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Name of invention

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

About the inventor


Dr Roderick Willstrop of
the Dept of Astronomy at
the University of
Cambridge has
developed this lens
grinding technology and
is using a prototype
machine to grind lenses
for the University.

For further information please contact:


Julian Peck
Julian.Peck@enterprise.cam.ac.uk
+44 (0)1223 330714
Cambridge Enterprise Limited, University of Cambridge
Hauser Forum, 3 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0GTUK
www.enterprise.cam.ac.uk
Case Ref: Wil-2653-11

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.

Prototype machine (above) grinding an


aspheric lens. Note the clarity of the ground
surface produced (below).

A pair of 2D templates may be manufactured


from any metal, by CNC milling or wire erosion,
and may be used to manufacture batches of
identical aspheric lenses or mirrors.
The machine itself requires no computer control
and can be left alone to grind material at a preset depth of cut. Typically a spherical blank is
hogged, then finish ground, then polished, all on
the same machine. Conventional metrology is
recommended after each stage so that
adjustments can be made to eliminate power
errors and gothic arch errors.
Talysurf lens data (before polishing):
Lens Form
error

No noticeable cylindrical error


No major mid-spatial error
Residual error 7m

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.

Talysurf lens data from prototype machine


(before polishing).

Case Ref: Wil-2653-11

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