Method, apparatus, and tools for precision polishing of lenses and lens molds
a technology for polishing lenses and lens molds, applied in the field of polishing objects, can solve the problems of high cost, high cost, and insufficient prior art process, and achieve the effects of low cost, high throughput, and high precision
Inactive Publication Date: 2005-09-15
OPTIPRO SYST
View PDF13 Cites 25 Cited by
- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
"The present invention provides a polishing tool and apparatus for polishing objects using a machine tool. The tool comprises a mandrel with a flange, a bladder sealably engaged with the flange, and a passageway disposed within the mandrel. The apparatus includes a first linear slide, a first rotatable spindle with a chuck, a second linear slide, and a second rotatable spindle with a chuck. The method involves preparing the polishing tool and machine tool, executing a polishing cycle, and measuring the surface of the object. The invention is simple and cost-effective, and can be adapted for polishing a variety of materials and shapes. It allows for high precision polishing of articles of manufacture such as precision optics, injection mold inserts, and thin film coating dies at a high throughput and low cost."
Problems solved by technology
This prior art process is sufficient for many conventional low-precision lenses, but when the desired lens has a shape that is not spherical or plano and / or where such conventional methodologies cannot be applied e.g., aspherics, or where the lens has very high accuracy requirements, such prior art process is not sufficient.
The polishing tool wears quickly due to its small diameter, which results in the distinct disadvantages of a) typically very long polishing cycles; and b) because of quicker degradation of the small polishing foil it is much more difficult and costly to develop accurate corrective polishing routines.
Another disadvantage is due to the small spot diameter of the tool.
Material removal rates are typically very slow, since the performance is directly proportional to the size of the surfaces that are in contact during the polishing routine.
Although the MRF process has many attributes, such process also has some distinct disadvantages as follows: 1) Cost-effective polishing of deviations is limited to errors of less than 200 nanometers only.
2) There is a very high capital cost of entry into the MRF technology.
The process entails very complex technology, which also increases the cost of operation.
It is also necessary to continuously change the MRF polishing suspension, which is very expensive because of its proprietary nature.
3) Parts made of magnetic materials are not able to be polished with this process, as the workpiece will become magnetized and not release the magnetic process fluid.
4) Small concave parts cannot be polished due to the configuration and size of the MRF polishing wheel.
Although as stated therein, the apparatus of Mandler can change the pressure during the process, such process does not have the ability to change to softer media, such as felt or other softer synthetic materials as is disclosed and claimed in this application.
Method used
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View moreImage
Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Smart ImageViewing Examples
Examples
Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test
Embodiment Construction
[0040] For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. In describing the present invention, the following term(s) have been used in the description:
[0041] As used herein, the term figure error (or form error) is the measured global deviation from the desired surface shape e.g, a sphere, asphere or polynomial geometric shape.
[0042] As used herein, form error is a low frequency error. Traditionally in optics, irregularity and power are the two specifications that need to be considered. Irregularity is the deviation from a perfect surface. Power is the resulting average surface dimensions e.g., radius of curvature.
[0043] As used herein, the term zonal enhancement is meant to indicate a correction of the figure error, which is located symmetrically or asymmetrically at one specific location (zone) on the work piece. For example, if a cylindrical...
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More PUM
Login to View More Abstract
A tool, apparatus, and method for polishing objects having a wide variety of materials and shapes including precision optical surfaces, injection mold inserts, and thin film coating dies. The tool has an inflatable bladder contained within an abrasive surface. The bladder may be inflated using a variety of fluids having a range of physical properties. The apparatus comprises a multi-axis computer controlled machine to which the tool is attached.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] A method and apparatus for correcting surface errors, and for polishing objects comprising a wide variety of materials and shapes including precision optical surfaces and injection mold inserts. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for correcting figure errors, and for polishing a wide variety of materials and shapes including but not limited to precision optical surfaces, injection mold inserts, thin film coating dies, and the like. The method of the present invention provides for improving and further finishing of any surface, ranging from a relatively rough ground surface to a polished surface. [0003] Typically the part being finished according to the present invention is measured with a coordinate measurement machine (CMM), a surface profilometer, an interferometer, microscope or some other measuring instrument capable of giving surface roughness and or profile data. The data from such measurement and a...
Claims
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More Application Information
Patent Timeline
Login to View More Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B24B13/01B24B13/06
CPCB24B13/06B24B13/01
InventorBECHTOLD, MIKE J.FOWLER, DARRYLE E.MOHRING, DAVID E.
OwnerOPTIPRO SYST