![]() ![]() In comparison, light reflecting off a larger inner diameter (ID) will be cut-off by the system's aperture. ![]() When mounting on a mechanical inner diameter (based on contact points with the radii), glare may result from light reflecting off a spacer, retainer ring or mounting seat/shelf. The final lens diameter should be chosen to accommodate lens mounting (see Figure 2).įigure 2: Mechanical Mounting Considerations Once clear apertures have been determined, it is important that designers understand how the lens will be mounted, ground and polished. Values typically held constant include: diameter, center thickness, and glass material. It's the designer's job to solve for the unknowns, typically by regarding certain specifications like radii as variables while holding other values constant. These lenses can also reduce the cost of test plates and reduce production time.Īny design starts with a given application and the known values associated with it. In order to avoid this added cost select equi-convex or equi-concave lenses. Ask any assembler how they feel about lenses that have nearly the same radii on their outer surfaces, and they will tell you stories of multiple tear-downs to correct for lenses mounted in the wrong direction. Choices made during the design stage that appear inconsequential can prove to be crucial.įor example, the simple act of making elements equi-convex or equi-concave can eliminate problems and save costs in seemingly unrelated processes such as assembly. By investing some time at a local optics shop, designers can experience firsthand the fabrication techniques employed by an optician. Knowledge of manufacturing practices allows designers to construct the most economical solution. In addition, the readily available prescription data for most lenses and even many multi-element lenses are encouraging designers to use stock lenses (see Figure 1). ![]() In some cases, stock lenses may not be practical for manufacturing a given application but may be suitable for fast prototyping. Stock lenses can be integrated into custom multi-element designs, yielding significant cost savings at a marginal sacrifice in performance. The need to minimize costs is addressed by off-the-shelf catalog lenses, which have the dual advantage of being inexpensive compared to a small custom production run as well as being immediately available. Unfortunately, no software provides a subroutine to assure that costs are minimized. Designers need to not only be aware of the nuances of fabrication, assembly, coating, etc, but also with how to integrate costs with the demands of the intended application. But with growing industry demands, designers need to incorporate all aspects of production into their design in order to ensure that the final product will be brought successfully to market. That is why experienced designers weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using one lens design code over another prior to any actual design. The proper interpretation of optimized results is just as important as the input of correct information. As most designers know, optical design software can be a powerful tool. ![]()
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