THORLABS Corner User manual

Corner ScienceDesk
User Guide
Original Instructions

2 HA0284T Rev C Dec 2015
Contents
Chapter 1 Safety ...................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Safety Information ..............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 General Warnings ..............................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2 Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................4
2.1 General Description ............................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 3 Basic Installation ................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Installing the Frame ............................................................................................................................................5
3.2 Fitting the Casters ..............................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Installing the Breadboard ...................................................................................................................................6
3.3.1 Rigid Mounts .........................................................................................................................................................................6
3.3.2 Passive Mounts .....................................................................................................................................................................7
3.3.3 Active System ......................................................................................................................................................................10
Chapter 4 Considerations For Ergonomic Layout .........................................................................................12
4.1 Working Height .................................................................................................................................................12
4.2 Ergonomic Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................12
Chapter 5 Packing List .......................................................................................................................................14

3
Chapter 1 Safety
1.1 Safety Information
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should
take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the equipment itself.
1.2 General Warnings
Shock Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
Warnings
Do:
Ensure that the ScienceDesk is securely positioned prior to any work being undertaken on the system.
If using the ScienceDesk with any electrical equipment, incorporate appropriate earthing and/or other safety
circuitry as required by national standards to protect the operator.
When lifting or moving components, ensure that the proper posture is maintained. Do not lift loads in excess of
nationally recognized safe working limits (25kg per operator in Europe). If in doubt use an appropriately designed
lifting device.
Before lifting the breadboard, ensure it is unpopulated.
If the optional casters are fitted, ensure that the feet are fully retracted before moving the ScienceDesk.
Exercise particular caution if moving the ScienceDesk on a sloping surface.
Ensure all fixings are secure prior to use.
Do not:
Get into any position where you can be trapped between a wall, door frame or other immovable object and the
ScienceDesk.
Go underneath the ScienceDesk when the unit is being moved.
Move an active system when the breadboard is floating on its isolators.
Tow the ScienceDesk with any powered device.
Ride on the ScienceDesk.
Move the ScienceDesk over uneven ground.
Leave the system on its castors for prolonged periods of time.
Leave the system unattended on its castors without applying the brakes.
Sit or stand on the desk unit or any accessory
Caution
Before attempting to assemble/fit any accessories or modify the workstation layout, refer to Section 4 –
‘Considerations For Ergonomic Layout’ of the handbook supplied with the ScienceDesk, together with the
sections which relate to particular accessories.
Ensure that proper airflow is maintained to any electrical equipment installed on the ScienceDesk.
The ScienceDesk is designed only for indoor use.

4
Chapter 2 Getting Started
2.1 General Description
The corner ScienceDesk includes a frame consisting of five legs connected with tie bars. A breadboard, is supported on
vibration isolation mounts and provides a stable platform on which to populate system components. Various accessories can
be added (e.g. PC shelves, monitor mounts, wrist supports etc.) to customize the workstation as required – see our website,
www.thorlabs.com for the complete range available.
Fig. 2.1 Typical layout
The frame is drilled with 17mm diameter through holes on a 100mm pitch to facilitate the mounting of customer designed
accessories or components as required.

5
Chapter 3 Basic Installation
3.1 Installing the Frame
1) Remove all packaging.
2) Install the frame in the location in which it is to be used.
3) Adjust the feet until the castors are clear of the ground (if fitted) and the frame is level – see Fig. 3.1. Use a suitable
levelling device.
Fig. 3.1 Levelling the frame
3.2 Fitting the Casters
Referring to Fig. 3.2
1) Push down the lever on each caster to lock the rotation of the wheels on the shaft.
2) Adjust the feet to raise the frame sufficiently to allow the casters to be fitted in the lower support rails.
3) Insert the threaded shaft into the locating hole, and turn the complete caster assembly to screw the shaft into the frame
4) Repeat item (3) for the remaining 3 casters.
5) Retract the feet until the casters are in contact with the ground.
6) Position the ScienceDesk as required.
7) Adjust the feet to level the frame - see Section 3.1.
Fig. 3.2 Fitting Casters

6 HA0284T Rev C Dec 2015
Chapter 3
3.3 Installing the Breadboard
3.3.1 Rigid Mounts
The breadboard rests on rubber pads, three in each corner of the frame. Levelling of the work surface is acheived by adjusting
the feet.
A Installation
1) Ensure the frame is correctly sited and level – see Section 3.1.
2) Fit the lifting handles supplied to the breadboard as shown.
3) Observing the warnings listed above, lift the breadboard into position.
4) Use a suitable levelling device to check the breadboard is level. Repeat Section 3.1. as necessary.
5) Tighten the locknuts on the feet.
6) Populate the breadboard.
Fig. 3.3 Fitting the breadboard
B Removal
To remove the breadboard, reverse the installation procedure.
Note
The desk is normally supplied with the anti-vibration mounts and breadboard already fitted. Item (2) is applicable
only if the unit has been shipped or air-freighted to its destination
Warning
During item (2):
Breadboards should be manipulated using the lifting handles supplied. If these are not available, use appropriate
lifting equipment.
Breadboards must be lifted by two people and standard lifting safety precautions must be observed.
Breadboards should be lifted only in an unpopulated condition.
Caution
During item (6), the total load including the breadboard must not exceed 525 kg (1160 lb).
Warning
During item (2):
Breadboards should be manipulated using the lifting handles supplied. If these are not available, use appropriate
lifting equipment.
Breadboards must be lifted by two people and standard lifting safety precautions must be observed.
Breadboards should be lifted only in an unpopulated condition.

7
ScienceDesk Workstation
3.3.2 Passive Mounts
Equipment Required:
Levelling device (e.g., bubble level)
Foot pump (automobile tire type)
A Installation
1) Ensure the frame is level – see Section 3.1.
2) Remove the dust caps from the schraeder valves – see Fig. 3.4
Fig. 3.4 Passive anti-vibration mount
3) Fit the lifting handles supplied to the breadboard as shown in Section 3.3.1.
4) Observing the warnings listed above, lift the breadboard into position.
Note
The desk is normally supplied with the anti-vibration mounts and breadboard already fitted. Steps (2) to (6) are
applicable only if the unit has been air-freighted or shipped to its destination.
Warning
During item (3):
Breadboards should be manipulated using the lifting handles supplied. If these are not available, use appropriate
lifting equipment.
Breadboards must be lifted by two people and standard lifting safety precautions must be observed.
Breadboards should be lifted only in an unpopulated condition.

8 HA0284T Rev C Dec 2015
Chapter 3
5) Connect the foot pump to the mount in the back corner and inflate to about 40 p.s.i. – see Fig. 3.5.
6) Inflate the front legs to about 40 p.s.i.
7) Populate the breadboard.
8) Further inflate or deflate the mounts until the breadboard is level and a gap of 12mm between the underside of the
breadboard and the top of the mount is obtained – see Fig. 3.6.
9) Fit the dust caps.
Fig. 3.5 Inflating passive anti-vibration mounts
Caution
During item (8), the total load including the breadboard must not exceed 525kg (1160 lb)
Caution
During item 9):
It may be necessary to inflate each mount to a different pressure due to the loading of the breadboard
Do not exceed 72 p.s.i.

9
ScienceDesk Workstation
Fig. 3.6 Correct inflation of passive mounts
B Removal
To remove the breadboard, reverse the installation procedure.
Caution
If left unchecked, the mounts will deflate over time. To maintain correct inflation, check the gap every two weeks
and reinflate the system as necessary.
Warning
Breadboards should be manipulated only using appropriate lifting equipment.
Breadboards should be lifted only in an unpopulated condition.
Caution
Before removing the breadboard, ensure that all pressure is vented from the passive mounts. Failure to vent the
pressure may cause the mounts to rupture when the load is removed.
12mm
under inflated over inflated
correctly inflated
light load heavy load
12mm

10 HA0284T Rev C Dec 2015
Chapter 3
3.3.3 Active System
Equipment Required:
Air compressor or continuous air supply
Parts supplied:
Air hose
A Installation
1) Ensure the frame is level – see Section 3.1.
2) Fit the three 1/4-20 (M6) socket cap screws to the holes on the underside of the breadboard, one in each corner.
3) Fit the lifting handles supplied to the breadboard as shown in Section 3.3.1.
4) Observing the warnings listed above, lift the breadboard into position. As the breadboard is lowered, ensure that the bolts
fitted at item (2) fit correctly into the locating holes in each isolator piston - see Fig. 3.7.
5) Connect the air hose to the air inlet connector on the inside of the upper rear rail – see Fig. 3.7 and Fig. 3.8.
Fig. 3.7 Connecting an airline to the active system
6) Ensure the compressor outlet valve or air supply is turned off.
7) Connect the other end of the hose to the compressor outlet or air supply.
8) Connect the compressor to a suitable mains supply and switch on.
9) Set the outlet pressure regulator to the required pressure. As a guide, recommended pressures for typical loads are as
follows: 130 kg - 20 PSI, 260 kg - 40 PSI, 525 kg - 80 PSI.
10) Wait for the compressor to reach full pressure.
11) Turn the outlet valve or air supply on and wait for all four corners of the breadboard to lift.
12) Using a suitable levelling device, check that the breadboard is level. If not, turn the height adjuster knobs as necessary to
level the breadboard – see Fig. 3.7 and Fig. 3.8.
Warning
During item (4):
Breadboards should be manipulated using the lifting handles supplied. If these are not available, use appropriate
lifting equipment.
Breadboards must be lifted by two people and standard lifting safety precautions must be observed.
Breadboards should be lifted only in an unpopulated condition.
The space between the edge of the breadboard and the frame is very small. When lowering the breadboard into
position, take care not to trap fingers or clothing.
Note
Items (8) to (10) are applicable only if using a compressor to supply the air.
Note
For further details on the operation of the air compressor see Handbook HA 0103 – Air Compressor.
To air inlet
bulkhead connector
Turn
the knob to
level the breadboard
Locating hole for 1/4-20 (M6) bolt
fitted to underside of breadboard
Height adjuster lock nuts