Surface grinding machine G-100

flatopticalPLC-controlled

Overview
An infrared optics grinding machine designed for small-aperture production. The single-spindle G-100 generates convex, concave or flat surfaces on the same spindle for germanium (Ge), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), silicon (Si) and sapphire blanks up to Ø 100 mm. Surface form is held to ±0.005 mm and centering to ≤ 20″ arc-seconds using the integrated centroscope.

Quick facts

• Workpiece range: Ø 10–100 mm (thickness ≤ 30 mm)
• Typical cycle / face: ~40–50 s on Ø 40 mm Ge (0.5 mm allowance); ~70–80 s on Ø 80–100 mm
• Surface form after grinding: within ±0.005 mm
• Centering tolerance (centroscope): ≤ 20″ arc-seconds

Machine build and control

• PLC + servo control with English HMI and handheld controller (not full CNC)
• Cast-iron base for vibration damping; spindle vibration ≤ ±3 µm
• NSK 7203C / 7005AC P4 mechanical bearings, natural air cooling
• Single spindle handles convex, concave and flat surfaces without tool change

Key features

• Convex, concave & flat generation on the same spindle and chuck — no wheel or fixture swap required
• Surface form capability ±0.005 mm and ≤ 20″ centering via integrated centroscope
• Edge chipping controlled to < 0.2 mm on Ge / ZnSe with recommended spindle stability and wheel selection
• High throughput: ~45 s / face on Ø 40 mm Ge (typical) to avoid line bottlenecks
• Recommended grinding wheel: electroplated nickel-bond 350–400 grit on #45 steel base
• Ships with parameter sets and one wheel per common grit; wheel change under five minutes once spindle calibrated

Materials supported

• Germanium (Ge) — 350–400 grit recommended, gentle infeed
• Zinc selenide (ZnSe) — light contact, fresh slurry to reduce chipping
• Zinc sulfide (ZnS) — similar approach to ZnSe
• Silicon (Si) — mature spherical grinding parameter set
• Sapphire — slower material removal, scratch-resistant final surface
• BK7 / K9 optical glass — used as reference workflow for wheel checks

Datasheet (standard configuration)
Workpiece diameter: Ø 10 – 100 mm
Workpiece thickness: ≤ 30 mm
Surface types: convex · concave · flat (same spindle)
Axis positioning accuracy: ±0.003 mm
Spindle radial / axial runout: within 0.005 mm
Spindle vibration (displacement): ≤ ±3 µm
Surface form after grinding: within 0.005 mm
Centering tolerance (centroscope): ≤ 20″ arc-seconds
Diameter tolerance: ±0.01 mm
Roundness: ≤ 0.01 mm
Edge chipping (Ge / ZnSe): < 0.2 mm
Cycle / face (Ø 40 mm Ge, 0.5 mm side allowance): ~40–50 s
Cycle / face (Ø 80–100 mm): ~70–80 s
Recommended wheel: electroplated nickel-bond, 350–400 grit on #45 steel base
Coolant: water-soluble emulsion
Bearings: NSK 7203C / 7005AC P4 — mechanical, natural air-cooled
Linear guides: 4-direction equal-load preload precision rail
Ball screws: single-nut un-flanged rolled C7 preload
Control: PLC + servo · English HMI · handheld controller
Drawing standard: ISO 10110
Service life (well-maintained, clean environment): 20–30 years

Notes
The integrated centroscope provides optical-axis centering before each grind cycle and is the method used to achieve the ≤ 20″ centering tolerance. The machine is optimized for spherical small-aperture IR production rather than CNC freeform aspherics. A free sample grind and metrology report can be provided as a capability proof; contact details are omitted here.

Technical specifications

• Model: G-100
• Workpiece diameter: Ø 10–100 mm
• Max thickness: ≤ 30 mm
• Axis positioning accuracy: ±0.003 mm
• Spindle runout: ≤ 0.005 mm radial/axial
• Spindle vibration: ≤ ±3 µm
• Form tolerance after grind: ±0.005 mm
• Centering (centroscope): ≤ 20″ arc-seconds
• Recommended wheel: electroplated nickel-bond 350–400 grit
• Coolant: water-soluble emulsion
• Control: PLC + servo, English HMI, handheld controller