rotation Range:** 360° manual with 5° scale marking
- • **Lock Type:** Thumb setscrew with clamping block
- • **Mounting:** Holds Ø25.4mm optics up to 7mm thickness
Sliding Filter Mount
CSM1-SF
Holds sliding filter inserts (CSM1-SF-IS) for rapid changing of filters or attenuation plates. Uses a spring-loaded ball mechanism for repeatable positioning.
- • **Capacity:** Holds 2 filter inserts (up to 4 filters total)
- • **Insert Size:** For Ø25.4mm optics up to 6mm thick
- • **Alignment:** Repeatable detent positioning
Precision Rotation Mount
CSMR1-AS
Offers 360° coarse rotation (marked every 2°) combined with a high-resolution differential micrometer fine adjustment over a ±7° range.
- • **Fine Resolution:** 5 arcmin micrometer tuning
- • **Optic Type:** SM1 thread for Ø25.4mm optics
- • **Mounting:** Bottom M4 tapped hole for post assemblies
Kinematic Cage Mount
CSHS1-S
Enables ±5° angular pitch/yaw adjustment for Ø25.4mm optical mirrors within the cage beam path, adjusted by two fine-pitched screws.
- • **Angular Range:** ±5° kinematic pitch and yaw
- • **Optic Diameter:** Ø25.4mm, minimum 3mm thickness
- • **Accuracy:** 0.25° per revolution
Right-Angle Kinematic Mount
CSRA1-A & CSRA1-B
Folds the optical beam at exactly 45° with kinematic pitch/yaw adjustment (±3°) and linear adjustment (±2.5 mm).
- • **Folding Angle:** 90° beam deflection (45° mirror position)
- • **Ports:** SM1 threaded ports on entrance and exit
- • **Rods Mounting:** Tapped holes (CSRA1-A) or smooth bores (CSRA1-B)
Ecosystem Expansion
Cage System Accessories & Tubes
Complete your optical assembly with light-tight lens tubes, adapters, post mounts, and alignment components.
Coaxial-Post Adapters
Mount Ø12.7mm posts to 30mm cage structures. Model CSMAD-10 features 10mm offset, and CSMAD-20 features 20mm offset.
Mounting Base (CSBP1)
Directly secures cage assemblies to an optical table or breadboard via two M6 slots and one M4 counterbore.
Iris Diaphragm (CSAD1-20)
Continuously adjustable aperture (Ø1.5–22 mm) for the 30 mm cage system. Engages three cage rods with locking screws. Bottom M4 tapped hole for post mounting.
Light-Tight Foam Gasket
CSSW1 creates a light-tight seal between mating cage plates or lens tubes. 6mm thick compressible foam fits uneven surfaces.
SM1 Lens Tubes (CSSM1 Series)
Zolix SM1 lens tubes enable rapid, light-tight stacking of Ø25.4 mm (1″) optics. They mount directly into CSP1-25.4 and CSP1-SM1 cage plates and can be chained together to extend optical path length. Three thread configurations cover direct mounting (A & B series) and tube extension (C series).
CSSM1-xxA
External + internal SM1. Expandable nesting design with positioning slot on -D variants.
CSSM1-xxB
Internal SM1 on both ends. Direct dual-side optic assembly.
CSSM1-xxC
External SM1 on both ends. Used with A-series to extend tube length (not for direct optic mounting).
A Series — External + Internal SM1
| Model | Length | SM1R |
|---|---|---|
| CSSM1-8A | 8 mm | 1 |
| CSSM1-12.5A | 12.5 mm | 1 |
| CSSM1-25A | 25 mm | 1 |
| CSSM1-25D | 25 mm | 2 |
| CSSM1-38A | 38 mm | 1 |
| CSSM1-50A | 50 mm | 1 |
| CSSM1-50D | 50 mm | 2 |
| CSSM1-75A | 75 mm | 1 |
| CSSM1-75D | 75 mm | 2 |
| CSSM1-100A | 100 mm | 1 |
-D variants feature an external positioning slot for retaining-ring-free adjustment.
B Series — Internal SM1 Both Ends
| Model | Length | SM1R |
|---|---|---|
| CSSM1-8B | 8 mm | — |
| CSSM1-12.5B | 12.5 mm | 2 |
| CSSM1-25B | 25 mm | 2 |
| CSSM1-50B | 50 mm | 2 |
Direct optic assembly — can be combined with A-series to extend tube length.
C Series — External SM1 Both Ends
| Model | Length | SM1R |
|---|---|---|
| CSSM1-8C | 8 mm | — |
| CSSM1-12.5C | 12.5 mm | — |
| CSSM1-25C | 25 mm | — |
| CSSM1-50C | 50 mm | — |
Coupling sleeves — chain with A-series tubes; not used for direct optic mounting.
Structural Framework
Guide Rods, Brackets & Adapters
The structural backbone of any cage assembly — stainless-steel rods, right-angle couplers, 30/60 mm cage adapters, and alignment tools to extend or reorient your optical setup.
Guide Rods (CSSP Series)
Ø6 mm stainless-steel cage rods with M3 threaded studs (removable or non-removable) on both ends, so multiple rods can be chained to extend the optical path. Available in 13 lengths as single units (CSSP-xx) or 4-piece sets (CSSP-xx-P4) for full 4-rod cage assemblies.
- • **Material:** 304 stainless steel
- • **Length range:** 6.5 mm – 500 mm (13 lengths)
- • **Ends:** M3 threaded stud (removable / non-removable)
- • **-P4 suffix:** 4-piece set for full cage assembly
| Length | Single (1 pc) | Pack (4 pcs) |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 mm | CSSP-6.5 | CSSP-6.5-P4 |
| 12.5 mm | CSSP-12.5 | CSSP-12.5-P4 |
| 25 mm | CSSP-25 | CSSP-25-P4 |
| 40 mm | CSSP-40 | CSSP-40-P4 |
| 50 mm | CSSP-50 | CSSP-50-P4 |
| 75 mm | CSSP-75 | CSSP-75-P4 |
| 100 mm | CSSP-100 | CSSP-100-P4 |
| 150 mm | CSSP-150 | CSSP-150-P4 |
| 200 mm | CSSP-200 | CSSP-200-P4 |
| 250 mm | CSSP-250 | CSSP-250-P4 |
| 300 mm | CSSP-300 | CSSP-300-P4 |
| 400 mm | CSSP-400 | CSSP-400-P4 |
| 500 mm | CSSP-500 | CSSP-500-P4 |
Integrated Guide Rods (CSNSP Series)
Short Ø6 mm 304-stainless rods with one end as a non-removable integrated stud (M3 or 4-40 thread) and the other end as M3 internal thread. The tail has a straight-groove line for alignment.
| Model | Length | Stud |
|---|---|---|
| CSNSP-5.6-P4 | 5.6 mm | M3×2.5 |
| CSNSP-12.5-P4 | 12.5 mm | M3×2.5 |
| CSNSPE-12.5-P4 | 12.5 mm | 4-40×2.2 |
Brackets, Adapters & Alignment Tools
Right-angle couplers, multi-system cage adapters, rod fittings, and visible-light alignment aids.
Fixed 90° Bracket
CSSP90
Solid bracket with a double-bored Ø6 mm hole on the side and an M3 tapped through-hole top-to-bottom. Allows a Ø6 mm rod to be inserted vertically and fixed by a side-rod, for compact 90° accessory combinations.
Rod Adapters
CSACS-M3 · CSACS-4-40 (-P4 packs)
Internal Ø6 mm bore on one end (M3 locking setscrew) and external M3 or 4-40 stud on the other. Lets cage rods integrate with M3 or 4-40 threaded assemblies. Sold in packs of 4 (-P4).
Right-Angle Adapter, 30 → 30 mm
CSCP-30
Couples two 30 mm cage systems at 90°. Front face has flexuous clamps that slide onto two parallel cage rods; back face has four Ø6 mm holes with M4 setscrews. Centered SM1 thread accepts Ø25.4 mm optics up to 6 mm thick.
Right-Angle Adapter, 30 → 60 mm
CSCP-60
Couples a 30 mm cage system onto a 60 mm cage system at 90°. Front and side feature Ø6 mm through-holes; centered SM1 thread accepts Ø25.4 mm optics up to 6 mm thick.
30 → 60 mm Cage Adapter Plate
CSAB-2
Couples 30 mm and 60 mm cage assemblies inline via Ø6 mm rods. Eight through-holes (4 for 30 mm, 4 for 60 mm) each with an M3 setscrew. Centered SM1 tap accepts Ø25.4 mm optics up to 8.5 mm thick. Includes 2× SM1R retaining rings.
Vertical Mounting Plate
CSABV-2
Mounts 30 mm and 60 mm cage systems vertically on an optical table via four counterbored slots. Eight Ø6 mm through-holes (4×30 mm + 4×60 mm) with M3 setscrews. Centered SM1 thread + M4 post tap on the side.
Cage Positioner
CSCP-6C
Marks the position of a cage plate for quick repositioning and adjustment. Flexure clamping on Ø6 mm rod (1.5 mm hex). 3.5 mm thick, compatible with 30 and 60 mm cage systems. No disassembly needed for installation.
Alignment Disk
CSAT1
Drop-in cage plate for fast visible-light alignment. Ø0.9 mm through-hole at the centre with concentric alignment rings to confirm beam centration along the optical axis.
Cross-System Compatibility
Mix & Match 30 mm and 60 mm Cage Systems
CSCP-30, CSCP-60, CSAB-2, and CSABV-2 form a complete adapter family for combining 30 mm and 60 mm cage assemblies at 0° or 90°. All include internal SM1 threads for Ø25.4 mm optics up to 6–8.5 mm thick.
System configuration help
Configuring a cage assembly?
Precisometer scientists can help you select the right cage plates, mounts, rods, and lens tube lengths to build stable interferometer paths, microscopy relays, or fiber delivery configurations. In-person support is available in the Netherlands.