Says Jeff Roblee, divisional vice president of technologies for Precitech (UK agent - Ametek GmbH): “Diamond turning has many advantages over the conventional method for grinding tungsten carbide. With demonstrated feed rates of up to 6 mm per minute, finishing a standard test part takes less than a minute. Additionally, diamond turning is a deterministic process, and well-known techniques can be used to quickly manufacture even complex diffractive (kinoform) moulds and lens arrays.”
Part of the solution is Optimus T+1, an innovative solution that uses a laser beam passed through an optically transparent diamond tool. The laser is delivered precisely at the tool-workpiece interface. Explains Deepak Ravindra, founder and CEO of Micro-LAM, Inc: “The system improves part quality with a thermal softening effect that reduces the brittleness and enhances the machinability of the material. This creates a better surface finish and significantly reduces surface and subsurface damage.”
The Nanoform Xtc has been tested on standard- and high-grade (binderless) tungsten carbide, and surface finish and form accuracy have been shown to be significantly improved over a ground surface. In addition to tungsten carbide, the Nanoform Xtc and the Optimus T+1 have been demonstrated effective on infrared (IR) materials such as silicon (Si), zinc sulfide (ZnS), calcium fluoride (CaF2), germanium (Ge), and zinc selenide (ZnSe).