A device and method for forming microstructures

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for the production of microstructures, comprising: a spindle driven in rotation about a spindle axis, on which a housing for clamping a workpiece is provided; and an actuator (30), which has a rapid drive (36), in particular a piezo-drive for generation of a rapid movement of a tool (32) in a direction essentially perpendicular to the workpiece surface, thereby the actuator (30) may be positioned by means of a further drive (24) for generation of a linear movement in a first direction along a workpiece surface for machining (24). The rapid drive (36) is coupled to the tool (32) by means of a guide device (38) which permits an adjustment of the tool (32) in the axial direction of the rapid drive (36) against a return force and which presents ahigh rigidity in a plane perpendicular thereto. The applied control technology permits a precise and reproducible production of microstructures using the dynamic system properties.

Description

technical field The invention relates to a device for forming microstructures by means of a spindle adapted to be driven in rotation about its longitudinal axis and provided with a clamp for clamping a workpiece, the device having an actuator provided with a fast drive, The fast drive is adapted to rapidly move the tool in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, the actuator being positionable along the surface of the workpiece for operation with an additional drive adapted to produce a linear feed motion in a first direction. The invention also relates to an actuator suitable for such a device. Background technique A device and a method of the type described are known from EP 0439425 B1. Said known method and known device are used to manufacture contact lenses using a turning process. According to this process, a contact lens blank to be processed is mounted on a spindle. A workpiece driven in rotation by a spindle can be machined by a turn...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the cutting speeds thus achievable are not sufficient for correct machining of the aforementioned materials with sufficient surface quality, especially when rotationally asymmetric surface structures of the aforementioned type are to be formed

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