Custom CNC Machining for Optical Components: Precision You Can Measure

In optical systems, precision isn’t a marketing term — it’s a measurable requirement.
A lens barrel that’s off by 0.02 mm can cause tilt.
A mirror mount with uneven stress can distort the optical path.

That’s why custom CNC machining for optical components is often the only practical solution when performance matters.

We don’t make “general metal parts.”
We machine components that directly affect optical alignment, stability, and repeatability.

Why Optical Components Demand CNC Machining — Not Standard Parts

Off-the-shelf housings and mounts are usually designed for mechanical fit, not optical accuracy. In real projects, we often see issues like:

Lens decentering after assembly
Optical axis shift due to thermal expansion
Assembly-induced stress deforming mirrors or lenses

Custom CNC machining allows these problems to be addressed at the design and machining stage, not corrected later with shims or manual adjustment.

Typical Optical Machining Requirements We Handle

Dimensional tolerance: ±0.005 mm (critical features tighter when required)
Surface roughness: Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (machined), finer after polishing if needed
Coaxiality / perpendicularity: ≤ 0.01 mm
Thread accuracy: ISO metric & custom optical threads

These are not “best case” numbers — they’re based on repeatable production capability.

What Optical Components Can Be CNC Machined?

We regularly machine a wide range of optical mechanical parts, including:

Optical lens barrels & housings
Mirror holders & mirror mounting frames
Filter frames and retainer rings
Alignment bases and fine adjustment mounts
Optical benches and custom brackets

Materials Commonly Used

Aluminum 6061 / 7075 (black anodized, hard anodized)
Stainless steel (303 / 304 / 316)
Brass (for thermal stability or vibration damping)
PEEK & engineering plastics (for lightweight or insulation needs)

Material selection is always discussed together with thermal behavior and assembly method, not just cost.

Optical Mirror Machining: Where Geometry Stability Matters Most

Optical mirror machining is especially sensitive.
The goal is not just accuracy — it’s stress-free geometry.

For mirror mounts and reflective component structures, we focus on:

Uniform wall thickness to avoid deformation
Symmetrical clamping surfaces
Lightweight pocketing without sacrificing rigidity

We frequently use 5-axis CNC machining to complete complex mirror mounts in a single setup, reducing accumulated errors.

Real Project Example: Custom Black Anodized Lens Barrel

Application: Industrial imaging system
Quantity: Prototype + small batch (30 pcs)

Key requirements:

Inner bore concentricity ≤ 0.01 mm
Black anodized interior to reduce stray light
Custom thread matched to existing lens design

Our approach:

Single-setup CNC turning + milling
Internal features machined before anodizing to control thickness
Critical dimensions inspected with CMM before surface treatment

Result:
Parts assembled without shimming, optical alignment passed on first build.

This is the kind of outcome CNC optical machining should deliver — no rework, no guesswork.

More Than Machining: DFM Support for Optical Parts

Many optical drawings are theoretically correct but difficult to machine repeatedly.

Our DFM (Design for Manufacturability) support helps with:

Adjusting fillet radii to reduce tool marks
Optimizing wall thickness for anodizing consistency
Improving thread lead-in for easier assembly
Reducing machining steps without affecting optical function

You don’t need to redesign everything — often small, practical adjustments make the difference between a prototype and a stable production part.

Precision Machined Valve Block for Semiconductor Equipment

Who We Typically Work With

Our CNC optical parts are used by:

Optical equipment manufacturers
University & institutional research labs
Medical imaging system developers
Custom camera and machine vision companies
Aerospace & industrial vision system suppliers

From one-off prototypes to low-volume production, the process stays consistent and controlled.

Let’s Discuss Your Optical CNC Project

If you have:

A drawing that needs a feasibility check
A prototype that must transition to production
Tight tolerances with no room for trial-and-error

Send us your files.
We’ll review them from a machining and optical stability perspective — and tell you clearly what’s achievable, what needs adjustment, and why.

Precision isn’t a slogan.
It’s something you can measure.