01
CNC Shaping & Precision Generation
CNC machining, contouring and profiling generate the required geometry. The exact method is selected for the material, component shape and drawing requirements.
PRECISION MACHINING
Precision Machining for Optical Materials
Controlled machining, grinding, lapping and polishing processes for optical materials, complex geometries and demanding dimensional requirements.
ENGINEERING APPROACH
Machining Built Around the Optical Drawing
Material behavior, geometry, thickness, edge condition and final optical requirements all influence the manufacturing route. We review these requirements before production to choose a practical process sequence.
Optical MaterialsSapphire, optical glass, fused silica, fluoride crystals and infrared materials
Custom GeometryRound, square, rectangular, wedged, curved and drawing-specific forms
Prototype to ProductionProcess development, repeatable production and engineering support
InspectionDimensional and optical verification to agreed requirements
CORE PROCESSES
Precision Machining Processes
A controlled sequence of material removal and finishing steps is selected for the component geometry and final specification.
Typical Manufacturing Flow
The exact manufacturing sequence varies by material, geometry, tolerances and optical requirements.
02
Rough Grinding
For suitable flat components, double-sided rough grinding removes material efficiently to establish thickness, flatness and parallelism. The workpiece remains matte or opaque at this stage.
03
Fine Grinding
Fine grinding refines dimensional accuracy and surface condition before polishing. COE may use single-side or other controlled grinding routes depending on the product.
04
Polishing
For suitable flat optics, double-sided polishing can produce the final optical surface with excellent flatness, parallelism and low roughness. Other polishing routes are selected when geometry requires.
05
Precision Metrology & Inspection
Dimensional and optical measurements verify critical requirements and provide feedback for process control and final inspection.
Process routes are product-specific.
Windows, lenses, prisms, rods and custom components may use different equipment, intermediate operations and finishing sequences. The stages above describe the general manufacturing logic rather than a fixed production recipe. Different products may use different equipment, intermediate operations and inspection points.
MATERIAL EXPERIENCE
Machining Across Optical Materials
Different optical materials require different tooling, feeds, finishing sequences and handling practices.
SapphireHard, wear-resistant crystal requiring controlled grinding and polishing.
BK7 Optical GlassCommon optical glass for windows, lenses and general optical components.
Fused SilicaLow-expansion material suited to UV, laser and precision optical systems.
Fluoride CrystalsCaF₂, MgF₂ and BaF₂ require careful material-specific processing and handling.
Infrared MaterialsGermanium, silicon and other IR materials reviewed by geometry and application.
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURABILITY
What to Include with Your Drawing
Material
Specify the optical material and grade where applicable.
Geometry & Dimensions
Include overall size, thickness, radii, wedge, chamfers and special features.
Tolerances
Apply tight tolerances only where the optical or mechanical system requires them.
Optical Requirements
Surface quality, flatness, transmitted wavefront or other optical requirements as needed.
Coating & Quantity
Include coating requirements and expected prototype or production quantity.
Have a precision-machined optical component?
Send your drawing and material requirements for engineering review.