PLAb: Breadboard to Post Adapter

Background

A component of the growing PLAb Collection of 3D printable optomechanics. This is a simple adapter that allows you to stably mount a breadboard to a optical post. This adapter is designed first and foremost for compatibility with the M6 and 1/4-20 mounting hole versions of the PLAb: Parametric Optical Breadboard and the PLAb: Optical Posts and Post Holders. However, it will work with any appropriately sized optical post and breadboard. 

License

If you find the system useful, please share it with your colleagues. If it makes your lab easier or cheaper to setup, perhaps Buy Me a Coffee so I can continue to develop the system and keep it free and openly available under the Open Community License (OCL) with the General Attribution (GAtt) Plugin. 

Accessing Parts and Customizing

This Printables listing includes a subset of quick print options using M6 and 1/4-20 nuts with 25 mm and 1 inch hole spacing, respectively. Double wide 50 mm and 2 inch spaced mounts are also included. Further variation includes different alignment tab states.

For other spacing and alignment tab configurations, see the component included in the Breadboard OnShape Configurator. If you download your parts from OnShape, please download a version from here or drop a like here on Printables so that more people can find the system. If you have any issues, please drop a comment or send me a message. Bug fixes and suggestions are greatly appreciated. You are also welcome to develop and upload your own components for the system!

Naming Convention

Parts are named Board-Mount-D<nut spacing>-<A<angle> or U>-<ANSI or ISO>. 

For example:

• Board-Mount-D25-U-ISO has 25 mm spacing between M6 nuts with no alignment slot (U)

• Board-Mount-D25-A0-ISO has 25 mm spacing between M6 nuts with a 0 degree alignment slot (A0)

• Board-Mount-D50.8-A30-ANSI has 50.8 mm (2 inches) between 1/4-20 nuts with a 30 degree angled alignment slot (A30)

Recommended Print Settings

The system is designed to be as simple to print as possible. No supports, no special materials, no slicer tricks. I started developing the system on a Prusa Mk3s and am now using a Snapmaker U1 and Prusa XL. General printing guidelines are as follows:

• Print in PLA for maximum rigidity and ease of printing. 

• Use PETG, PCTG, or Carbon Fiber reinforced filaments if you need higher temperature stability (staring at your combustion researchers).

• Use three perimeters with five top and bottom layers for best results.

• Designed for a 0.2 mm layer height, but there is not reason you couldn't got thicker or thinner. No particular reason to go smaller as details are designed for 0.2 sizing on a 0.4 mm nozzle.

• Infill is not critical here. I usually use 10% Adaptive Cubic. If you find yourself having warping problems, a non-linear infill type like Gyroid may be helpful.

• Designed to be printed on its side with the holes running parallel to the build plate with no support, as shown.

Configuration Parameters

• In the  OnShape Configurator select the "Show Board to Post Mounting Controls" checkbox. This will show controls for the "Board-Mount" component.

• Parts will use the same Nut Type setting as the breadboard.

  • M6 or 1/4-20

• Mount Hole Spacing Multiple sets the two inset mounting a set multiple of the Hole Spacing.

  • e.g. For 25 mm hole spacing, 1 yields 25 mm between nuts, 2 yield 50 mm between nuts, and so on. 

• Check the Mount Alignment Tab box to enable to standard alignment tab for the PLAb system.

• Set the Alignment Tab Angle between 0 and 45 degrees.

  • Note that for angles above 10 degrees, a hole spacing greater than 40 mm is recommended.

Assembly

1. Press fit your chosen nuts into the bottom of the adapter.

   1. Tolerances are tight to allow for a strong hold on the nuts. You may need to thread and tighten down a screw through the nuts to get them fully seated.

2. Use your chosen bolt to attach the adapter to your chosen post.

3. Slap your breadboard on top and get stacking.