Novel Mathematical Techniques for Advanced Tool-paths to Transform High-value Optical Fabrication

Lead Research Organisation: University of Huddersfield
Department Name: Sch of Computing and Engineering

Abstract

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Publications

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Walker D (2016) Process Automation in Computer Controlled Polishing in Advanced Materials Research

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Yu G (2017) Research on edge-control methods in CNC polishing. in Journal of the European Optical Society. Rapid publications

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Walker D (2016) Robotic automation in computer controlled polishing in Journal of the European Optical Society: Rapid Publications

 
Description Through the method developed in this project, a better surface finish can be achieved in metal mirror polishing
Exploitation Route We are deploying the outcome in our other projects.
Sectors Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology

 
Title Epicyclic smoothing tool 
Description An Epicyclic smoothing tool has been developed to be able to used at robot facilities to smooth grinding marks. This tool is much more efficient in coping mid-spatial features. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This tool will enable a fast process of mirrors or lens from grinding state to polishing state. This will bridge the gap between these two stage on processing and metrology. 
 
Title Epicyclic database 
Description This database provide recommanded process parameters when input with parts size, shape, form target. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This database will potentially be used by our research collaborators in their research and development programmes. 
 
Description Collaboration agreement with Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) 
Organisation Harbin Institute of Technology
Country China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We at Glyndwr University agreed to provide technical assistance and training opportunity for students and academic visitors. We also agreed to submit joint papers to peer-reviewed journals.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborator at HIT agreed to provide experimental work, including technican's access of the lab equipments.
Impact * One conference paper has been published * One journal paper is being edited * The PI Glyndwr has visited HIT * The collabator from HIT has visited Glyndwr University
Start Year 2014
 
Description Collaboration with Zeeko Ltd. 
Organisation Zeeko Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We have developed software that is suitable for industrial robots to perform intermediate process between polishing and grinding.
Collaborator Contribution Zeeko has provided a FANUC robot to facilitate research and development programmes and some technical assistant on facility development.
Impact 1. The process developed from this project will be adopted by other projects. e.g. LOCUS M1 processing. 2. Zeeko has commercial interest for this process.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Collaborations with OpTIC Glyndwr 
Organisation OpTIC Glyndwr Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Provide technical assistance on using Zeeko software to process commercial products.
Collaborator Contribution Provide assistance on smoothing experimental samples
Impact We have produced with collaboration of a test reference mirror for LOCUS project.
Start Year 2015
 
Title Epicyclic Toolpath Generation with ABB and FANUC machine settings 
Description This is an add-on package to a commercial software which enable intelligent polishing machines to produce ultra precision optical surfaces. This software package can generate optimised toolpath to minimise surface error. This software also have the option to operate on ABB and FANUC industrial robots. 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2015 
Impact This software will enable a process that will shorten total fabrication time by parallel processing. In addition, the optimised toolpath offer a surface with improvement on mid-spatial errors. 
 
Description Facility introduction to AstroTrac 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Introduction of staffs from AstroTrac about the role of robot processing for high precision optics.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Invited seminar on Advanced Ultra Precision Surfaces Processing 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact This invited seminar is to present our recent work on processing ultra precision surfaces. The audiences are mainly scientists and postgraduate students. There are more than 30 people attended.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Invited seminar on Autonomous Manufacturing in Ultra Precision Section 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact This invited seminar was presented mainly towards postgraduate students and academics. Some undergraduates also turned up so that there were nearly 80 people attended. The students asked some relevant questions after the talk. One academic wish to visit our laboratory in 2018. The university all inquiry about joint degree scheme in the future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017