Responding to ever changing customer needs in a timely and economical way demands flexibility and process integration. The Surfacing Center SCP 121 is the answer to these demands. Depending on the configuration, the center polishes all types of spheres, flats and complex aspherical lenses quickly, economically and with superior quality.

The SCP 121 offers an extensive package of options with different spindle arrangements and sophisticated in-process measurement technology enabling the optimal configuration for the customer’s needs. The basic modules can be equipped from the beginning or upgraded to become a full fledged aspherical processing center.

Solid foundation

The machine comes with a very stiff, monolithic polymer concrete base for kinematics of up to 7 axes and 4 spindles. The modern SINUMERIK 840 Digital con- troller system directs the AC servo drives ensuring consistently high accuracy dur- ing the polishing and correction. The controller checks and adjusts all param- eters like process times, working pres- sures, oscillation speed of the polishing process etc. Multi-step processing can be performed and parameters can individually be adjusted.

One step ahead

The basic version S1/2 of the polisher comes with one polishing spindle opposite the workpiece and the correction spindles which are arranged in parallel. This ar- rangement enables the correction and the polishing step without any tool change. This configuration ensures maximum form accuracy, surface quality and process stability. In the version S2/2, the SCP 121 is equipped with a second polishing spindle. This additional polishing spindle in con- nection with separate polish circulation enables 2-step polishing for a maximal form stability and highest surface quality – even with critical lenses. Optionally available is the integrated automation of the polishing machine including a spray system for cleaning of the lenses.

Easy setup and correction

The patented Auto Teaching module enables a fully automated setup process of the polishing tool and the workpiece. The contact situation of the tool and the work piece is determined with high ac- curacy. This includes the measuring of the polishing-tool length and the positioning of the lens. The procedure reduces the setup time and ensures the correct settings under all conditions. The crash risk due to improper setup is reduced to a minimum. The automated detection and alignment of the polishing-tool length guarantees the precise oscillation of the tool around the radius center – the most critical parameter for high form accuracy and process stability. The reliable and precise detection of the lens and tool position enables the reproduc- ible polishing of lenses with very thin edges and other geometric specialties. An accurate correction of the polishing tool is accomplished, using the integrated correction spindle – with no tool change necessary! The unproductive time is reduced to a minimum. In production, the correction spindle allows a cyclic correction of the polishing pad. Additionally, a graphically supported correction routine enables the operator to optimize the oscillation behavior to further minimize any form deviations. 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.

Aspheric version SCP A 121

The SCPA 121 expands the capabilities of the spheric version SCP 121. The op- tional aspheric technology package of the SCPA 121 allows dedicated, deterministic polishing of aspheres – ready for magneto- rheological finishing (mrf). The optimum polishing process for aspheres is calculated and executed on the basis of an automatically determined cutting profile of the tool. The actual values of the workpiece like geometry, material and surface rough-ness are taken with the aid of simulation technology. The SCP A 121 optionally integrates two polishing spindles which can take both spherical and aspherical polishing tools simultaneously. The integrated correction spindle enables the dressing both of the spherical and the zonal aspherical polishing tools. 

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 SCP 121. The seamless link with the surfacing center SCP 121 with external measuring equipment assures a smooth and flawless processes flow. The corrections are networked into the machine.

The machine comes with a very stiff, monolithic polymer concrete base for kinematics of up to 7 axes and 4 spindles. The modern SINUMERIK 840 Digital controller system directs the AC servo drives ensuring consistently high accuracy dur- ing the polishing and correction. The controller checks and adjusts all param- eters like process times, working pres- sures, oscillation speed of the polishing process etc. Multi-step processing can be performed and parameters can individually be adjusted.

• <//font>Polishing of spheres and aspheres
• High quality and form accuracy
• Aspheric package for zonal polishing
• Multi-step processing with individual parameters Optional automation
• Flexible processing of small and mid-sized batches
• Tool correction without tool change
• Fast, precise and reliable setup by Auto Teaching
• Computer-assisted setup
• High process stability
• Graphical user interface  
• Intelligent analysis system with remote diagnostics
• <//font>Modern network connection
• Automated central lubrication