Ultrasonic-assisted diamond turning of glass and steel

Highly complex, optical functional parts made of steel or glass materials can currently be manufactured only in time-consuming operations which require subsequent polishing. It is frequently impossible to manufacture micro-structured parts at all. The technique of ultrasonic-assisted turning, using monocrystalline diamond tools has proved a promising approach to closing this technological gap in manufacturing. The article illustrates that this innovative technology permits microstructures as well as steel and glass parts to be manufactured in a turning process with the surface quality required of optical parts and provides an overview of the efficiency of this technique.