Polymer Optics

Injection molded prototypes are produced using the same material, technique, and process that will be used in production. This makes them ideal for testing purposes, as it reduces the risk of variables. G&H has developed several mold bases that allow our staff to quickly and precisely make inserts that meet the specifications of the customer's optics. Depending on the size and complexity of the optic, we can produce small volume, injection molded prototypes in as little as five weeks.

We work closely with our clients to:

• Understand their application
• Reduce risk
• Evaluate tolerances
• Establish quality metrics
• Build a mold that will consistently deliver uniform optical components

Our molding presses have a capacity of 20-200 tons with part sizes ranging from 2.5mm-150mm. We have complete precision optics manufacturing production capability and routinely handle programs from thousands to millions of parts per year. The automation on our presses can be customized to maximize efficiency and minimize handling costs.

We have extensive experience in molding materials such as:

• Acrylic
• NAS
• Polystyrene
• Polycarbonate
• COP: Zeonex, Zeonor

Diamond turning is used to create prototypes when injection molding is not feasible. Diamond turning is a manufacturing process used to cut the optical inserts for the mold cavity that will form the optical surface during injection molding. Diamond turned optics are very specular and require no post-machine polishing. They can be readily coated with a multi-layer thin film coating or metalized with Aluminum, Gold, or Silver for use as a first surface mirror. G&H coats all of its lenses and mirrors at its in-house thin film coating facility.

Our state-of-the-art diamond turning facility that is capable of creating optics (spherical, aspheric, or freeform) directly into a polymer substrate for part diameter dimensions of 3mm-430mm. Our Precitech Nanoform® X turning machines can produce low volume production and prototype components. We have slow tool capability as well as fresnel, raster, and lens array cutting expertise.

So we can better understand your requirements, please complete the product enquiry form below.