ASTM E210-63 (2016) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E210-63(2016) — Standard Specification for Microscope Objective Thread. This specification defines the form, lead, classification, and nominal sizes of the screw thread used to mount microscope objective assemblies to the body or turret of microscopes, based on the historic Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) objective thread and intended for interchangeability with RMS-type objective mountings.

Abstract

This specification covers the basic and design forms, lead, classification, and nominal size of the screw thread used for mounting the objective assembly to the body or lens turret of microscopes. It is based on, and intended to be interchangeable with, the screw thread introduced and adopted by the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS), a de facto standard for microscope objective mountings. Values in the standard are stated in inch‑pound units.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal announced January 2022).
• Publication date: Published/reapproved as ASTM E210-63(2016) — 30 June 2016 (original designation dates to 1963).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee E41 — Laboratory Apparatus).
• ICS / categories: 37.020 — Optical equipment / laboratory apparatus.
• Edition / version: E210-63(2016) — reapproval/reissue of the E210‑63 designation.
• Number of pages: 4 (short technical specification).

Scope

The standard specifies the screw thread geometry and nominal sizes used to secure microscope objective assemblies to microscope bodies and turrets. It establishes the basic and design forms, lead, classification, and nominal diameter for the RMS-type objective thread and states that inch‑pound values are the standard units of measure within the document. It was intended to provide interchangeability for objective mountings following the RMS convention.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the RMS objective screw thread form and permissible design variants.
• Specification of nominal sizes, pitch/lead, and classification for objective mount threads.
• Requirements for interchangeability between objectives and microscope bodies using the specified thread.
• Use of inch‑pound units as the standard measurement basis in the document.
• Short, focused technical specification intended for microscope manufacturers, repairers, and instrument standards committees.

Typical use and users

Used by microscope manufacturers, instrument designers, laboratory equipment engineers, repair and service technicians, and standards bodies to ensure mechanical interchangeability of objective lenses and mountings. Also of interest to collectors, restoration specialists, and anyone specifying objective-thread compatibility for optical instruments.

Related standards

References and related material typically include historical RMS thread documentation (Royal Microscopical Society practices) and other ASTM E41 committee outputs on laboratory apparatus. The document was administered under ASTM Committee E41 (Laboratory Apparatus / Instruments). Where modern equipment uses metric or alternative mounting systems, other ISO or manufacturer-specific mounting specifications may apply.

Keywords

microscope objective thread; RMS thread; objective mount; screw thread; microscope mounting; interchangeability; laboratory apparatus; ASTM E210.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E210-63(2016) is a short specification that defines the screw thread form, lead, classification, and nominal sizes used for mounting microscope objective assemblies — commonly known as the RMS objective thread standard.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the basic and design thread forms, pitch/lead, nominal diameters, and classification necessary to assure interchangeability of microscope objectives with bodies or turrets that use the RMS-style thread; values are given in inch‑pound units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Microscope manufacturers, optical instrument designers, laboratory equipment engineers, service/repair technicians, and standards professionals concerned with objective-to-body mechanical compatibility.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It was reissued as ASTM E210-63(2016) but has been withdrawn (withdrawal recorded in January 2022). The withdrawal note indicates limited industry use and that the document was withdrawn without replacement. Users should verify current manufacturer requirements or more recent standards for objective mounting if planning new designs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is an ASTM specification developed under Committee E41 (Laboratory Apparatus). While not part of a numbered "series" beyond its E210 designation, it relates to other ASTM E41 standards covering laboratory instruments and apparatus.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: RMS thread, microscope objective thread, screw thread, objective mount, interchangeability, ASTM E210.