How to choose an isolation table? Comprehensive guide for selection of precision laboratory isolation table

Selection of isolation table – answer first

How to choose an isolation table? The core focuses on two dimensions: vibration frequency range and equipment accuracy requirements.

For ordinary laboratory scenarios where vibration is mainly at medium to high frequencies (above 50Hz) and precision is required at the micrometer level, solid-state passive isolation tables (such as the POT-P series of LeadTop Isolation) are the most cost-effective choice;

For ultra precision scenarios with low-frequency vibrations (1-50Hz) or precision requirements at the nanometer level, active isolation platforms (such as the LVH-T15 heavy-duty active isolation platform of LeadTop Isolation) can meet the requirements.

The core parameters of the isolation table include: natural frequency (the lower the better, which determines the low-frequency isolation capability), isolation efficiency (the proportion of vibration attenuation at the target frequency), load-bearing capacity (which needs to cover the weight of the equipment), and the number of degrees of freedom (six degrees of freedom are better than single axis).

What is a vibration isolation table

A vibration isolation platform is a specialized load-bearing platform that isolates precision equipment from external vibration environments through elastic support or active control technology.

The working principle of the isolation table is to establish an elastic or active control layer between the equipment and the ground, and use the natural frequency filtering effect or real-time feedback cancellation mechanism to reduce the vibration energy transmitted to the equipment.

Isolation tables are divided into two categories: passive isolation tables rely on the inherent characteristics of elastic materials (rubber, springs, air springs) for isolation, do not require external energy, and have a simple and reliable structure; The active isolation table forms a closed-loop system by detecting vibration in real-time through sensors, calculating reverse force commands through controllers, and outputting cancellation force through actuators, which can accurately suppress low-frequency vibration with nanometer level accuracy.

Passive Vibration Isolation Platform: Suitable for Which Scenarios

Passive isolation table is the most mature and widely used type of isolation table in technology. The POT-P series solid-state isolation optical platform of LeadTop Isolation adopts a broadband damping structure platform, with optional honeycomb or superconducting magnetic isolation materials, combined with a shear type multi-layer composite rubber isolation structure, effectively suppressing surface resonance.

This series of platforms has a height of 800mm, supports manual leveling (± 10mm adjustment), vertical/horizontal natural frequency of 6.5-12Hz, platform flatness of 0.05-0.1mm/㎡, surface matte treatment and roughness of 0.8-1.6 μ m, stable structure, and extremely low maintenance cost. Suitable for instrument and equipment scenarios with relatively low vibration requirements such as microscopes, medical biology, and optical path testing, it is an ideal entry-level choice for small and medium-sized laboratory isolation tables.

Active isolation table: standard configuration for ultra precision scenarios

When the laboratory faces low-frequency vibration interference or equipment accuracy requirements reach the nanometer level, the limitations of passive isolation tables become apparent, and active isolation tables become an inevitable choice.

LeadTop’s LVH-T15 heavy-duty active isolation platform is designed specifically for heavy-duty precision instruments such as TEM/SEM. It uses electromagnetic actuators and four stage air spring composite technology to achieve six degrees of freedom vibration suppression in the full frequency range of 1-200Hz, eliminating building sway interference from 0.5-5Hz and low-frequency attenuation exceeding 35dB@5Hz (Corresponding to an isolation efficiency of over 90%), 30ms step disturbance suppression, support for online modal analysis, and a load-bearing capacity of up to 500kg, it is an ideal isolation platform solution for heavy-duty precision instruments in the fields of electron microscopy imaging, semiconductor detection, and life sciences.

Four step method for selecting isolation table

Choosing the right isolation platform requires following a scientific selection process.

The first step is vibration diagnosis: use a vibration spectrum analyzer to measure the frequency distribution and amplitude level of on-site vibration;

The second step is to determine the accuracy requirements: clarify the sensitive frequency range of equipment vibration and the allowable vibration level (micrometer or nanometer);

Step three, matching technology route: choose passive isolation stage for medium and high frequency vibration+micrometer precision, and choose active isolation stage for low frequency vibration+nanometer precision;

Step four, check the load-bearing capacity and space: ensure that the load-bearing capacity of the isolation table covers the weight of the equipment, and that the installation dimensions are compatible with the laboratory space.

As a supplier of vibration isolation optical platforms and accessory products, LeadTop can provide full process technical support from vibration testing to customized solutions.

summary

The core of selecting an isolation table is to “prescribe the right medicine”: first, conduct vibration diagnosis, clarify the frequency range and accuracy requirements, and then match the appropriate type of isolation table. Passive isolation table technology is mature, maintenance free, and cost-effective, suitable for most ordinary precision scenarios; The active isolation table has excellent precision and wide frequency coverage, and is a standard configuration in the field of ultra precision. Choosing the right isolation platform is the first step in ensuring the stable operation of precision equipment.