Three-Axis Optical Polishing for Large Lens Surface Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for polishing large optical lenses and mirrors are economically inefficient and require expensive, lengthy correction processes to achieve high precision and low surface roughness, especially when using polishing foils or pitch.
Innovation Solution
A three-axis polishing device and method that allows for the use of polishing foils or pitch, where the workpiece holder ring is positioned vertically above the polishing tool, enabling interpolating movements along the X, Z axes, and pivoting about a swivel axis, with the workpiece resting on the tool by gravity, and synchronized rotational speeds to maintain precise polishing without additional holding devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional polishing methods with polishing foils or pitch are used, then polishing can be performed on large optical lenses and mirrors, but the process is economically inefficient and requires expensive lengthy correction processes to achieve high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamic motion control by implementing synchronized rotational movement between the workpiece holder ring and polishing tool, combined with three-axis interpolating movements (X, Z, and swivel axis). This dynamic coordination maintains optimal contact conditions between the polishing surfaces throughout the process, enabling high precision polishing without requiring additional correction steps, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion parameters by establishing a specific relationship between rotational speeds of the workpiece holder ring and polishing tool, and by controlling the three-axis interpolating movements. These parameter changes enable the polishing process to achieve surface qualities of λ/50 to λ/100 with roughness of 2 to 3 Angstroms directly, eliminating the need for expensive corrective polishing processes and improving both precision and efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If additional holding devices are used to maintain precise polishing, then polishing accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece holder ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the workpiece, provides synchronized rotational movement, and enables three-axis interpolating motions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate holding devices and complex positioning mechanisms, achieving high polishing accuracy while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise polishing through self-contained synchronized motion control between the workpiece holder ring and polishing tool. The interpolating movements and rotational speed synchronization are internally coordinated without requiring external holding devices or additional control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables economical and high-precision polishing of large lenses and mirrors, maintaining tool shape stability and achieving surface qualities of λ/50 to λ/100 and roughness of 2 to 3 Angstroms without additional correction processes.
Implementation Method 1
the workpiece resting on the tool by gravity
Implementation Method 2
The polishing process has both a mechanical removal function and chemical and thermal effects
Implementation Method 3
The polishing process has both a mechanical removal function and chemical and thermal effects
Implementation Method 4
The polishing process has both a mechanical removal function and chemical and thermal effects
Implementation Method 5
The necessary drive for this is located in the workpiece spindle... The tool spindle and the workpiece spindle rotate synchronously
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for polishing an optical lens or an optical mirror with a polishing tool and with a workpiece holder ring for receiving the optical lens or optical mirror, wherein the workpiece holder ring is arranged in a vertical direction above the tool, wherein the device has three axes (X1, Z1, Bl) movable during the polishing process for moving the workpiece holder ring and the polishing tool. (Fig. 1).