Precision optical lens grinding machine

01

Match the machine to lens diameter and geometry

Satisloh sizes its precision optics grinders by lens diameter. Its SPM-50 is for small to mid-sized optics from Ø 5 to 50 mm, combining sensitive handling of small lenses with the force needed for larger ones and allowing pre- and fine grinding in one setup with minimal sub-surface damage. Its SPM-150 processes spherical lenses of Ø 10–150 mm, covering pre- and fine grinding, edge grinding, chamfering and diameter reduction, in standard and swivel mode, with optional grinding of rotationally symmetric aspheres in cup-tool mode. [1] [2]

For larger and more complex parts, Satisloh's GI is a 5-axis system for pre- and fine grinding, and grinding and polishing, of spheres, aspheres, plano optics, cylinders, prisms, domes and rods in hard, brittle materials up to Ø 500 mm, with limits depending on process, tooling and number of spindles; it has up to two tool spindles and a CAD/CAM post-processor. [3]

Give the supplier the lens diameters and thicknesses, materials, geometries (sphere, asphere, plano, prism, cylinder), radii range, grinding steps required (pre-grind, fine grind, edge, chamfer), batch sizes, target form and surface results, coolant and filtration arrangements, automation and loading needs, and floor space.

02

Check accuracy, measurement and automation features

Satisloh says the SPM-50 keeps a constant processing temperature with improved machine and axis cooling and uses direct-driven linear drives and servo motors for repeat positioning accuracy. The SPM-150 has direct-driven dual spindles for low sub-surface damage, a 360° tool swivel head, crosscut adjustment for form accuracy, optional integrated centre-thickness measurement, and a polymer-concrete base that Satisloh rates at 12 times the vibration absorption of cast iron. [1] [2]

The GI adds an integrated probe for centre thickness and workpiece geometry, cooled axes and drives for repeatable form accuracy, a 3D simulation mode, an integrated quality assurance system for spherical processing, and a front-loaded tool changer with 10 slots for multi-step processes without operator intervention, controlled by a Bosch Rexroth MTX controller. [3]

Satisloh lists footprints of 700 × 1,350 × 1,950 mm (SPM-50), 1,100 × 1,660 × 1,930 mm (SPM-150) and 1,670 × 2,660 × 2,530 mm for the GI, which weighs about 6,500 kg depending on configuration. [1] [2] [3]

Editorial calculation: the SPM-50 floor area is about 0.95 m², the SPM-150 about 1.83 m² and the GI about 4.44 m². [1] [2] [3]

03

Check fine-grinding data for micro and endoscope optics

OptoTech's data sheet for its SP 6.3 NC, an NC-controlled fine grinding and polishing machine for micro and endoscope optics, shows the working-range data a small-optics grinder is specified by. It has 3 independent work spindles for single lenses or multiple-spot blocks with high aperture, a working range aperture of 80°–175° on the spot block and 80°–150° on the workpiece, a working radius of 0–10 mm, an oscillation amplitude of +5° to −46° and a 20 mm pneumatic upper-spindle stroke with adjustable stop. The tool spindle runs at 10–2,000 rpm and the workpiece spindle at 0–1,000 rpm, both infinitely variable with M5 DIN 58725 interfaces; it needs 5 bar air and 2 kW, measures 735 × 730 mm in plan and 1,650 mm high, and weighs about 250 kg. [4]

Compare with the Satisloh grinders above, which are sized by lens diameter from Ø 5 mm upward; a micro-optics machine is specified instead by aperture angle and radius range. [1] [2] [3]

Editorial calculation: a 175° aperture is close to a full hemisphere (180°); at 2,000 rpm a 10 mm tool radius runs at about 2.1 m/s surface speed.

For small or high-aperture optics, give the supplier the radius, aperture angle and lens or spot-block size, and ask for the working range, spindle speeds and interface standard.

04

Diameter range, spindles, accuracy and sub-surface damage data to ask any grinder supplier for

Ask any supplier for diameter and radius range, geometries supported, axes and spindles, spindle power and speed, positioning and form accuracy, sub-surface damage and roughness achieved on your material, measurement options, tool changer and automation, coolant requirements, footprint, weight and installation conditions.

05

Tool spindles, CNC axes, swivel head, machine base, thickness probe and tool changer

Three parts carry the accuracy claims Satisloh makes: cooled axes and direct drives for repeat positioning, a polymer-concrete base it rates at 12 times the vibration absorption of cast iron, and a probe for centre thickness. [1] [2] [3]

06

Lens diameter, aperture and radius, positioning accuracy, weight and footprint for a grinder quotation

Size the machine by the right measure for your optics: Satisloh's grinders by lens diameter from Ø 5 to 500 mm, OptoTech's micro-optics machine by aperture angle and radius. [3] [4]

07

Send the optics, process and site data together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Optics: [diameters; thickness; radii; materials]
Geometry: [sphere; asphere; plano; prism]
Steps: [pre-grind; fine grind; edge; chamfer]
Volume: [batch size; lenses per day]
Accuracy: [form; surface; thickness]
Automation: [loader; tool changer]
Site: [space; utilities; coolant]

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