WEAR-BASED ASPHERICS GENERATOR BASED ON A NOVEL ELLIPTIC ROTATOR

Derived from an earlier development [fabrication of ultraprecise surfa ces using a tube; patent pending (FAUST)], a new fabrication technique to produce on- and off-axis optical surfaces of revolution is present ed. Although based on a shape-copying method, it is possible to genera te different types of surfaces with the same machining tool. Load-cont rolled point-contact machining is applied using a small tool that is g uided along a predetermined tool path, not requiring an in-process too l-path control. This fabrication technique constitutes a self-correcti ng process and is characterized by an advantageous error propagation b etween tool path and workpiece shape. The characteristics of this fabr ication technique are discussed together with its application for the generation of on- and off-axis surfaces with conic sections as generat ors (''conic surfaces''). We present the design of a first setup for p roduction oi conic surfaces that facilitates the generation of all kin ds of conic surfaces on the same machine, featuring a pantograph enabl ing the production of different scales of the surfaces. A discussion o f first experimental data is also presented. (C) 1998 Society of Photo -Optical Instrumentation Engineers.