polish_seatle02.doc.docVIP

Novel CNC polishing process for control of form and texture on aspheric surfaces D.D. Walkera,b, A.T.H. Beaucamp b, D. Brooksa , R. Freeman b, A. Kinga , G. McCavana b, R. Morton b, D. Riley b, J. Simms b aOptical Science Laboratory, Dept Physics and Astronomy University College, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT b Zeeko Ltd, at ACC Systems Ltd, 6 Vulcan Way, Vulcan Court, Hermitage Industrial Estate, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FW ABSTRACT We first consider the potential impact of a technology that could deliver polished, accurate aspheric surfaces in a routine and automated manner. We then summarise the technical challenge, and present an appraisal of the performance of the novel Precessions process, which is a major advance in this direction. We outline the design concepts behind the productionized CNC polishing machines which executes the process, and then describe the progress developing strategies to preserve form when polishing ground surfaces, and to correct form on both pre-ground and polished surfaces. Particular consideration is given to resolving the inherent difficulties of control of centres on rotationally-symmetric parts. We then report on experimental results achieved with the machines. Finally, we present our programme to extend the control-algorithms to handle fully free-form surfaces, and draw conclusions about the effectiveness and generality of the Precessions technique. Introduction The ‘Precessions’ polishing process has already been described at earlier stages in its development 1,2,3. At the time of the present paper, two IRP200 (200mm capacity) CNC machine-tools have been produced, and the emphasis of the development programme has changed from machine development to process development. In this paper we describe the results of the more recent work, which has been conducted as a collaborative programme between Zeeko, UCL and Loh Optikmaschinen. The first IRP600 machine is under commissioning at UCL, and design of a 1m machine will commenc