ABSTRACT
Ultra-precision machining has become an enabling tool to achieve very high levels of performance in various application areas. Use of extensive polymer optics in day-to-day use as well as for emerging advanced applications is possible, owing to the developments in precision machining equipment, like diamond turn machines. This chapter presents a detailed discussion to give an overall idea about the application of diamond turn machining (DTM) in various fields. Applications include polymer optics and mold insert, metal optics and other ultra-precision engineering products. Polymer optics include LED optics, light reflectors, freeform optics, infrared optics, imaging optics, display optics, street light illumination, IR and UV optics and ophthalmic lenses. DTM can be carried out on metals, polymers and crystals. These materials can be finish machined to have the required surface finish and shape without causing rapid tool wear. The chapter highlights the relevance of DTM for machining of optics.
