Diamond machining of flats, spherics, and aspherics

This paper describes a study of single point natural diamond machining techniques applied to machining flats, spherics and aspherics. It begins by examining four critical features of the diamond machining process that must be understood and applied before flats, spherics and aspherics can be diamond machined. The four critical features are as follows:- The unique physical properties of natural diamond that make it the ideal material for micro precision machining. The high quality machine design principles that must be applied to obtain optical surfaces and form. The design features of component fixturing for successful production of metal optics. How the accuracy and form stability of precision diamond machined optical components depend on the choice of material and the quality of the blank.