eSX 150 CNC Optical Grinder, one of three OptiPro machines at Corning Fairport

Corning Fairport (formerly Corning Tropel) has been a loyal customer of OptiPro's since 2001, when the company purchased the SXL 300 CNC optical generator. Since then, Corning has purchased two more machines, an eSX 150 optical grinder and the OptiTrace 2700 surface profilometer. Corning continues to purchase from OptiPro because the machines achieve the demanding results that Corning desires.

Richard Nasca, Finishing Technology Leader at Corning, Inc, can attest to this. According to Mr. Nasca, "the OptiPro SXL 300 and eSX 150 grinders have delivered exceptional results in terms of reliability and repeatability. The machines consistently hit the tight tolerances we aim for when manufacturing spherical lenses and performing special geometric shaping operations. No matter what materials we are processing, from standard glass to crystals and ceramics ideal for transmitting UV light, the SXL 300 and eSX 150 perform.

In addition, we recently purchased the OptiTrace 2700 surface profilometer and are impressed with the ease of use and the software's ability to look at multiple profiles at the same time and generate 3D topographical maps. The OptiTrace 2700 surface profilometer adds the required metrology for our optical fabrication department."

From cover glass for consumer electronics, to microlithography solutions for the semiconductor industry and many applications in between, Corning Fairport develops customer-driven solutions for a wide variety of material and optical challenges.

To learn more about the company, go to www.corning.com/specialtymaterials/index.aspx.

To find out how OptiPro can help your company prosper in the precision optics manufacturing industry, contact us by calling 585-265-0160 or send emails to sales@optipro.com.

Learn more about OptiPro U >>

The Spring 2013 OptiPro U course on Advanced Optical Manufacturing will be held April 22nd to 26th at OptiPro's state-of-the-art facility in Ontario, NY. OptiPro recently expanded its Advanced Process Development (APD) lab from roughly 2,800 square feet to about 4,250 square feet to accommodate increased business activity for optical manufacturing equipment. A larger APD lab means more machines for our students to utilize throughout the week-long course!

OptiPro U allows students to learn how to use the latest CNC optical fabrication equipment and metrology solutions developed at OptiPro. Throughout the week, students will learn the history and the theory behind precision optics fabrication. Emphasis is placed on deterministic microgrinding of spheres and aspheres, high-speed polishing of spheres, and sub-aperture polishing of aspheres while implementing interferometric and profilometer metrology systems.

Students will also receive ample hands on experience in putting classroom lectures to practice by using OptiPro's APD laboratory. Here, they will use the latest OptiPro eSX grinding, ePX high-speed polishing, and UltraForm Finishing (UFF) platforms, as well as the OptiTrace 5000 profilometer and PRO Tower vertical interferometer.

Cost for the entire week of training is only $1,750 and includes lunch, dinner and special evening activities. Click here to learn more about OptiPro U. To sign up, contact Adam Dunn at 585-265-0160 x245 or send emails to adunn@optipro.com.

CNC High Speed Spherical Lens Polishing - OptiPro PRO 80P >>

As any optical manufacturing company knows, a vital part of owning CNC high speed spherical polishing equipment is keeping up with maintenance. Here are some tips and tricks regarding the OptiPro PRO 80P Spherical Polisher:

• Use a plastic liner in the containment holding tank to reduce slurry caking
• Teflon coated containment vessel allows for fast cleanups and wipe downs
• Ergonomics is essential for faster setups and cycle times - a containment area with large door allows the operator to easily reach any area
• Quick change bellows helps with a speedy slurry changeover
• Stainless steel pump prevents corrosion and slurry contamination
• Pressure and return lines fitted with quick disconnect fittings for fast service with no tool requirements

Consider an additional slurry system cart...

• Additional slurry system quickly rolls in and runs with warm water when the machine is not in use to keep the system clean and ready for slurry changeovers
• The additional slurry system can be used to flush the machine platform while the primary unit is cleaned