Precitech and Vision Research, both businesses of AMETEK, Inc., have partnered with Levicron, a German manufacturer of air-bearing spindles, to create a unique slow-motion video of ultra precision milling that allows viewers to see the process in detail. This ability has not been available until now.
The slow-motion video captures the creation of a brass lenslet using two industry-leading ultra precision machining tools – a Levicron spindle and Nanoform X lathe. The resulting lenslet has a surface finish of under 3 nm Ra and a form accuracy of less than 200 nm peak to valley.
The spindle is a Levicron model ASD060-Cx high-speed, air-bearing, tool-holding spindle capable of operating up to 100K rpm. The spindle is specifically designed to be highly productive and robust, and yet still achieve the tolerances required for ultra precision machining.
The spindle is mounted on a Nanoform X, Precitech's latest small-frame lathe that is designed for high productivity and ease of use in ultra precise diamond turning; milling; and grinding of optical lenses, mold inserts, mirrors, and precision mechanical components.
The action is captured at 480 frames per second using Vision Research's revolutionary Phantom Flex4K high-speed digital camera. The Phantom Flex4K delivers image quality with extremely low noise performance and a wide dynamic range. Built-in software allows complete on-camera control and editing, eliminating the need for a computer on set.
"We were excited to see this highly dynamic process revealed in such a high level of detail by the Phantom Flex4K camera. In addition to milling, we also captured several other diamond-turning processes, including the interaction between spray mist and chip formation," said Jeff Roblee, Precitech Vice President of Technology.
He also said that the videos will eventually be available on the company website.
Levicron manufactures precision air-bearing spindles for micro precision as well as ultra precision machining.
Precitech is a global manufacturer of innovative ultra precision machining solutions. It designs and manufactures machine tools for turning, milling, and grinding.
Vision Research is a global leader in high-speed digital imaging systems that are indispensable across a wide variety of applications, including defense, automotive, engineering, science, medical research, industrial manufacturing, packaging, sports broadcast, TV production and digital cinematography.
Both Precitech and Vision Research are units of AMETEK, Inc., a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
Watch the video here.
Leaders relevant to this article: