SLP 60

Introducing the SLP 60
The Spheroline® SLP 60 is the perfect solution for manufacturing optics in the range of 2 to 60 mm diameter. The extremely robust and compact machine features the most modern CNC controls and advanced process technology. The dedicated kinematics establish the basis for high-quality polishing of spherical, aspherical and freeform optics with maximum flexibility. An outstanding feature is the high swivel range of the B-axis, ranging from -55 up to +90 degree. The mix of intelligent and compact design as well as highly flexible machining capabilities make the SLP 60 a good choice for any production. The result is high-quality machining of customized optics as well as serial production in the medium to micro range.

Smart and compact design
The platform of the SLP 60 is a cast-iron machine frame that provides high rigidity and stability for the intelligently designed machine and kinematics. The clever arrangement of the upper swivel axis guarantees minimum compensation movements of the linear axis, thus ensuring smallest footprint possible while still offering a large swivel angle that allows polishing of very strongly curved radii and even half-ball lenses in a special process. The system is actively controlling the polishing pressure and the liquid film to support the lens and provide perfect conditions during polishing. The modern CNC control system together with the quality-defining AC-servo drive technique enable high precision lens processing.

Effective polishing, setup, and correction
The SLP 60 S1/2 comes with a directly driven and cooled polishing and dressing spindle opposite the work piece spindle. An accurate correction of the polishing tool is accomplished using the integrated correction spindle – with no tool change necessary. In production, the correction spindle allows a cyclic correction of the polishing tool. In addition, high-precision dual bearing systems provide minimum runout, guaranteeing best surface roughness and highly accurate processes. The Auto Teaching module enables an easy setup process of the polishing tool and the workpiece. With the CNC controller intelligence, the contact positioning of the tool and the work piece is determined. This includes the measuring of the polishing tool length and the positioning of the lens. The procedure reduces not only the setup time but also minimizes the risk of a crash due to improper setup.

Most sophisticated polishing process
The SLP 60 offers an optional hydrostatic polishing process: Instead of utilizing compressed air to adjust the polish membrane, the system is actively controlling the polishing pressure and the liquid film to support the lens and provide perfect conditions during polishing. The result: Polishing results as consistent and accurate as can be, even with extremely thin and complex lenses. Irregularities on the lens surface are greatly reduced.

Aspherical package
The SLP 60 offers an aspherical option that includes the Advanced Polishing System 3D (APS 3D), which combines high-precision polishing technology for aspheres with an intelligent process flow and minimal user interaction. The APS 3D software automatically considers the correction of previous grinding errors and continuously controls significant threshold values of the lens. Highly intelligent mathematical algorithms calculate all relevant process parameters like rotational speed and dwell time profile entirely based on analytical equations. Software guided calibration routines for tool and material type allow for easy initial setup of the machine as well as changes of the aspheric geometry. Just four prefabricated tools can polish nearly all varieties of aspheric lenses. The highly deterministic capabilities of APS 3D make it the perfect tool for any aspheric manufacturing operation.

Data communication
The SLP 60 supports data exchange with external devices. An OPC-UA interface allows for tracking essential data about the machining parameters and conditions for subsequent analysis. In conjunction with an intelligent remote diagnostics system best service is provided. A graphical user interface assists the operator for simple and fast communication tasks. The processing capabilities of the SLP 60 are a perfect match for SCHNEIDER spherical and freeform grinders – maximizing the value of your processing equipment.