Loctite Cold BlocTM 3791, a new uv-curing 'cold' blocking adhesive enables optical manufacturers to produce lens surfaces that are practically distortion free and easily debonded using a variety of debonding agents and techniques. The adhesive is a significant advance in the lens blocking process, as it eliminates heat induced blocking strain; the most significant problem encountered with current hot pitch blocking methods. In addition, this blocking process reduces costly processing time, is compatible with existing tooling, utilizes convenient ready-to-use packaging and virtually eliminates the environmental concerns (solvents) of the current technique.
Although the principles of concurrent engineering and rapid product cycles are not new concepts in the industrial sector, the optics manufacturing industry has witnessed few technological advances since the 1940's. At present the optics industry maintains outdated stand-alone manufacturing equipment and systems that do little to foster integration or communications. 'Islands of Technology', spawned from the latest offerings of CNC controlled equipment, are generally stand alone systems incapable of supporting communication with other process equipment, not to mention the total business enterprise. This approach increases the cost in design and manufacture of optical systems while negatively impacting competitiveness in the global marketplace.
A uv-curing 'cold' blocking adhesive has been developed by Loctite Corporation for use with the Opticam SM. The adhesive is a significant advance in the lens blocking process, as it eliminates heat-induced blocking strain; the most significant problem encountered with current hot pitch blocking methods. The new cold blocking adhesive is complemented by a new Kennametal lens blocking adapter tool and chucking system. The tooling offers substantially improved lens adapter to machine alignment and transfer; at considerably lower cost. The lenses are deblocked in a heated water and detergent solution, eliminating the environmental concerns of the current method.
Optical design, engineering, and manufacturing operate as independent entities. Outmoded specifications for material, geometry, tolerances, and mounting add to cost, lead time, and manufacturing complexity of both military and commercial optics. The optics industry maintains outdated stand-alone design, engineering, and manufacturing systems that do not support integration or communications. This single island of technology adds greatly to the final cost of optical systems.
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