Innovative ultra-precision finish-machining processes for optical components

Beside the world wide recession in telecommunication and information technologies there is still an increasing demand for optical components with special geometries. Especially life science technologies such as bio and medical technologies are stamped by growth. To push the economic trend the attention has to be turned on the integration of emerging technologies. Optical products demand high accuracies, high surface roughness, complex geometries or micro structured surfaces as well as high reproducibility. Achieving these requirements by using conventional manufacturing technologies means high expense. The product complexity can even prevent the employment of these technologies. In this case generating functioning surfaces with moulding technologies have high potential. But product requirements can only be met by focusing on extensive UP-machining technologies for the manufacturing of complex moulds.