Abstract
We describe progress on a novel process-chain being used to produce eight 1.4m hexagonal segments as prototypes for the European Extremely Large Telescope - a Master Spherical Segment as a reference, and seven aspheric segments. A new pilot plant integrates a bespoke full-aperture test-tower designed and built by OpTIC Glyndŵr, with a Zeeko 1.6m polishing machine. The process chain starts with aspherising hexagonal segments on the Cranfield BoX™ grinder, followed by smoothing, corrective-polishing and edge-rectification using the Zeeko CNC platform. The paper describes the technology and progress, and anticipates how the process-chain is expected to evolve through the seven segments to increase both process-speed and surface-quality.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Optical Manufacturing and Testing IX |
Volume | 8126 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Nov 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Optical Manufacturing and Testing IX - San Diego, United States Duration: 20 Aug 2011 → 22 Aug 2011 Conference number: IX https://spie.org/OPO/conferencedetails/optical-manufacturing-and-testing (Link to Conference Details ) |
Conference
Conference | Optical Manufacturing and Testing IX |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | San Diego |
Period | 20/08/11 → 22/08/11 |
Internet address |
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