Optical mounting plate with a stepped bore and two cylindrical spacers

CNC Machining for an Invar Optical Mirror Mount

Space Systems Integrator, USA, California

Invar optical mirror mount machining focused on mounting geometry, machining sequence, dimensional stability, and agreed inspection conditions.

Account owner: PiPrecision Engineering Team

The Challenge

The Invar mirror mount required a machining approach that considered the mounting geometry and the dimensional relationships between its support features. Material condition, machining sequence, and inspection conditions were relevant to the review of the finished component. The application also made it necessary to distinguish machined dimensions from thermal behavior of the material and performance of the completed optical assembly. A material designation or machining process alone does not demonstrate a particular thermal-stability result.

Our Solution

The manufacturing approach focused on the machining sequence for the Invar mount and inspection of its drawing-defined interfaces. Any specified stress treatment or secondary finishing operation needed to be included in the agreed process scope and supported by the relevant records. Inspection planning distinguishes mounting dimensions and flatness from thermal-property testing. For similar optical mounts, specify the material condition, measurement temperature, supported area, and the report needed to accept each critical feature.