• Nanotech 350FG Ultra-Precision Freeform Generator

Machine Features

·        Allows raster flycutting and/or grinding of freeform surfaces, linear diffractive surfaces, and prismatic optical structures

·        Allows increased swing capacity to 20” dia. (500mm) for off-axis and toric components

·        Box-way hydrostatic oil bearing slides with 12” of travel on Z, 14” of travel on X, 6” vertical travel on Y, and an adaptive air bearing counterbalance assembly on the vertical axis for optimal servo performance

·        Dual linear motors on Y-Axis

·        Workspindle imbedded into the Y-Axis carriage to improve loop stiffness, reduce Abbe errors, and maintain symmetry

·        Thermally insensitive linear scale feedback system with 8.6nm resolution

Diamond Turning of Cores and Cavities Coated with Electroless Nickel

Eliminates Grinding and Polishing of Tooling…

 Ultra-Precision Lathes are now offering the plating industry the next generation of deterministic diamond turning.  This specialized process caters to the growing demand for rapid diamond turning of nickel coated tooling where ultra precision molding requires nanometer level surface finishes and sub micron form accuracies.  Machines are built with hydrostatic oil bearings, linear axes and a swing capacity of 220mm – larger swing capacities and multi-axis systems are available. High-speed work spindles are designed for thermal stability and rigidity, providing the elimination of grinding and allowing greater production speeds without sacrificing quality.

These lathes are primarily used to produce high-end optical components such as mirrors and lenses, but can also be used for non-rotationally symmetrical components as well.  In many cases, these lathes produce surface finishes down to 1 nanometer Ra (one billionth of a meter) and sub micron form accuracies!  The thickness of a human hair is 76,000 nanometers.

Over the past year a few mold makers have purchased such machines to diamond turn nickel-coated mold tooling. The advantages are that it is very fast to repair an electroless/electrolytic plated nickel surface with diamond turning, plus they can eliminate the grueling task of grinding tool steel without sacrificing quality.  Also, the thickness of the nickel coating allows the opportunity of diamond turning the nickel-plated tool more than once.  For mold makers looking for efficient alternatives to grind and polish operations, there may be many more opportunities for employing this nano-surface manufacturing technology.

Photos courtesy of Moore Nanotechnology Systems