ATS 200 - The First Alignment Turning Station with Fully Integrated Measurement Technology
The ATS 200 was developed with the aim of simplifying the alignment machining of mounted lenses for the user.
The ATS 200 is a combination of a compact and extremely stable turning machine and TRIOPTICS’ proven centration measurement device, the OptiCentric®. The ATS 200 is used to machine lens mounts so that the symmetry axis of the mount coincides with the optical axis of the lens assembled in the mount.
The integrated sensors increase the accuracy of the ATS 200
Using an integrated sensor, both the front and rear contact surfaces of the mounted lens can be measured with high precision and then machined. Air gaps between the lenses can be adjusted with high accuracy. The combination of turning machine and centration measurement technology means it is possible to manufacture mounted lenses with a centration error of less than 1 µm.
ATS 200 maching a mounted lens
The integrated gauges of the ATS measure the diameter of the mounted lens
Key Features:
- NEW: Choice between two kinds of spindles:
- Aerostatic spindle with a typical run out error <0.15 µm
- Hydrostatic spindle for heavy cells, hard materials and larger infeed with a typical run out error of <0.2 µm
- NEW: Automated plano-calotte alignment chuck for the precise alignment of the mounted lens
- Best specification for alignment turning of lenses up to 200 mm diameter
- Widest range of applications in the class for mounted lenses up to 200 mm diameter: Spherical, aspherical and infrared lenses, measurement of center thicknesses and flange surfaces
- Integral measurement technology: mechanical and optical distance sensors, OptiSurf® low-coherence interferometer, second autocollimator
- Intuitive Usage: One software solution for all measurement and machining processes
- Optimized granite setup increases rigidity and thermal stability in the working area
- Advantages of the vertical setup: Prevents the spindle causing a tilting moment during machining, reduced footprint, convenient loading and unloading
- Wear-free, aerostatic axes guarantee highest accuracy
The automated alignement chuck aligns the optical axis of the mounted lens with respect to the rotation axis
The ATS 200 AspheroCheck-Module measures the position of the asphere axis with respect to the rotation axis. Then the alignment chuck aligns the asphere axis with respect to the rotation axis.
Applications:
The alignment turning procedure has a very broad range of applications, from the smallest lenses used in microscope optics through to lenses for i-line steppers. The ATS 200 and ATS 400 alignment turning stations allow the manufacturing of almost all types of mounted lenses:
- Lenses for stepper optics
- Lenses for microscope and endoscope optics
- Mounted infrared lenses for safety applications
- Mounted aspherical lenses
- Lenses and components for high-quality digital camera lenses
- Lenses which cannot be glued in cell, e.g. for space applications
- Imaging optics for UV applications
- Optical assemblies with very high accuracy requirements
ATS 200 inside view
One Software Solution for all Measuring and Manufacturing Processes
The Windows-based graphical user interface for the ATS 200 combines the operation of all machine functions with the routines used to measure the centration. A graphical editor is used to first enter the relevant dimensions of the cell that are to be machined by the system. In addition, the optical data of the lens can be entered so as to be able to measure the centration of the lens. From these data, the software calculates all the movements of the axes, both for the measurement as well as for the subsequent machining of the cell. The software supports operation via touch screen. The operator can therefore change the cell data or production data by pressing the screen. Three permission levels make it possible to assign supervisor status to individual employees in order to make a distinction as to who can change what data in the program. While it is possible to call individual software functions specifically, the particular advantage of the software is its support for the series process. The software actively alerts the operator to the next steps to be taken and in particular monitors the result of the adjustment and production. At the end of the whole process the software can issue a certificate with the achieved tolerances. This allows subsequent retracing of individual mounted lenses back into production.
Input of the design data
Software view machining of the work piece
Key Features:
- Automatic assessment of centering error of both surfaces
- Graphical representation of the alignment process and accuracy
- Optimized travel of the axis reduces time for machining
- In-process control measurement before the final finishing
- Task oriented user guidance through the alignment process
- Certificates give information about the final accuracies of the cell
- Permission levels in three groups
- Prepared for touch screen usage
| ATS 200* | |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Vertical CNC turning machine with 3 aerostatic precision axes and integrated measurement systems |
| Measurement system | Based on OptiCentric® optional: OptiCentric® Dual |
| Maximum workpiece diameter | typical 20 ... 150 mm, optional 0 ... 200 mm |
| Maximum workpiece weight | 5 kg |
| Workpiece material | Diamond machinable non-ferrous metals (in particular brass, aluminum, NiPcoated steel) |
| Achromats | Yes |
| IR lenses | Yes, by infrared measurement head or OptiCentric® Dual |
| Aspheres | Yes, optional |
| Remaining centration error after machining | < 1 µm |
| Concentricity of the cell after machining | < 1 µm |
* All figures for brass cells with a diameter of 150 mm
Upgrades & Accessories for ATS 200
The ATS 200 is offered as a fully functional alignment turning machine with integrated measurement technology. In order to expand the application scope and also to increase the efficiency of the machine, TRIOPTICS offers various upgrades:
Upgrades that Increase Productivity for the ATS 200
- Hydrostatic spindle
- Automated alignment chuck
- Four way tool exchanger
- Second autocollimator
Tool Changer
Upgrades that Increase Flexibility
- Upgrade for the machining of mounted lenses with a diameter of 200 mm
- Measurement of aspherical lenses
- Measurement of infrared lenses with second autocollimator
- Optical sensors
- Head lens exchanger
If the optical axis of an aspherical lens needs to be aligned to the rotational axis of the spindle, it is necessary to expand the system. An additional sensor is integrated into the machine, adding asphere measurement functions to the software.
- Production of the lens cell with respect to the axis of the asphere
- The optical sensor is installed on a rotary table and can be positioned perpendicular to the lens surface
- Software update for measuring aspheres
