Optics manufacturers are facing an increasingly competitive environment with rapidly changing technical requirements, shorter delivery times, price pressures, smaller batch sizes – to name just a few of the challenges.

The answer to these requirements is the Surfacing Center SCG 121 – a very flexible and highly integrated manufacturing platform. An extensive package of options with tool automation and sophisticated in-process measurement technology enable the optimal configuration even for challenging needs.
Modular kinematics, integrated contour measurement and computer supported
setup make it possible to manufacture the whole spectrum of flat surfaces, spheres, prisms and other special geometries as well as complex aspherical lenses in an economical way, depending on the chosen package of options.

The SCG 121 platform combines three key features: double-spindle technology, automated tooling, and on-board measuring technique. The precision grinding technology
can be augmented with centering, truncating, drilling, and scooping options. The unique combination of these features ensures a high processing flexibility for the production of all parts, from simple to complex. High utilization of the machine is guaranteed.
The basic modules can be equipped from the beginning or upgraded to become a full fledged aspherical processing center.

Solid foundation
The machine has a very stiff, monolithic polymer concrete base for kinematics with up to 7 axes and 4 spindles. A rapid tool-changing system works in parallel with a CNC controlled carousel or pallet automation to assure minimum auxiliary times and thus maximum cost-effectiveness.
The modern SINUMERIK 840 Digital controller system drives the AC servo drives, enabling high precision and excellent dynamics of the lens processing.

Advanced spindle technology
A special advantage of the SCG 121 is the double-spindle system in combination with the sophisticated automated tool changer. Two independent tool spindles facilitate flexibility and precision in one unit. While one tool spindle is supplied with various tools from the automated tool changer, the second tool spindle works with a stationary mounted tool which guarantees perfect surface quality, form accuracy, and process stability. Also available is an optional high-performance grinding spindle with direct drive whose excellent running characteristics reduce sub-surface damage to a minimum.

Automated tooling
To run complex multi-step processing jobs with ease, the automated tool changer handles up to eight tools. Without operator intervention, the complex grinding tasks consisting of several surface and edge processing steps are performed consistently. Auxiliary times are reduced, too. The result: excellent geometrical accuracy with very competitive cycle times.

Aspheric version SCGA 121
The SCGA 121 expands the capabilities of the spheric version SCG 121. The extended axis arrangement of the SCGA 121 allows optimized, bend-free axis movement which is the precondition for highly precise contour processing of aspherical lenses. It enables the use of wheel grinding and cup wheel grinding as well as edge processing and guarantees therefore the best possible manufacturing processes for convex and concave aspheres. A substantial technology package controls use and frequency behaviour of the tools, measures the form accuracies of the different grinding steps using the integrated geometry measuring technology, calculates the form corrections and guarantees the optimum control of the interdependent process steps.

In-process metrology

The consistent high performance and tight process control is accomplished with a comprehensive integrated metrology package. Our process control compensates for tool wear and process drift.

• The CT Control automatically checks the center thickness of the lens and makes adjustments. 
• The Tool Control recognizes the grind-ing tools and reduces significantly the set-up and correction times.
• The Feed Control Plus optimizes the first touch of the rough and even the fine grinding tool spindles by analyzing their frequency behaviour as well as the load-dependent grinding process, optimizing the cutting conditions for the material involved.
• The Curve Control is a particular innovation allowing for the measure-ment and correction of the spherical geometry.
• The Contour Control of the SCG 121 is a 2D surface measuring feature includ-ed in the aspheric option package. The Contour Control allows for the measure-ment and correction of the aspherical geometry including automated set-up and supports secure process control.
• The Geo Control is a CNC-controlled fine adjustment of the mutual positions of the workpiece and tool spindles to optimize the spherical quality and form error.

Data communication

The system interfaces to an Ethernet network connection and to the SCHNEIDER Optical Technology (SOT) software what enables a smooth and effective data ex-change for setup and operation. Service is supported by an intelligent analysis system with remote diagnostic. A graphical user interface assists the opera-tor for an easy and fast completion of com-munication tasks with the SCG 121. The seamless link with the surfacing center SCG 121 with external measuring equipment assures a smooth and flawless processes flow. The corrections are networked into the machine. When using the Surfacing Center SCG 121, you are sure to surprise your customers by being better, faster and more competitive. The processing capability and the widely automated operation of the SCG 121 make this machine a perfect mate for the SCHNEIDER SCP 121 polisher.

• Manufacturing of spheres and aspheres
• High quality and form accuracy
• Aspheric package with cup-wheel and wheel grinding capabilities
• Automated multiple-step processing
• Extended capabilities for processing of flats, prisms, and special geometries
• Optional directly driven high-perfor-mance fine-grinding spindle for minimal subsurface damage — Computer-assisted setup
• Integrated process control for high process stability
• Graphical user interface
• Intelligent analysis system with remote diagnostics
• Modern network connection
• Automated central lubrication<//font>