Investigation of polishing characteristics for aspherical lenses manufacturing

Abstract

Spherical lenses were used in conventional indus-try for a long time, but new types of lenses have been created during the innovation processes. One type of lenses is as-pherical. Two main parameters describing the quality of as-pherical lenses are accuracy of the form shape and surface roughness. These parameters can be obtained after the last operation – polishing. The technical parameters that have the biggest influence on the form shape and surface rough-ness were investigated in this experiment, and optimal tech-nical parameters for the polishing process were established. Melted quartz “UVFS” was used in this research, the inves-tigations were carried out according to full factorial design. The five-axis CNC machine Schneider SCPA100 was used for polishing and the profilometer Nanoscan 855 was used for measurements. After the analysis of the results, it was found out that the speed of rotation and penetration depth are the most important factors in the polishing process. To obtain the best shape, it is necessary to use the smallest cho-sen values of rotation speed and penetration depth, whereas the parameters for surface roughness polishing change con-versely. The smallest value of surface roughness Rz was 0.06 μm, and shape deviation was 2.6 μm. Optimal polish-ing parameters for the best quality of aspherical lenses are provided.