Optical Surface Quality & Scratch Dig Inspection

Controlling the evaluation of optical surface quality

Optical surface quality refers to surface imperfections, such as scratches, digs, sleeks and crush marks, which can be introduced to a component surface during the various manufacturing steps.

Depending on a component’s application, surface imperfections can have a direct impact on performance, and as a result, several industry standards exist for controlling the evaluation of optical surface quality through defined specifications and methods, including MIL-PRF-13830B, ISO-10110-7 & ISO-14997.

Following these standards, manufacturers commonly assess and inspect optical surfaces visually by eye. It is widely understood that this approach is inherently subjective, non-repeatable and lacking traceability, which ultimately leads to disagreements that have a measurable negative impact on process confidence, product quality and ultimately business performance.

Innovation at RedLux

Machine vision can support solving this problem by objectively inspecting and evaluating surface quality to the applicable standards, while delivering automated traceable documentation.

Solutions

OptiLux SD

OptiLux SD is RedLux’s comprehensive and powerful solution for controlled inspection of flat optical surfaces.

Patented inspection technology

OptiLux SD’s patented inspection technology supports both visual and dimensional inspection standards, delivering repeatability, reproducibility and throughput performance that finally allows you to build confidence in your inspection process and product quality.

Read more about optilux SD
Scratch-dig-comparison-set-paddle

Optical Surface Imperfection & Scratch Dig Comparison Standards

RedLux’s scratch-dig comparison reference sets have been developed to provide the optics industry with a consistent and reliable source of scratch and dig visual comparison targets for grading surface imperfections.

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Case Studies

Crystran

In 2016 leading UK Optical component manufacturer, Crystran, made a decision to bolster their quality control capability by investing in OptiLux SD. Managing Director Mark Middleton provides you with his feedback.

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Relevant Blog Articles

    • Visual Inspection: Assessing Optical Surface Quality by Eye (read …)
    • What is Optical Surface Quality? (read …)
    • How to Interpret the Optical Surface Quality Standards (read …)
    • Understanding Optical Surface Quality: MIL-PRF-13830B (MIL-O13830) (read …)
    • Scratch-Dig Comparison Sets and Paddles: Buyers Guide (read …)
    • Understanding Optical Surface Quality: ISO 10110-7 (&ISO 14997) (read …)

Relevant White Papers

    • Optical Surface Quality Standards – An Industry Guide to MIL-PRF-13830B and ISO 10110-7 (download …)
    • Scratch Dig Inspection – An Industry Guide to Machine Vision & Automation Solutions (download …)

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