Mirror Panels for GOES Weather Satellite
Optical polishing is a free abrasive process. An ultra fine abrasive compound in a slurry is applied to a polishing tool. The work part is placed on top of the polishing tool and moved to cause very fine, micro inch cutting at a highly controlled rate. To ensure the finest finishes possible, optical polishing is performed in a controlled environment. There is no stress introduced in this process. By comparison, diamond lapping would be considered a roughing operation to be performed before optical polishing.
Autocollimation of Reference
Cubes to .2 Arc Seconds
Optical Polishing Offers These Advantages:
- Introduces no stress due to highly controlled micro inch cutting. Compact disc molds, air bearings and satellite components can be processed to mirror quality finishes. Stock removal of as little as one millionth of an inch is possible.
- Select material can be polished to within .025 micron (.000001") flatness over areas as large as 18". Sizes and dimensions can be held to .05 micron (.000002"). Angularity can be maintained within .2 arc seconds.
- Excellent quality and repeatability of surface finish on select materials is typical. Optical polishing can produce finish quality on the order of .08 micro inch roughness. Typical materials include soft and hard stainless steels, electroless nickel plated aluminum or steel, chrome plated parts, brass, carbide and ceramics.
Spin mirror for High Altitude Reconnaissance
System used by Military Aircraft
