Optical components are continuing to increase in complexity and intricacy. For that reason, Optical Machining requires the highest precision and accuracy.
Today, a high quality optical part can be produced with the advanced technology of CNC Manufacturing, one that guarantees proper placement in complex optical systems, without malfunctioning or breaking down. This makes CNC Machining, especially, ideal for a wide range of optical parts.
Optical CNC Machining
Optical CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining is a manufacturing procedure that utilizes computers to numerically control the cutting tool's technique.
A 3D design of the optical part is created with a computer-aided design (CAD) software. After a 3D design is created, it is programmed into the CNC machine. Basically, the CNC machine is going to perform a highly precise cutting technique to accurately remove material, in accordance with the exact specifications of that design.
CNC manufacturing is a common choice in the Optical Industry, because of the high level of accuracy and repeatability. The CNC machine has a cutting tool that can manufacture immensely tight tolerances and smooth surface finishes, which is necessary for optical applications. Overall, the CNC Optical Machining process has the ability to fabricate a high performance and durable optical component.
The CNC Machinery that we have at our facility allows us to efficiently produce a variety of geometrically-customized optical components. Such as:
- Telescope components
- Laser components
- Microscope components
- Small to medium sized optical parts
Our machine shop just recently had the opportunity to manufacture a precise CNC machined component for the Optical Industry. This component is going to be part of a highly complex optical system that will be utilized for a mission to take place in outer space. As a result, this optical part should properly operate in harsh environmental factors, while performing with reliability and dependability continuously.
In order to effectively produce this highly precise part for the complex optical system, a 5-axis CNC milling machine is required.
5-Axis CNC Machining
5-axis CNC Machining has the ability to accurately produce the most precise parts for the Optical Industry.
Unlike the traditional 3-axis CNC machining process, 5-axis CNC machines consist of two additional axes of motion, which are incorporated into the cutting tool’s technique. In other words, these two added cutting motions will allow for a multi-directional cutting operation and increased versatility.
5-axis CNC Optical Machining is a manufacturing procedure that is used to create optical components with the highest precision and accuracy.
Unlike the traditional 3-axis CNC machining process, a 5-axis CNC machine is going to consist of two additional axes of motion, which will be incorporated into the cutting tool’s technique. In other words, these two added cutting tool motions will allow for a multi-directional cutting operation and increased versatility in the manufacturing process.
In 5-axis CNC optical machining, there is significant freedom in the design and geometries of the optical part. The 5-axis CNC mill has a cutting tool that is able to simultaneously move along five separate axes on a workpiece, performing numerous procedures, uninterrupted, without stopping for modifications. Therefore, optical components with complex shapes, multi-faceted surfaces, intricate geometries and precise details can be successfully produced. If the traditional manufacturing methods were used, then this component would have been difficult or impossible to machine.
Not only that, but the additional axes of motion in 5-axis CNC optical machining is also going to ensure enhanced consistency and improved accuracy in the finished product. A 5-axis CNC milling machine makes it possible to manufacture optical components with extremely tight tolerances and high surface finishes. This is especially important in optical applications, because the surface quality and accuracy of the component can affect the performance.
In general, a 5-axis CNC machine is highly advanced and versatile. This manufacturing process offers a high degree of flexibility and increased precision, so that complex and intricate optical components can be efficiently produced.
Our team of mechanists are experts in multi-axis CNC machining. In fact, we make sure to accurately meet the precise demands of the Optical Industry on a consistent basis.
A Growth In CNC Manufacturing
Today, there are more and more companies who prefer CNC Manufacturing, to guarantee continuous precision and accuracy on their part or equipment during the production process.
Our 10,000 square foot manufacturing facility accommodates eight CNC milling machines. We have integrated a dual-axis trunnion rotary to four of our eight CNC mill machines. When a 3-axis CNC mill has a dual-axis trunnion rotary table, a 5-axis CNC manufacturing process can be performed. With our 5-axis CNC machining capabilities, your component will not have to go through three or four separate set-up procedures on different machines, like the 3-axis or 4-axis machining process would require.
"This means that we can machine on all five sides of a part, without having to let go of it", says Tom Ferrara, General Manager at P4Swiss | Lindel CNC Machining.
Our machine shop is widely known for being able to successfully produce complex components with exotic and tough materials.
Non Ferrous and Exotic Materials:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Bronze
- Brass
- Titanium
- Stainless Steel
- Teflon
Machinable Plastics:
- Delrin
- Noryl
- Peek
- PVC
- UHMW
P4Swiss | Lindel CNC Machining can offer you an all around improved experience on your CNC manufacturing project. The machined components that we fabricate are utilized in a wide range of products, across various industries. We are regularly exceeding the expectations of numerous industries - Optical CNC Machining, Medical CNC Machining, Aerospace CNC Machining and Defense CNC Machining.
If you have any questions or you would like to submit your own custom CNC request for quote (RFQ), please do not hesitate to contact Tony Torrez at tony@p4swisslindel.com, call us at (520) 792 - 3160 or click the "Request A Custom CNC Quote Today" button below.
We look forward to working with you!
