Case Study: Developing a Custom 1.8mm Diameter C-Lens

Shanghai Optics is a leader in the production of custom C-lenses and D-lenses for fiber optics applications. Our products offer significant benefits, including cost-efficiency, minimal insertion loss, and a broad operational distance range. Our expertise in overcoming challenges in microscale manufacturing, material selection, surface quality control, and economical mass production ensures consistent, high-quality outcomes. In a recent project, Shanghai Optics worked closely with a client to deliver micro lenses that met rigorous specifications, underscoring our commitment to quality and innovation in micro-optics solutions.

Project Details

Creating C-lenses at the microscale involves several critical challenges:

• Precision Machining: Achieving exact dimensions for lenses with diameters around 1mm.
• Material Selection: Choosing materials for their optical properties and durability.
• Surface Quality Control: Ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and precisely shaped.
• Resistance to Environmental Factors: Enhancing moisture and corrosion resistance.
• Economical Mass Production: Maintaining quality while keeping production costs low.

Specifications for the 1.8mm Diameter Custom C-Lens

• Material: H-ZF5
• Radius: 1.3mm
• Diameter: 1.8mm
• Surface Quality: 40-20

Addressing Manufacturing Challenges

1. Precision Machining:
   • Utilizing advanced microfabrication techniques to achieve the necessary dimensions and surface quality for C-lenses.
2. Material Selection:
   • Selecting materials like BK7, N-SF11, SF11, and silicon to balance optical properties such as refractive index and dispersion with thermal expansion and chemical resistance for optimal performance.
3. Surface Quality Control:
   • Controlling the shape, cleanliness, and roughness of the lens surface to enhance optical performance.
4. Economical Mass Production:
   • Implementing efficient production processes to ensure that each lens meets the stringent specifications required while keeping production costs manageable.

Shanghai Optics’ custom C-lenses and D-lenses exemplify advanced solutions for fiber optics applications, offering superior performance with cost-effectiveness, minimal insertion loss, and extensive operational range. By mastering the challenges of micro-lens manufacturing, including precise machining and material selection, we deliver high-quality products. With over a decade of expertise, Shanghai Optics ensures each lens meets exacting standards in cost-effective mass production. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality positions us as a trusted partner in micro-optics.

Contact Shanghai Optics today! We’d be more than happy to discuss your projects and how to best bring them to fruition.