Solving the optics industry's problems: the bottom line

The Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) has developed a line of Opticam precision optics machining centers. Opticam (Optics Automation and Management) is an integral part of a flexible CIM (computer integrated manufacturing) system that includes integrated CAD/CAM, automatic tool changing, on-machine inspection, and SPC capabilities. Opticam is commercially available and can surface, edge, center, and bevel optics to high precision. It is being rapidly implemented in the optics industry. COM is also developing novel finishing techniques to complement the Opticam machining centers. The latest breakthrough in optical finishing is magnetorheological finishing (MRF). The advantages of MRF are that it achieves accurate computer control of final optical figure and surface microroughness and eliminates subsurface damage from grinding.