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News, updates, and expert insights from Precitech.

Precitech - a manufacturer of ultra-precision machines for diamond turning, milling and grinding. Follow this channel for the latest from Precitech: product news, expert perspectives, and updates from the team.

7 episodesVisit website ↗
Channel Brief·Precitech · 7 episodes
Updated Jun 13, 2023

Precision motion control transforms optical component manufacturing.

Precitech's channel argues that diamond turning, enabled by advanced motion control and freeform surfaces, has revolutionized optics manufacturing. It proves this through product specs, founder history, and operator expertise requirements.

Precitech's central thesis is that precision motion control, delivered through diamond turning machines and fast-tool-servo technology, has fundamentally changed how complex optical components are manufactured. The channel supports this by detailing the technical capabilities of its flagship machines, the engineering history behind them, and the specific skill set required to operate them at nanometer-level accuracy.

Drawn from Freeform X: The Compact, 5-Axis Machine Revolu… and 3 more →

“Diamond turning enables the accurate positioning of a diamond tool and high-speed spinning workpiece, facilitating the machining of material to create an optic that does not necessitate any further polishing.”

Jeff Roblee, Vice President of Technology, Precitech

By the numbers

40 Gs

maximum acceleration of FTSE 5,000 Fast Tool Servo

220mm

Z travel on Freeform X 5-axis machine

25g

continuous path-following capability of FTSE 5,000

100

highly skilled employees at Keene facility

What the channel argues

DataFreeform X compact 5-axis machine delivers 220mm Z travel, 100mm Y travel for complex optical components.→
DataFTSE 5,000 combines 40 Gs maximum acceleration with 25g continuous path-following for rapid freeform surface production.→
InsightDiamond turning eliminates the need for post-machining polishing by creating finished optical surfaces directly.→
DataPrecitech's Keene facility operates with around 100 highly skilled individuals, integrating office and manufacturing in one location.→
InsightOperating Daven training machines requires attention to detail and process adherence at sub-micron and nanometer-level tolerances, not just CNC experience.→

What you'll learn

•Diamond turning with precision motion control can machine optical surfaces to finished state without additional polishing, reducing production steps.
•The Freeform X and FTSE 5,000 are engineered specifically for asymmetric and freeform optical geometries that traditional methods cannot achieve.
•Precitech evolved from Newell Precision in the 1960s, originally making bearings and rotary stages before advancing into diamond-turning optics manufacturing.
•Running ultra-precision diamond-turning equipment demands process discipline and sub-micron accuracy more than it demands conventional CNC programming experience.

What to do about it

→Evaluate diamond turning as a finishing method for optical components requiring sub-micron surface finishes and asymmetric geometries.
→Prioritize hiring and training operators who demonstrate attention to detail and process discipline over prior CNC experience alone.
→Consider freeform optical surfaces enabled by 5-axis diamond turning for next-generation reality-based headwear and mobile device applications.

Who and what shows up

Jeff Roblee

Vice President of Technology, Precitech

Explained how precision motion control and diamond turning have revolutionized optics manufacturing and enabled asymmetric optical surfaces.

Jake Porrazzo

North American Sales Manager, Precitech

Articulated the specific skill set required to operate diamond-turning machines, emphasizing detail and process orientation over CNC experience.

Questions this channel answers

Q

What is diamond turning and why does it matter for optics?

Diamond turning uses a diamond-tipped tool and high-speed workpiece to machine optical surfaces to finished state without polishing. It enables asymmetric and freeform geometries that traditional methods cannot create.

Single-Point Diamond Turning Revolutionizes Optics Manuf… →
Q

What skills do operators need to run precision diamond-turning machines?

Operators require attention to detail, strict process adherence, and understanding of sub-micron and nanometer-level tolerances. CNC experience alone is insufficient.

Daven Training Machine Mastery: A Blend of Attention to … →
Q

How did Precitech's technology evolve?

Precitech, originally Newell Precision in the 1960s, began with bearings and rotary stages. It has advanced precision motion control to enable diamond-machining optics manufacturing.

Diamond Turning: The Evolution of Precision Optics Manuf… →
Q

What makes the Freeform X and FTSE 5,000 suitable for complex optical components?

The Freeform X offers five operational axes with 220mm Z travel and 200mm X travel for machining flexibility. The FTSE 5,000 delivers 40 Gs maximum acceleration and 25g continuous path-following for rapid freeform surface production.

Freeform X: The Compact, 5-Axis Machine Revolutionizing … →
Topics:Single-point diamond turning machinesFreeform optical surfacesFast-tool-servo technologyUltra-precision motion controlOptical component manufacturing
Themes:Precision motion control as the foundation of finished-optics manufacturingFreeform surfaces as a manufacturing paradigm shift beyond traditional symmetric opticsProcess discipline and operator expertise as the human element in ultra-precision machining

Industry context

The global precision machining market is projected to grow from $134 billion in 2026 to $224 billion by 2034, reflecting increased demand for ultra-precision manufacturing capabilities across industries.

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