Prototyping Optical Components

Rapid Prototyping of Custom Optics — From Concept to Reality

 

 

Accelerating Innovation with Precision Prototyping

At Yighen Ultra Precision, we help optical engineers and product developers move from concept to reality—fast. Whether you're validating a new design, testing a novel optical system, or preparing for volume production, our prototyping services ensure precision, speed, and flexibility.

With in-house ultra-precision diamond turning, freeform machining, and optical metrology, we deliver rapid prototyping of aspheric lenses, freeform optics, plastic micro lenses, and infrared glass components, all under one roof.

 

Why Choose Yighen for Optical Prototyping?

  • Fast Turnaround: From 3D modeling to physical components in as fast as 7 days.

  • High Accuracy: Form accuracy up to P-V ≤ 0.1 µm, surface roughness down to Ra ≤ 1.0 nm.

  • Versatile Materials: PMMA, PC, COP, APEL, ZEONEX, CaF₂, MgF₂, and more.

  • Freeform Capabilities: Complex geometries made possible by five-axis diamond turning.

Whether for AR/VR optics, LiDAR systems, medical imaging, or custom photonics, our prototypes meet real-world performance demands with production-ready quality.

 

 

Materials We Prototype

We support a wide range of optical-grade materials used in early-stage validation:

 

● Optical Plastics (Block Material)

  • PMMA

  • PC

  • COP (Zeonex®, Topas®)

  • APEL™, OKP-1

  • MR-8, MR-10, MR-174

  • E48R, CR-39

All plastic optics are directly machined using single-point diamond turning, enabling mirror-quality surfaces for both aspheric and freeform lenses.

 

● Infrared & Glass Optics

  • Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂)

  • Magnesium Fluoride (MgF₂)
    → Machined by diamond turning

  • Optical Glasses (e.g., N-BK7, SF11, fused silica)
    → Machined by ultra-precision grinding machines

❗Note: CNC is only used for pre-shaping blanks—not for optical surface generation.

 

 

Core Prototyping Equipment

Yighen operates one of the most advanced ultra-precision machining labs in Asia. Our key machines include:

  • NanoTech 650 FG (5-axis)

    • Form Accuracy: P-V ≤ 0.15 μm

    • Surface Roughness: Ra ≤ 3.0 nm

    • Work Envelope: Ø650 mm (customizable)

    • Resolution: 0.01 nm linear / 0.0000001° angular

  • NanoTech 250 (3-axis)

    • Form Accuracy: P-V ≤ 0.1 μm

    • Surface Roughness: Ra ≤ 2.0 nm

    • Spindle Accuracy: 12.5 nm axial/radial

  • NanoForm 200 (2-axis)

    • Form Accuracy: P-V 0.15 μm (within 75 mm)

    • Ra ≤ 2 nm

  • Toshiba ULC-100F(S)

    • Resolution: 0.0000001 mm

    • Pv: 0.010 μm, Ra: 0.001 μm (mold-grade quality)

These platforms allow for deterministic machining of non-rotational surfaces, micro-structured optics, and off-axis designs, ensuring optical performance from the prototype stage.

 

 

Typical Workflow

  1. Design Consultation
    Feasibility evaluation, tolerance analysis, material recommendation.

  2. Optical Blank Preparation
    CNC pre-machining to approximate geometry (non-optical surface only).

  3. Ultra-Precision Machining
    Using diamond turning or grinding, depending on material.

  4. Inspection & Metrology
    Surface roughness, form error (P-V/RMS), centration, and focal accuracy.

  5. Delivery & Feedback Loop
    Short cycle for iterative refinement.

 

 

Applications

  • Aspheric and freeform optical systems

  • High-performance imaging lenses

  • Infrared and thermal imaging optics

  • Medical diagnostics and endoscopy

  • Compact AR/VR optical engines

  • Optical communication systems

 

 

Get a Head Start on Your Optics

At Yighen, prototyping isn’t just about speed—it’s about building a foundation for success. Our cross-functional teams of optical engineers and fabrication experts are here to turn your design into reality with accuracy and insight.

📩 Contact us today to discuss your prototyping project.
📞 Or email us at info@yighen.com — we’ll respond within 24 hours.

 

 

 

⚡ Fast, Precise, and Production-Ready — From First Sample to Final Spec

Need an optical prototype that actually reflects your final system performance?
Yighen supports rapid prototyping with ultra-precision machining across plastics, IR materials, and optical glass — including freeform and aspheric shapes.

We help bridge the gap between optical design and scalable production, with tight tolerance control and fast lead times.

🔵 Request a Prototyping Quote
📩 Send us your drawings or surface spec — we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Want to explore our prototyping materials, tolerances, and turnaround times?
📄 Download Our Prototyping Capability Sheet

Curious how we reduce design risk through functional optical samples?
👤 Learn More About Yighen

 

 

 

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