Ultra-fine grinding as a prerequisite for producing polishable free-form optics

Abstract

In many conventional optical manufacturing processes, lapping is still a standard method to provide polishable surfaces. With the increasing use of CNC technology, efforts are being made to substitute the lapping process in the process chain. The paper presents studies that compare the lapping and fine grinding processes and provide an assessment of the subsequent polishing process. By using fine grinding with resin bond tools, polishing times can be significantly reduced and subsurface damage structures minimized. Ultra-fine grinding is also an important shaping process for the production of complex surface geometries, such as free-form optics.