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Aspheric
Lens Manufacturing
A
low description
cost machine for grinding and polishing aspheric surfaces
Brief
This new lens grinding technology uses a simple patented mechanical arrangement
that causes the grinding or polishing tool to follow an aspheric path determined by
bespoke templates. Unlike CNC this technology is inherently robust and requires no
computer interface, potentially a standalone table-top machine to bring aspheric lenses
and mirrors within the reach of manufacturers unable to invest in CNC.
Benefits & applications
Low cost machine
Inherent rigidity and robustness
Quality surpasses typical CNC
(see data overleaf)
Wide range of aspheric
surfaces
Ideal for producing small
batches of aspheric lenses or
mirrors
Background
Bespoke spherical lenses can be manufactured
on a suitably designed lathe, but up to now
aspherics have been made either by CNC or
moulding. This technology arose out of a
University requirement for a batch of identical
aspheric lenses and is ideal for small batches.
Technology
The machine is similar to a copy-lathe, except
that a clever mathematical relationship between
the templates and the asphere has the effect of
reducing any errors in the template by at least an
order of magnitude in the finished lens.
Surface
Finish
114 nm RMS
Commercialisation
The prototype machine can machine convex
lenses up to around 175mm diameter and 30300mm radius of curvature, and a more limited
range of concaves.
We believe it should be possible to make and sell
a commercial machine with a similar range of
capabilities at a selling price around half that of
an entry-level CNC machine, with good margins,
with a potential aftermarket for templates and for
grinding and polishing tools.
Were looking for a partner to develop this
technology into an engineered product suitable
for commercial sale.