Application Note: Raised Floor Installation of a CleanTop Joined Optical Table at Chemnitz University of Technology

Vibration isolated lab equipment tables for a wide range of applications including scanning probe microscopy, confocal microscopy, interferometry and optical metrology.

• Unique new table-top design (patent pending) combines the best features of TMC's CleanTop steel honeycomb tops with our ultra-stiff, damped, layered platform design.
• Greater stability, especially for small size tables. The low profile, high density tops lower the overall floating center-of-mass ensuring inherently stability, even for relatively top-heavy payloads.
• Guided thread lead-ins to align screws with tapped holes. The "bevel" shape eases engagement of the first thread.
• Ergonomics optimized for the seated user by minimizing the thickness of the table-top. Other designs either offer 100 mm, 4 in. thick tops which awkwardly separate knees and elbows or sacrifice essential mass by offering a 50 mm, 2 in. thick honeycomb top which does not have adequate massfor effective vibration isolation, especially for smaller table sizes.

• Vertical and horizontal vibration isolation starting at 2 Hz
• Reduces vibration by more than 95% at 10Hz
• Virtually free of friction, avoiding rolling friction to static friction transitions
• Accommodates horizontal displacement by acting as a gimbal

Industry-leading performance resulting from the highest core density and smallest honeycomb cell area in an all-steel construction. Three performance levels and multiple options available. 

• All steel construction – No particle board sidewalls or plastic layer between top skin and honeycomb core. Assures maximum strength and structural integrity.
• Smallest core cell size, highest core density – The CleanTop design does not require enlarging the steel honeycomb core cell size because CleanTop cups are cylindrical, not conical as found in plastic layer designs. CleanTop's average cell size of 0.5 in.(2) is at least 50% smaller than that achieved with plastic layer designs assuring the highest stiffness and greatest core-to-skin bonding contact area.
• Steel to steel to steel – CleanTop achieves a spill-proof core with only two bonding layers: top skin to core and core to bottom skin. Imitations must add a third bonding layer which weakens the structure: top skin to plastic layer, plastic layer to core, and core to bottom skin.
• Thermal stability – The CleanTop all steel construction assures materials of identical coefficient of thermal expansion ensuring optimal thermal stability.

• Patented Everstill technology. Serial type active architecture achieves vibration cancellation starting at 0.5 Hz.
• Hybrid design with two stages of isolation. MaxDamp air isolators supported by Everstill. The performance of the two stages is additive.
• Advanced vibration sensor technology. Incorporates geophone type velocity sensors for sub-Hz performance. Better low frequency sensitivity than accelerometers.
• Ease of installation and setup featuring retractable casters and a roll-off crate.

Rigid coupling plate joiner systems for TMC optical tables to maintain flatness, stiffness and damping.

• Unique process ensures that flatness, stiffness, and damping is maintained across joints.
• Tops may be de-coupled and supported as individual panels.
• Joined Table process is compatible with TMC’s various passive and active vibration isolation support options.

Exceptionally rigid and well damped steel optical breadboards with 2” or 4” thickness in standard rectangular or customised irregular shapes.

• All steel construction. No particle board sidewalls or plastic layer between top skin and honeycomb core. Assures maximum strength and structural integrity
• Smallest core cell size, highest core density. The CleanTop design does not require enlarging the steel honeycomb core cell size because CleanTop cups are cylindrical, not conical as found in plastic layer designs. CleanTop's average cell size of 0.5 in.(2) is at least 50% smaller than that achieved with plastic layer designs assuring the highest stiffness and greatest core-to-skin bonding contact area
• Steel to steel to steel. CleanTop achieves a spill-proof core with only two bonding layers: top skin to core and core to bottom skin. Imitations must add a third bonding layer which weakens the structure: top skin to plastic layer, plastic layer to core, and core to bottom skin.
• Thermal stability. The CleanTop all steel construction assures materials of identical coefficient of thermal expansion ensuring optimal thermal stability. 

A range of options and accessories to configure TMC’s CleanTop optical tables to your exact requirements.

• DoubleDensity™
• Laser Ports
• Alpha-Numeric Grid
• Overhead Shelves
• Laser Shelf
• Rounded Corners
• Earthquake Restraints
• Breadboard Leveler
• Special Materials
• Special Through-Holes and Ports