Products developed during the Production4µ project

Aixtooling: Process know-how for the mold manufacturing applied in precision glass molding

Aixtooling gains world wide leadership in the field of mold manufacturing for precision glass molding. The aim of producing highly complex optics through an efficient process, the precision glass molding is therewith enabled.

CERATIZIT: Carbide Tools for Precision Blank Pressing

CERATIZIT has developed new carbide tools for precision glass moulding, relying on the newly developed cemented carbide grade CTN01L for moulds in precision form applications. This grade has a very high wear resistance, a microstructure free of metallic binder phase and a very small grain size (<0,2 µm). The material composition and special production process parameters enable a smooth (Ra <3nm) and defect free mould surface after the finishing and grinding process, which is essential for optical applications.

Fisba: Cylinder lens array for diode lasers

Diode lasers are highly energy efficient components used for material processing. E.g. surface structuring with pulsed lasers can be performed with this systems.

IBS: Triskelion Ultra Precision Tactile System

IBS Precision Engineering has developed an new ultra-precision touch probe system, the Triskelion Ultra Precision Tactile System. This probe system is suitable for point measurements as well as scanning. Its excellent measuring uncertainty and full 3D measurement capabilities make it suitable for ultra-precision 3D metrology. Possible applications include 3D ultraprecision (micro-/nano-) CMMs as well as on-machine metrology on machine tools.

Ingeneric: Rotational symmetrical aspherical glass lens for high power lasers

High power lasers are employed for efficient material processing such as metal and plastics manufacturing. Such lasers can perform welding or cutting operations.

LT Ultra: DK 130 Air Bearing Spindle

LT Ultra has developed a new air bearing spindle, named DK 130. It is characterized by an ultra-precision double sphere air bearing design.
The system has a torque drive and an integrated angle measurement system for automatic positioning during  tool changes. The fully integrated, automatic balancing device supports single-plane balancing, with a balancing quality down to 1 µm/sec residual oscillation speed. It allows for automated procedures after the tool change and supersedes manual balancing.

Schott: New glass type PSK-58 optimized for glass molding

Schott introduces a new glass type named P-SK58A, which is optimized for glass moulding. The transformation temperature of the glass is relatively low and therefore the moulding process can be performed at low temperatures. At the same time the optical quality of the glass is high and enables high quality lenses.

System3R: MacroNano

To interconnect the micro-precision production chain, System3R has realized a system called “MacroNano Chuck” which enables an ultraprecision coupling for both workpieces and tools. With a MacroNano system in the production chain, the workpiece can move from machine to machine through the whole production chain without losing the nano precision and reference. This level of precision is made possible through a system approach where all components of the system- the chuck, the pallet and the drawbar- are produced using the best design practices and state of the art manufacturing technology.

Taylor Hobson: Form Talysurf PGI BLU (3D)

Dedicated to the metrology of ultra-precision form tools, Taylor Hobson has developed the Form Talysurf PGI BLU (3D). This system is able to precisely measure the 3D form of shallow and steep aspherical lenses and moulds. Steep aspheric optics provide one of the biggest challenges today to ultra-high precision measurement. The Form Talysurf PGI Blue is able to meet these requirements, offering a λ/12 or 50nm form-measurement ability  with fully automatic operation. Providing a rendered 3D map of surface astigmatism, the PGI Blue is the perfect tool for mass production and R&D alike, allowing the full characterization of components without any difficulty.