Lenslet array creation
Lenslet Arrays are used for a directional reflection of light or laser beams to create a defined constant or transient light pattern. Therefore, the requirements on form and surface finish are very high. Using ultra-precision machine tools and spindles, natural diamond tools and complex machining methods, lenslets can be machined with a form accuracy below 50 nm and a surface finish of under 5 nm Ra.
Precitech, Vision Research and Levicron set up a lenslet creation process together with a high-speed camera system to see details of how chips are removed. For the second video, the spindle spins at 60.000 rpm, which means 1.000 Hz, while the camera works at 1.000 fps. The tool doesn’t seem to rotate for the viewer, as rotation and the fps rate were perfectly synchronized.
See the Video Part 1
See the Video Part 2
Information and results
Application:
Production of a lenslet array
Machine:
Precitech – Nanoform X
Used Machining spindle:
ASD080H25 at 60,000 rpm
- Use of ultra-precise measured natural diamond tools for lenslet creation
- Use of an ultra-precise machine tool system
- Use of LVDT measurement on the machine or to generate a correction program
- Use of white light interferometers for measurement and verify lenslet quality
- Phantom F4 camera system from Vision Research at 1,000 fps
