Optical Component Prototyping: Alignment
In optical work, the tolerance that matters is the one between two optical features — not the tolerance on either feature alone.
Discuss your partWhat we build for optics & photonics
Send a drawing and a target quantity. We will come back with material, process and a realistic date, or tell you what we would change first.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical parts | Lens mounts · Light guides · Camera brackets · Alignment jigs |
| Common materials | Al 6061 · PMMA · PC · SS 316L · Black PEEK |
| Achievable tolerance | ±0.02 mm position on critical features available |
| Typical lead time | 6–12 working days |
| Industry requirements | ISO 9001 quality systems at partner factories · Material certification per lot · CMM inspection report on request · NDA available |
What actually goes wrong in optics & photonics
These are the three problems that decide whether a optics & photonics prototype succeeds or gets scrapped on arrival.
Feature-to-feature alignment
Two bores that each hold ±0.05 mm can still be 0.10 mm out of position relative to each other. Optical alignment is controlled by the relationship between features, so the drawing has to call out position, not just size.
Deformation from clamping
A thin optical mount clamped during machining will move, and it will move again when it is clamped in the assembly. The fixturing strategy has to be part of the design conversation.
Black materials and stray light
Black anodising and black PEEK are used to control stray light. Both change dimension slightly, and the coating on an optical face can affect performance.
Our approach on optics & photonics parts
- 01 We read position tolerance on the drawing, not just feature size, and machine related features in one setup where the geometry allows it.
- 02 We suggest adding locating features so the part can be re-fixtured in the assembly without the tolerance moving.
- 03 For stray-light control we discuss black anodising versus black PEEK early, because the material choice changes the process.
The numbers that matter
Related pages
Where a prototype stops short
A prototype answers geometry and fit. It does not qualify a product, and we will not pretend otherwise. These are the questions that need a test programme.
- Optical performance over temperature — the material moves with it
- Coating supplier qualification
- Long-term alignment stability in the real assembly