New Optical Assembly Machine for Precision Bonding and Alignment in Technical Glass and Ceramics
LouwersHanique is continuously investing in cutting-edge technologies to meet the stringent demands of customers. Its latest addition is an optical assembly machine, a new advancement that not only elevates capabilities in precision, automation and customisation for optical and micro-assembly applications, but also represents a significant upgrade in the company’s overall production efficiency and quality standards, especially for the semiconductor, medical and photonics market.
The optical assembly machine delivers exceptional precision and flexibility, along with the capability to handle a wide range of brittle and advanced materials, such as fused silica, borosilicate glass, ceramics, Macor, alumina and silicon. This enables LouwersHanique to meet the industry’s stringent standards across various applications, including photonics, high-tech sensors, integrated microfluidics and MOEMS (micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems).
Key features and benefits
LouwersHanique’s expertise, paired with its state-of-the-art optical assembly capabilities, brings significant advantages to its production process. This combination guarantees that every assembled component adheres to the highest industry standards for accuracy and reliability. The key benefits that the new optical assembly machine has introduced to the production floor include:
- 6-DoF (degree of freedom) alignment:
Providing full multi-directional alignment, allowing for optimal positioning of optical components with a repeatability of <1 µm.
- Submicron and precision glueing placement accuracy:
Achieving extreme precision is essential for photonics and medical applications. To meet this requirement, ultra-fine glue application is used, with droplet sizes under 2 micrograms, enabling seamless micro-assembly.
- Force-controlled placement of components:
Component placement with a repeatable force, ranging between 50 and 5,000 mN, to control the thickness of the glue layer.
- Modular system for active alignment:
A highly customisable platform that seamlessly integrates with the specific requirements of each customer, providing the flexibility needed to enable precise active alignment of components for optimised performance.
- Industrial-grade reliability and automatisation:
Ensuring consistent, repeatable outcomes for high-tech industries while improving efficiency, repeatability and scalability in production.
- ISO 7 cleanroom processing:
Ensuring a controlled environment with climate regulation and independent filtration systems.
Combined technologies
LouwersHanique integrates advanced manufacturing technologies to deliver unparalleled precision in the production of optical and medical components. Combining multiple techniques such as Selective Laser-Induced Etching (SLE) and CNC micromachining ensures that each component meets the highest standards of quality and performance, especially for complex applications involving technical glass and ceramics. Technologies that can be combined with the optical assembly capabilities include:
- Selective Laser-Induced Etching:
This technique allows for high-precision structuring of glass components at the micron level, which is essential for creating intricate patterns and detailed features in optical systems.
- Mechanical CNC micromachining:
The ultra-accurate CNC micromachining capabilities enable cutting and shaping both ceramic and glass materials with exceptional precision, allowing for the creation of intricate geometries and tight tolerances needed for optical components.
- High-precision polishing:
This final step is critical for achieving optical clarity. By minimising surface defects, it is ensured that the finished components are perfect for integration into optical assemblies where high-quality surfaces are essential for performance.
These technologies are essential for applications in photonics, including telecommunications, laser systems and imaging, where optical clarity and precise geometries are critical. They enable the production of high-performance components such as beam splitters, MOEMS, filters and lenses used in photonic devices. In addition, the intricate geometries and tight tolerances required for optical components are achievable with these advanced techniques. In the medical market, components are integrated into diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and smart implants, ensuring the highest levels of reliability and performance in these sensitive applications, particularly in lasers, fibre optics, and imaging systems.
Collaboration and future innovation
To push the boundaries of precision optical assembly even further, LouwersHanique actively collaborates with industry leaders and innovative partners ensuring that customers benefit from the latest advancements in optical component manufacturing.
