Abstract

The proper alignment of the tool and the workpiece in a curve generator is essential for manufacturing precision optics. Misalignments result in deviation from the desired shape of the lens. We summarize the development of desktop software which predict the amount of deviation of a generated spherical surface from a perfect sphere in terms of the misalignment between the axes of the tool and the workpiece. The software can be used to create a database correlating surface errors and axes misalignments. Such a database is of use to operators of curve generating machines, such as the Opticam SM and Opticam SX, who may thus be able quantitatively to predict the amount of correction required to remove a given amount of surface error.

© 1994 Optical Society of America