Bound Abrasive Polisher Concepts for the Center for Optics Manufacturing CNC Machining Centers

A major impediment to deterministic finishing of optical components is uneven polishing tool wear, which results in surface figure errors. In conventional viscoelastic pitch polishing with aqueous slurries containing CeO2, tools are pressed out periodically against a master reference as they become distorted. Surface quality (figure and finish) is achieved in a lengthy, iterative, labor intensive process. Natural felt pads and synthetic pads made from polyurethane have been employed to reduce polishing time, but the figure and smoothness achieved are inferior to those of pitch polished parts.