Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are quickly gaining traction as indispensable tools for machining optical components with complex geometries. They are computer controlled electro-mechanical devices programmed with a machining language called “G-code,” and have numerous benefits over operator-required conventional machining. CNC machines offer the highest amount of precision, flexibility, and repeatability when it comes to fabricating components beyond basic shapes. CNC machining has been used for manufacturing metal and plastic parts for decades but is now pushing the boundaries of manufacturing glass and other optical materials. In addition to optical glass, CNC machining can be used to machine a wide range of demanding materials including ceramics, corundum, tungsten carbide, and even composites. Some of these advanced materials, such as Tungsten Carbide and composites, cannot be machined using conventional machining.

A half-wave plate introduces a phase difference of radians between perpendicular axes. Rotating a half wave plate by an angle relative to the polarization direction of linearly polarized light will therefore shift its polarization angle by . This can be observed by placing a half-wave plate at a 45° angle between crossed polaroids, and noting that light is transmitted. A quarter-wave plate introduces a phase difference of radians between perpendicular axes. If a quarter-wave plate is placed at a 45° angle to linearly polarized light, it will be converted to circular. Prisms which can serve as quarter-wave plates include the Fresnel rhomb and Mooney rhomb. Compensator, Kerr Cell, Kerr Effect © 1996-2007 Eric W. Weisstein

The maximum component diameter that Edmund Optics® can manufacture using our DMG MORI® ULTRASONIC 5-Axis Precision Machine Centers is 175mm.

24 Hour OperationCNC machines have the ability to work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, only needing to be switched off for maintenance or repair.

Limited Supervision RequiredFewer technicians are required to monitor the work of CNC machines compared to conventional methods because CNC machines are autonomous. Their autonomy allows for one person to watch several machines operate for hours on end after they have been programmed. The reduction of the number of technicians needed also reduces operating costs.

In addition to DMG MORI® ULTRASONIC 5-Axis Precision Machine Centers, Edmund Optics® utilizes 5-Axis CNC Grinding Machines, 5-Axis CNC Polishing Machines, 3-Axis CNC Profiling Machines, 4-Axis CNC Slicing Machines, and 3-Axis CNC Milling Machines.

CNC machined precision optical components from Edmund Optics are ideal for a wide variety of applications including advanced space telescopes and liquid chromatography systems.

A quarter-wave plate introduces a phase difference of radians between perpendicular axes. If a quarter-wave plate is placed at a 45° angle to linearly polarized light, it will be converted to circular. Prisms which can serve as quarter-wave plates include the Fresnel rhomb and Mooney rhomb. Compensator, Kerr Cell, Kerr Effect © 1996-2007 Eric W. Weisstein

The main disadvantage of CNC glass machining is that the upfront cost of purchasing CNC machines is higher than that of conventional machines. More expensive equipment leads to higher prices for customers, but CNC glass machining can create intricate features with far more precision and repeatability than conventional equipment. CNC glass machining isn’t a cost effective method for making simple optics like spherical lenses and right angle prisms, but it is the ideal method for manufacturing components with complex geometries.

RepeatabilityCNC machines have excellent repeatability because every component is manufactured following the same program. In conventional machining, even the most talented operators will produce components that vary slightly; this is not the case with CNC machines.

Edmund Optics® (EO) employs a wide range of CNC glass machining equipment to machine complex optical component geometries including ultrasonic machining and high speed cutting (HSC) technology from DMG MORI®. Our true 5-axis precision machine centers have the capability to machine lightweight structures and high aspect ratio components with specialty bevels, precision holes and inserts, and mounting interfaces. In addition to optical glass, we machine a wide range of demanding materials including ceramics, corundum, tungsten carbide, and even composites.

Complex Component GeometriesCNC machines are able to create components with complex geometries including bevels, deep holes, counterbores, chamfers, steps, slots, notches, and more. Even the most skilled operators using conventional machines cannot achieve the same precision and repeatability as CNC machines.

CNC machining offers numerous advantages over conventional grinding and polishing for fabricating optical components including: