Precision CNC Components:CNC Machining Technology of Precision Optical Components

Our state-of-the-art multi-axis CNC machining milling equipment allows us to deliver mechanical optics to meet your exacting requirements and to make your designs within tolerances of ±0.0005" or better.

With advanced CNC glass machining capabilities, Portland Precision can provide special optical machining processes to enhance the performance of your components. Lightweighting can greatly reduce the weight of your mecha-optics without compromising their structural integrity. Special features, such as slots, bevels, reverse drilling, and more, can be machined to provide you with parts that meet your design and performance specifications. Complex geometries can be reproduced with perfect precision and repeatability.

With the increasing complexity and complexity of optical components, the precision machining of optical components has entered a whole new era. For non-complex optics, the methods outlined in Spherical Optics play a key role. These methods include conventional grinding and polishing processes. However, due to low dimensional accuracy, complex optical components can only be partially fabricated by these conventional processes. These parts require the use of multi-axis machining and metrology.

Aspheric optics and microstructured optics require very tight tolerances, which are provided by precision machining with diamond tools on ultra-precision machinery. In this way, both a high surface finish and tighter tolerances can be achieved. These ultra-precision manufacturing methods are used to obtain dimensional accuracy of optical components and their molds.

The two most important factors in determining the quality of optical component manufacturing are the edge sharpness and roundness of the tool. Therefore, special tool geometries are incorporated, which include diamond micro end mills, ball end mills, and other tools for forming and turning.

Combined with an ultra-precise vibration-free CNC machine, compact toolholders and suitable fixtures, a single-point natural diamond tool will scrape material from the workpiece appropriately and efficiently. Its extremely high level of sharpness ensures that extremely high but concentrated cutting forces are applied to the workpiece. This allows for minimal distortion elsewhere and perfect surface finish and forming accuracy.

Single point diamond tool turning

The application of this processing method is considered when implementing rotationally symmetric optical elements. This is an efficient cutting process. High cutting speed and high surface finish of Ra<5nm can be achieved with this technology. The tools used in this technique account for the dimensional accuracy of the part in production. Expert engineers calculate tool radius and radius compensation values ​​for the entire toolpath during machining. For accuracy in the sub-micron range, the waviness of the tool needs to be controlled at a tool radius of 0.1 micron level

Laser components

Lasers are essential equipment in a wide range of industries, especially in the medical sector for surgical procedures. Lasers are made up of several components, all of which must be manufactured with high precision and tight tolerances to achieve desired performance.

CNC machines are used to manufacture housings, starter rings, and mirrors commonly found in lasers. Since CNC machine tools can process parts with a dimensional tolerance of 4 μm and a surface roughness Ra of 0.9 μm, it is the preferred processing technology for laser parts that require high dimensional accuracy and good surface finish.

There is no doubt that CNC machine tools are ideal equipment for manufacturing various precision optical components. However, the success of your optics manufacturing project depends largely on the machine shop where you work.

You want to work with a machine shop that has state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment and highly qualified engineers who can manufacture parts accurately and accurately. Additionally, you should look for manufacturers that meet regulatory standards in the industry you want to serve.