Igor Yashchenko, Optical Technician at JML, operates the ePX 200 CNC high speed spherical polisher.

OptiPro Systems is excited to welcome JML Optical Industries, LLC as a new customer for precision optics manufacturing equipment! JML Optical, a Rochester-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing precision optics for a wide range of global imaging applications, recently purchased two OptiPro machines: the eSX 150 CNC optical grinding machine and ePX 200 CNC high speed spherical polisher. The purchase is a result of the company's recent growth as well as a need to expand their capabilities and increase capacity.

By purchasing the eSX 150 and ePX 200, JML Optical is polishing larger diameter spherical optics, greatly reducing cycle times and significantly improving the surface finish of optical components. Bob Bicksler, JML Optical CEO, noted that "All of these benefits have a direct impact on return on investment and customer satisfaction. The addition of OptiPro's equipment to our manufacturing line-up enhances our capacity and capabilities. I'm excited about the opportunities this equipment gives JML to better serve our customers and to extend our reach to new customers and opportunities."

Learn more about JML Optical by visiting their newly redesigned website at www.jmloptical.com.

To find out more about the eSX 150 or ePX 200, go to www.optipro.com. Feel free to reach out to OptiPro for all your precision optics fabrication needs by contacting Adam Dunn (adunn@optipro.com, 585-265-0160 x245) or Dave Mohring (dmohring@optipro.com, 585-265-0160 x232).

The PRO Tower Vertical Interferometer is the newest metrology solution in OptiPro's product line. Capable of measuring the wavefront and radius of spherical optics up to 300 mm in diameter, the PRO Tower has been recently enhanced to include Heidenhain glass scales with 10nm resolution. The standard tower uses a rotary encoder on the servo motor that has 100 nanometer resolution. The glass scale increases the resolution of the machine by 10x and directly measures the stage displacement independent of the ball screw positioning. It also allows the movement of the stage to be measured independent of the ball screw so backlash does not interfere with your instrument.

LaCroix Optical, a custom manufacturer of precision optics from prototype to production, purchased the PRO Tower. Kirk Warden, Executive Vice President of LaCroix, recently stated, "The precision of the PRO Tower has enhanced our optical metrology capabilities. Its rigid structure and active dampening system provides a very stable metrology platform, even in a busy shop floor environment. We especially appreciate the automatic radius location feature which saves time when testing multiple parts." 

The PRO Tower is available in two versions: the PRO Tower 4i integrates a 4" Zygo Verifire Interferometer system, while the PRO Tower 6i operates with a 6" Zygo Verifire Interferometer. Both have programmable servo positioning of the Z-axis stage for easy use, as well as a powerfully simple Graphical User Interface. Available with a CGH stage for aspheric measurements, this robust platform is ideal for either fast in-process metrology or final metrology of precision optics.

Contact OptiPro today for more information on the PRO Tower or to request a quote.

OptiPro U Helps New and Experienced Machine Operators Polish Their Skills

OptiPro U Video - Click to watch >>

OptiPro recently wrapped up the third installment of OptiPro U, the week-long training course dedicated to educating individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a pro in CNC advanced optical manufacturing. The September 2012 OptiPro U class consisted of students with a variety of different skill sets, from beginner to advanced. Check out the video below, which goes into detail about OptiPro U and the positive impact it can have on your workforce. Richard Lutz, Metrology Lab Technician at JML Optical Industries and Don Morrison, Senior Manufacturing Engineer at General Dynamics explain the benefits they received from attending OptiPro U. Rich Lutz is brand new to the optics industry after successfully completing Monroe Community College's optics job readiness program, while Don Morrison has 30 years of experience in the optics industry.