Vibration Isolation Table Buying Guide: 4.3m x 1.5m and More
By Zygo | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Selecting the right vibration isolation table for a large beam expander or optical profiler involves more than just size. This guide explains key trade-offs and decision rules for the 4.3m x 1.5m table.
Quick answer
For labs using a 24" beam expander or similar large interferometer setup, the 4.3m x 1.5m vibration isolation table provides the necessary surface area and passive isolation, but its specialized hole pattern and size may be overkill for smaller optics.
Size vs. lab space trade-off
A 4.3m x 1.5m table is large enough to accommodate a 24" beam expander and supporting optics, but it also requires a dedicated lab space. Measure your room's clear floor area and door widths before committing to this size.
Hole pattern limitations
The table includes a hole pattern for mounting the beam expander, but the rest of the surface lacks pre-drilled holes. This means you cannot easily mount additional components elsewhere without drilling or using clamping fixtures. If your setup requires frequent repositioning of multiple elements, consider a fully perforated table or plan for custom mounting solutions.
Passive vs. active isolation
The 4.3m x 1.5m table comes with eight passive isolation legs and a valve kit. Passive legs are sufficient for most optical profiler and interferometer applications, but they do not actively cancel low-frequency vibrations from HVAC or foot traffic. If your lab floor has persistent low-frequency noise, active or pneumatic isolation may be necessary.
Decision rules for choosing this table
- Rule 1: Measure your beam expander path: If your beam expander or interferometer requires a clear optical path longer than 3 meters, the 4.3m length is appropriate. For shorter paths, a smaller table saves cost and lab space.
- Rule 2: Check hole pattern needs: If you need to mount more than the beam expander on the table surface, verify that the existing hole pattern covers your critical components. Otherwise, budget for additional mounting hardware or a fully perforated alternative.
- Rule 3: Evaluate floor vibration levels: If your lab is on a ground floor or has concrete slab construction, passive isolation legs usually work. For upper floors or near heavy machinery, test vibration levels first or plan for active isolation upgrades. Consider renting a vibration meter to measure before purchasing.
- Rule 4: Confirm door and corridor clearance: A 4.3m table will not fit through standard doorways. Verify that your delivery path has at least 1.6m door width and no tight corners.
Product facts
- Vibration Isolation Table, 4.3 m x 1.5 m: Includes 4.3 m x 1.5 m vibration isolation table, (8) passive isolation legs, and valve kit for isolation legs. The eight legs provide distributed support for heavy loads, and the valve kit allows you to adjust leg pressure for leveling.
Vibration Isolation Table, 4.3 m x 1.5 m - Vibration Isolation Table, 4.3 m x 1.5 m: Hole pattern for mounting BEX, but the rest of the table does not have holes. You can mount the beam expander directly, but other components will need aftermarket drilling or non-perforated mounting fixtures.
Who this table fits
Best for
- Labs using a 24" beam expander or larger interferometer setup
- Users who need a dedicated, long optical table with passive isolation for a single large instrument
Not for
- Labs with limited floor space or narrow doorways
- Users who require a fully perforated surface for flexible component mounting
