To reduce size, weight and cost, aspheric optics are extensively utilized in modern optical systems like AR/VR headsets, surveillance systems and semiconductor applications. To achieve the desired level of efficiency, the optics must be machined and mythologized with extreme precision.
A single-point diamond turning lathe, such as those made by Precitech in Keene, NH, is one of the manufacturing instruments used to make precise aspheres.
Precitech goes to considerable lengths to keep environmental variables out of the way of the creation of high-quality products. Thermal drift and floor vibration are examples of such variables. Precitech uses TMC isolators to offer optimum performance when it comes to reducing floor vibration.
Similarly, TMC vibration isolation systems are used by ZYGO to measure these optics. ZYGO selected a TMC solution based on the industry-standard Gimbal Piston Pneumatic Isolator for their new advanced VerifireTM Asphere+ interferometer.
The vertically integrated manufacturing headquarters in Peabody, Massachusetts, developed and produced the isolation system.
Image Credit: TMC Vibration Control
The VerifireTM Asphere+ is a metrology tool that measures aspheric shaped optics’ deviation from concept and surface form. The system includes a high-resolution Fizeau interferometer for surface characterization and a linear displacement interferometer for precise monitoring of the part stage's Z-axis motion.
The Verifire Asphere+ utilizes a mixture of interferometric technologies and a stable platform to give accurate metrology on the manufacturing floor, enabling users to get quick feedback without having to stop production to go to a metrology lab.
TMC created the Verifire Asphere+ vibration isolation technology specifically for this purpose. The structure has four legs to the floor for support.
The upper half of the vibration isolation system, however, only has three supports for the tool since the front of the system must be accessible to load and unload components. The entrance door remains open for convenient access.
This design also allows for a lower center of gravity, which improves vibration isolation.
Image Credit: TMC Vibration Control
A mechanical control valve regulates the floating height of each pneumatic leg. The support system was designed to connect to the Verifire Asphere+ high up on the machine, lowering the center of gravity and boosting the system’s durability and vibration isolation.
Casters and leveling feet are other important features of the vibration isolation platform. These may appear to be small characteristics, but they are really useful in moving the system around and maintaining stability.
The casters can be used to move the system to its intended place without the need for a fork truck.
The leveling feet are then deployed to level out any discrepancies in the floor after it has reached its final position. The casters are raised as a result, and they no longer contact the floor. TMC’s years of experience with installs and rigging have led to easy-to-use solutions like these.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as ZYGO are specialists in their field. ZYGO manufactures the greatest non-contact metrology equipment in the world. TMC creates the best vibration control solutions in the world.
OEMs should contact TMC to create a vibration control system. For more than 50 years, TMC has been designing vibration control systems for several of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by TMC Vibration Control.
For more information on this source, please visit TMC Vibration Control.