Efficient Assembly of High-precision Objective Lenses Using Alignment Turning

28 Feb 2018

Increasing demands on the performance of optical systems require tighter mechanical and optical tolerances. Thus, it has become unfeasible – both technologically as well as financially – to manually adjust lenses in pre-assembled objectives. For objective lenses of highest precision, the alignment turning of sub-elements with micron accuracy is the preferred manufacturing method. It requires the precisely manufactured sub-elements to be tightly fitted into the lens barrel without further needs of alignment.

TRIOPTICS ATS family offers the perfect solution of alignment turning stations, which machine the lens mounts in such a way that the lens centration and the air gaps between the individual optical components fit together perfectly. The ATS 200 model is characterized by its flexible workpiece holder and highest repeatability.

The new ATS 100 is specifically designed and optimized for the serial production of optics with a diameter of up to 100 mm and a workpiece weight of up to 3 kg. ATS 100 can be easily integrated into existing production areas thanks to its very compact footprint of 1 x 1 m2. Product manager Christian Buss adds: "With the ATS 100 and its mineral composite base, we have succeeded in developing a very compact and economically attractive alignment turning station. Despite its compactness, the ATS 100 does not forfeit anything in terms of stability compared to the larger ATS 200."

As in the larger version, the quality of the manufacturing results is based on the integration of the proven TRIOPTICS OptiCentric® measuring technology, which measures the lens centration. The exact alignment of the workpiece can be achieved by means of an automatic alignment chuck with operator independent centering precision. It provides the basis for the subsequent machining.

As with the ATS 200, the well-proven ATS Control software is also used. A unique feature in the market is the single integrated user interface that controls all measuring and machining processes. The user is actively guided through all the steps and receives intelligent suggestions for the tool and turning paths. Once all parameters have been defined, the machining is automatically calculated and the result monitored. Finally, the traceability of the individual machined lenses is ensured by the test report.