Editorial Technical Reference

Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly

This page explains how Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly is classified within Manufacture of Optical Instruments and Photographic Equipment. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A precision-engineered cylindrical housing component designed to securely mount and align optical lens elements within cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments.

View Full Specifications Explore Manufacturing Sources
Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly

Definition
A precision-engineered cylindrical housing component designed to securely mount and align optical lens elements within cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments. It provides mechanical stability, thermal management, and environmental protection for sensitive optical elements while maintaining precise optical axis alignment. The barrel assembly ensures consistent optical performance by minimizing element displacement and deformation under operational conditions. The component is manufactured from materials such as Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6, Stainless Steel 316L, or Engineering Plastic (PEEK), with a black anodized coating (MIL-A-8625 Type II) for reflection reduction and corrosion resistance. Key dimensional parameters include an inner diameter tolerance of ±0.01 mm (ISO 2768-m), length ranging from 20 to 150 mm, wall thickness from 1.5 to 5.0 mm, surface roughness Ra 0.4–0.8 (ISO 4287), and weight between 10 and 200 g. The assembly operates within a temperature range of -40 to 85 °C (MIL-STD-810G) and offers pressure resistance of 0.5–1.0 MPa. It features a standard metric fine thread (M12×0.5, ISO 965-1) for lens mounting, with concentricity and perpendicularity tolerances of ≤0.02 mm (ISO 1101). The IP rating ranges from IP54 to IP65 (IEC 60529), providing protection against dust and water ingress. These specifications serve as reference ranges; actual values must be verified with the manufacturer for specific models and applications.
Working Principle
The barrel assembly mechanically constrains optical elements in precise spatial relationships using precision-machined internal surfaces and mounting features. It provides thermal expansion compensation and vibration damping through material selection and structural design. The internal surfaces are machined to tight tolerances to ensure accurate alignment of the optical axis. The assembly's structural integrity maintains element positions under operational stresses, while the coating and sealing features protect against environmental factors.
Common Materials
Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6, Stainless Steel 316L, Engineering Plastic (PEEK)
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Inner Diameter ToleranceRequired±0.01 μmPrecision of internal mounting surface diameterISO 2768-m
LengthRequired20–150 mmOverall axial dimension of barrel assembly
Wall ThicknessRequired1.5–5.0 mmMinimum material thickness for structural integrity
Surface RoughnessRequiredRa 0.4–0.8 RaInternal surface finish quality for optical mountingISO 4287
Weight10–200 gTotal mass of assembled component
Operating Temperature RangeRequired-40–85 °CTemperature limits for dimensional stabilityMIL-STD-810G
Material6061-T6Aluminum alloy; optional stainless steel or titanium.ASTM B221
CoatingBlack AnodizeReduces reflections and enhances corrosion resistance.MIL-A-8625 Type II
Thread TypeM12×0.5Standard metric fine thread for lens mounting.ISO 965-1
Concentricity≤0.02 mmEnsures optical axis alignment.ISO 1101
Perpendicularity≤0.02 mmEnsures proper seating of optical elements.ISO 1101
Pressure Resistance0.5–1.0 MPaWithstands internal pressure without deformation.ISO 5208
IP RatingIP54–IP65Protects against dust and water ingress.IEC 60529

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Main Barrel Body Part
    Primary structural housing for optical elements
    Material: Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6
  • Internal Baffles Optional Part
    Light-trapping surfaces to reduce internal reflections
    Material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Thermal Compensation Ring Optional Part
    Expansion compensation for temperature variations
    Material: Invar 36

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly.

optical lens housing lens tube assembly optical barrel component precision lens mount

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: 0 to 1 atm (sealed environment)
other spec: Vibration tolerance: ≤5g RMS, 10-2000 Hz
temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Media Compatibility
✓ Clean dry air/nitrogen environments ✓ Laboratory-grade optical setups ✓ Precision instrument housings
Unsuitable: Abrasive slurry or high particulate concentration environments
Sizing Data Required
  • Lens element diameter and quantity
  • Required optical alignment tolerance (microns)
  • Mounting interface specifications

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Optical Misalignment
Cause: Thermal expansion/contraction of barrel materials causing lens displacement, or mechanical shock/vibration loosening alignment screws during handling/operation.
Surface Contamination/Degradation
Cause: Accumulation of dust, oils, or particulates on lens surfaces from inadequate sealing or environmental exposure, or chemical attack from cleaning agents/atmospheric contaminants.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Noticeable blurring, distortion, or reduced image clarity in optical output indicating misalignment or contamination.
  • Audible rattling or loose component sounds when gently shaken, suggesting internal fasteners or lens elements have become unsecured.
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict thermal management: Use materials with matched coefficients of thermal expansion for barrel and lenses, and maintain stable operating temperatures to prevent misalignment from differential expansion.
  • Enhance sealing integrity: Apply high-grade O-rings or gaskets at all joints, use purge ports with filtered dry air/gas for positive pressure, and establish controlled clean environments for assembly and maintenance.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 10110-7:2016 (Optics and photonics - Preparation of drawings for optical elements and systems - Part 7: Surface imperfection tolerances) ANSI/ASME Y14.5-2018 (Dimensioning and Tolerancing) DIN 3140 (Dimensions and tolerances for optical components)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore diameter: +/-0.01mm
  • Surface flatness: 0.005mm over 50mm diameter
Quality Inspection
  • Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) dimensional verification
  • Interferometric surface flatness testing

Manufacturers of Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly

Manufacturer profiles associated with Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly.

Sourcing Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly from China?
Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.
Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used for the barrel assembly?

The barrel assembly can be made from Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6, Stainless Steel 316L, or Engineering Plastic (PEEK), as listed in the directory. The specific material choice depends on the application requirements and must be confirmed with the manufacturer.

What is the operating temperature range?

The operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C, based on MIL-STD-810G. This range ensures dimensional stability under typical environmental conditions, but actual limits should be verified for the specific model.

What IP ratings are available?

The IP rating ranges from IP54 to IP65 (IEC 60529), indicating protection against dust and water ingress. The exact rating depends on the configuration and must be confirmed with the supplier.

How is the optical axis alignment ensured?

Alignment is ensured through tight tolerances on concentricity and perpendicularity, both ≤0.02 mm (ISO 1101). These tolerances are achieved through precision machining and must be verified for each unit.
Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.
Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes
Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here
We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman
CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim
A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

Your business information is used only to process this request.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Sorry, we couldn't send your message. Please try again, or email us at contact@cnfx.com.

Need to Manufacture Precision Optical Lens Barrel Assembly?

Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.

Create Manufacturer Profile Contact Us
Previous Product
Integrated Multi-Sensor Camera Module Assembly and Calibration System
Next Product
Precision Optical Lens Centering Machine
Get QuotesChat