OPTICAL SPINDLES

“Typically, the headstocks of all ophthalmic lathes utilise an aerostatic air bearing spindle to ensure the utmost accuracy for multi-curve aspherical contact lenses and intraocular lenses. Multi-pole brushless DC motors and high line-count encoders ensure minimal error motion is produced, resulting in superior lens moulds and lenses.

LTA0001.

Air bearings optical spindles offer several advantages over traditional ball bearing spindles that enhance precision and performance in optical manufacturing. ABD has a wealth of knowledge and works with most of the key OEM’s in achieving the following :-

Extreme Precision: Air bearings provide extreme radial and axial rotational precision, resulting in both low synchronous and asynchronous motion errors (NNRO <10nm).

Consistency: Since the air bearing system is non-contact, there is no mechanical contact, and hence no wear, which is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of optical components.

Low heat generation: Air bearings produce little heat at low rotational speeds, thus ensuring consistent and high precision.

Low Vibration: The absence of mechanical contact results in very low vibration levels, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of optical components. 

These advantages make ABD air bearing spindles an excellent choice for optical applications, ensuring high-quality and reliable optical components for use in various applications.