The Spheroline SLP 50 is a CNC controlled polishing machine for the efficient production of high-quality custom and stock optics. The polisher comes with an integrated correction spindle and auto teaching module.
The machine possesses an optimal combination of features guaranteeing high lens surface quality, process flexibility and economical operation in virtually any demanding lens processing environment.
Proven design
The SLP 50 is built on a vibration-optimized cast-iron machine bed specifically designed for high stiffness and stability. On this base the kinematics combines the three machine axes and the spindles for the workpiece, the polishing and the correction.
The modern SINUMERIK 840 Digital controller system, directs the AC servo drives, ensuring consistently high accuracy during the polishing and correction. The controller checks and adjusts all parameters, such as process times, working pressures, oscillation speed of the polishing process etc. Multi-step processing can be performed and parameters can be individually adjusted.
Previously used polishing parameters can be reloaded to the internal data memory and updated by the operator using the intuitive graphical user interface.
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 arrangement 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 SLP 50 is equip-ped with a second polishing spindle. This additional polishing spindle in connection 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 SLP 50 comes with the patented Auto Teaching module enabling 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 accuracy. This includes the measuring of the polishing-tool length and the position of the lens. 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 repro-ducible polishing of lenses with very thin edges and other geometric specialties.
The automated procedure reduces not only the setup time but also relieves the operator from introducing a man-made tolerance error in the process.
An accurate Tool 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 form correction routine enables the operator to optimize the oscillation behavior to further minimize any form deviations.
Data communication
The polisher interfaces to an Ethernet network connection and to the Schneider Optical Technology (SOT) software enables smooth and effective data exchange for setup and operation. Service is greatly accelerated by use of the remote-diagnostic tool. A graphical user interface assists the operator for an easy and fast completion of communication tasks with the SLP 50.
The SOT software supports the operator in calculation of the optimal tool geometries. The simulation of the processing configuration verifies the correct approach before up-loading the data to the machine. The tooling requirements are transferred in printable drawings promptly.
The polisher SLP 50 works perfectly in conjunction with the Spheroline SLG 50 series of SCHNEIDER grinding machines.
