Lightweight optical breadboards are designed for applications where damping performance is not critical. The extruded core construction make them the most cost effective, Lightweight solution for less demanding breadboard applications.
- 30% lighter than SG and PG Series honeycomb breadboards
- Patent-pending extruded aluminum core design
- 1.6 mm thick 430 stainless steel working surface
- Surface flatness of ±0.008 in. over any 2 ft. square See All Features
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | New LW-22-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 24 x 24 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-23-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 24 x 36 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-3030-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 30 x 30 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-3036-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 30 x 36 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-3048-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 30 x 48 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-33-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 36 x 36 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-34-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 36 x 48 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New LW-35-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 36 x 60 x 2.3 in., 1/4-20 Threads | |||||
![]() | New M-LW-22-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 600 x 600 x 58 mm, M6 Threads | |||||
![]() | New M-LW-23-2Lightweight Optical Breadboard, Extruded Core, 600 x 900 x 58 mm, M6 Threads |
Selection Guide
Optical Breadboard Selection Guide
Optical breadboards are selected based on performance criteria like damping and stiffness based on the application. Once the type of breadboard required is determined you can choose the surface size that will support your application.
| Precision Grade | Scientific Grade | Lightweight | Solid Aluminum | |
| Applications | Interferometry and critical high resolution experiments | Electro-optical experiments & processes | Less vibration-sensitive equiptment mounting and experiments | Classroom demonstrations and equipment setups |
| Damping Performance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★ |
| Stiffness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★ |
| Cost | $$$$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $ |
| Working Surface | 4.8 mm Thick 430 Stainless Steel | 1.6 mm Thick 430 Stainless Steel | Anodized Aluminum | |
| Bottom Skin | 3.4 mm thick Carbon Steel | 1.6 mm thick cold rolled Steel | N/A | |
| Core Design | Vertically Bonded Trussed Honeycomb | Patent-pending Extruded Core | Solid Aluminum | |
| Side Panels | Modal Dampers | Highly Damped Composite Wood | N/A | N/A |
| Ferromagnetism | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Non-Magnetic |
| Mounting Holes | Tapped and Individually Sealed | Tapped and Individually Sealed | Theaded holes integrated into extruded core | Tapped Through |
| Mounting Threads | 1/4-20 (M6) on 1 in. (25 mm) Grid | 1/4-20 (M6) on 1 in. (25 mm) Grid | 1/4-20 (M6) on 1 in. (25 mm) Grid | 1/4-20 (M6) on 1 in. (25 mm) Grid |
| Standard Version | PG | SG | LW | SA2 |
| Microlock Version | PG-ML | SG-ML | N/A | N/A |
| Double Density Hole Version | N/A | SGD | N/A | SA2-D |
Specifications
- TypeLightweight Optical Breadboard
- Thickness2.3 in. (58 mm)
- Working Surface1/16 in. (1.6 mm) thick ferromagnetic steel
- Surface Flatness±0.008 in. (0.2 mm) over any 2 ft. (600 mm) square
- Bottom Skin Material1/16 in. (1.6 mm) thick ASTM A1011 cold rolled steel
- Mounting Holes1/4-20
M6 (M- Versions)
- Mounting Hole Type12 mm deep cut (not rolled) threads with countersink
- Mounting Hole Pattern1.0 in. grid
25 mm grid (M- Versions) - Mounting Hole Borders0.5 in.
12.5 mm (M- Versions) - Hole Sealing TypeThreaded holes are integrated into extruded aluminum core
- Core DesignPatent-pending lightweight extruded aluminum core
Features
Patent-pending Extruded Aluminum Core Design
Our patent-pending extruded aluminum core design makes Newport lightweight optical breadboards up to 30% lighter than standard honeycomb breadboards without compromising performance. The LW Series is ideal for less sensitive applications, offering easier handling, transport, and assembly. Its reduced weight also minimizes the load on isolators, enabling a higher payload capacity atop the breadboard.
Threaded Holes Integrated in Core
Newport lightweight optical breadboards feature a grid of sealed 1/4-20 or M6 threaded holes with 12 mm depth. Unlike honeycomb designs, the LW Series threads are integrated directly into the extrusion core, sealing it from contaminants. This protects your breadboard’s performance over time. Additionally, threaded holes are built into the core, keeping the top surface clean and uninterrupted.
Lightweight Breadboard Damping Performance
Newport’s Lightweight optical breadboards are engineered for applications where portability and ease of handling are essential. They offer reduced weight and deliver damping performance that approaches that of the SG Series, which provides greater stiffness for long-term stability in vibration-critical setups. The Lightweight Series is well suited for less sensitive environments.










