The optical communication industry has seen impressive growth in the last decade. Its market size was valued at $18.7 billion in 2020 alone and is projected to surpass $37.6 billion by 2028. One of the key technologies contributing to the impressive growth of this industry in recent years is CNC machining.
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining relies on computer code to convert 3D CAD models into machined parts, making them highly accurate in fabricating optical communication parts.
This article will cover the basics of CNC machining precision optical components. We will also look at the different optical communication parts you can manufacture using CNC machining.
CNC Machining Precision Optical Components: The Process
The CNC machining process starts with the product designer creating a 3D CAD model of the desired optical component using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Then, using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, this 3D CAD model is converted into a computer program (g-code).
The g-code controls the sequence of movement of the CNC cutting tools and workpiece to create the desired optical assemblies.
4 Precision Optical Component Parts Manufactured Using CNC Machines
#1 Lenses
Lenses are a key component in optical communication systems: they help to gather more light than the human eye could collect on its own, making distant objects appear clearer and magnified.
Lenses come in different types (aspheres lenses, fresnel lenses, etc.), dimensions, and optical materials (optical glasses, crystals, and plastics). But one thing that is common about these varieties of lenses is that they are challenging to manufacture using conventional manufacturing methods. As a result, optical communication component manufacturers rely heavily on CNC machines to fabricate these parts.
For example, in the manufacture of lenses made of optical glass, manufacturers start by cutting slabs of this glass workpiece to form round blanks using CNC milling machines. Next, they perform secondary manufacturing processes to convert these blanks into the desired lens shape.
What’s more, CNC machines’ compatibility with dense materials means optical communication companies can fabricate high-index glasses: high index glasses are typically very dense and used in specific applications with stringent lens quality requirements.
#2 Microscope and microscope components
An electron microscope typically features a lens holder, which helps to handle and protect the delicate lens. As you may have guessed, the optical performance of electron microscopes depends on the dimensional accuracy of the lens and lens holder.
CNC machines can produce lens holders to high accuracy, allowing product designers to meet stringent tolerance requirements, common in the optical communication industry.
#3 Laser components
Lasers are essential devices in a wide range of industries, especially the medical sector, where they are used for surgical procedures. A laser is made of several components, all of which must be fabricated to high accuracy and tight tolerances to achieve desirable performance.
CNC machines are used to manufacture the casings, start rings, and mirrors commonly found in lasers. Because CNC machines can fabricate parts to meet a tolerance requirement of 4 μm and surface roughness of Ra 0.9 μm, they are the preferred machining technology for laser components demanding high dimensional accuracy and excellent surface finish.
#4 Custom Optical Parts
Lasers, microscopes, and other optical communication devices are typically manufactured in small volumes. As a result, you might experience challenges when replacing optical components or obsolete parts.
One way by which optical communication companies are mitigating this challenge is by CNC manufacturing customer-specific optical parts using third-party CNC machining service providers.
Through reverse engineering, these machine shops convert physical samples of the obsolete part into a 3D CAD model. An experienced machinist will then program a CNC machine to recreate these samples accurately and precisely.
Learn more about custom machining.
CNC Machining Precision Optical Components: Gensun Can Help
Without a doubt, CNC machines are ideal for manufacturing a wide variety of precision optical components. However, the success of your optical component manufacturing project primarily depends on the machine shop you work with.
You want to work with a machine shop that has state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment as well as highly qualified engineers capable of creating parts accurately and precisely. Also, you should look for manufacturers that comply with the regulatory standards in the industry you intend to serve.
Gensun Precision Machining is a trusted name in the optical communication industry. Using top-of-the-line CNC machining technologies, our highly qualified CNC machinists and engineers help optical communication companies to create a broad range of products accurately and precisely. Besides, our facility is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 13485:2016 certified.
Learn more about our CNC machining services.
