CNC Machined Optical Shims Technical Specifications
| Shim Types | Flat Spacing Shims, Stepped Shims, Lens Retainer Shims, Thermal Compensation Shims |
|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | Star CNC Swiss-type Lathes, 4-axis CNC Machining Centers, Precision Surface Grinders |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.002mm to ±0.005mm (Micron-level control) |
| Geometric Tolerances | Flatness: 0.001mm; Parallelism: 0.002mm; Perpendicularity: 0.005mm |
| Common Materials | SUS303, SUS304, Brass (C36000), Copper (C11000), Aluminum (6061), Titanium |
| Minimum Thickness | 0.05mm (Ultra-thin shims with structural support features) |
| Surface Roughness (Ra) | Ground Surfaces: Ra 0.1 - Ra 0.2; Turned/Milled Surfaces: Ra 0.4 - Ra 0.8 |
| Machining Features | Micro-Counterbores, Custom Contours, Relief Slots, Non-Threaded Through Holes |
| Inspection & Cleaning | Japanese/German Optical Comparators, CMM, Surface Plates, Ultrasonic Cleaning |
Ultra-Precision CNC Machined Optical Shims for Critical Alignment Applications<>/h4
At Xierge Precision Machinery Co., Ltd., we leverage over 30 years of operational experience since 1990 to manufacture premium CNC Machined Optical Shims for the medical, laser, and precision instrument industries. Optical shims are critical micro-adjustment components used to control focal lengths, align laser paths, and maintain precise spacing between sensitive lenses and sensors. These applications demand absolute micro-level thickness control, extreme parallelism, and flawless surface finishes. Even a microscopic deviation in thickness or a slight tilt caused by poor flatness can result in optical distortion, focal blur, or catastrophic system failure.
To achieve these exacting standards, our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with Japanese imported Star CNC Swiss-type lathes, advanced 4-axis CNC machining centers, and high-precision surface grinders. This specialized equipment allows us to machine ultra-thin metal shims with complex inner and outer contours without inducing stress or warping. By utilizing advanced grinding techniques, we achieve mirror-like flatness and strictly controlled thickness tolerances, ensuring perfect stacking and spacing modulation.
Following our core principle of "Integrity Oriented, Quality Foremost," we strictly adopt premium raw materials, such as SUS303/304 stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum, chosen for their stability and machinability. We apply strict quality inspection protocols utilizing a complete set of testing instruments imported directly from Japan and Germany, verifying flatness, thickness, and parallelism down to the micron. We keep innovating to maintain sound business development and warmly welcome domestic and overseas clients to visit our factory and explore custom OEM/ODM cooperation opportunities.
Core Advantages of Xierge CNC Machined Optical Shims
- Micron-Level Thickness Control: Through advanced CNC surface grinding, we achieve strict thickness tolerances down to ±0.002mm, enabling perfect modular spacing and focal length adjustments in complex optical assemblies.
- Extreme Flatness & Parallelism: Our precision machining and stress-relief processes ensure a flatness of 0.001mm, preventing any tilting or angular deviation of sensitive lenses and laser diodes.
- Zero-Burr Contour Machining: Optical shims must never shed micro-particles that could scratch lenses. We utilize specialized micro-milling and vibration deburring to guarantee 100% burr-free inner and outer contours.
- Non-Ferrous Material Mastery: We have mature processing parameters for brass, copper, and aluminum, providing excellent thermal conductivity for heat-sensitive laser systems while maintaining structural stability.
- Stress-Free Machining Protocols: Thin metals naturally warp after machining. We apply controlled cutting parameters and thermal stress relief to ensure the shims remain perfectly flat long after leaving our facility.
- Optical-Grade Cleanliness: Every shim undergoes rigorous industrial ultrasonic cleaning to remove all cutting fluids and micro-debris, followed by cleanroom-compatible packaging to prevent contamination of optical elements.
- 3-Decade OEM/ODM Innovation: Since 1990, we have continuously innovated, collaborating closely with clients to optimize DFM (Design for Manufacturing) for custom shim geometries, scaling seamlessly from prototyping to mass production.
Payment Methods & Global Logistics Solutions
Secure International Payment Terms:
To facilitate smooth B2B international trade, we offer flexible and secure payment options. For mass production orders of CNC machined optical shims, we accept standard T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) with a 30% advance deposit and 70% balance before shipment. For large-scale optical or medical supply contracts, we are fully capable of processing Irrevocable Letters of Credit (L/C) at sight. For initial prototyping, sample orders, or custom tooling fees, PayPal and Western Union are also available to expedite the process.
Global Logistics & Protective Packaging:
We provide comprehensive end-to-end shipping solutions under FOB, CIF, and DAP Incoterms. For urgent prototypes or small batches, we utilize expedited international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. For bulk mass production, we offer highly competitive sea freight (LCL/FCL) and air cargo rates through our trusted global forwarder network. Recognizing that optical shims are ultra-thin, delicate precision components highly susceptible to bending, surface scratching, and contamination, we utilize specialized packaging: each shim is separated by cleanroom-grade lint-free paper, secured in custom rigid blister trays or multi-layer anti-static EPE foam slots to prevent any deformation or edge contact, and vacuum-sealed in anti-rust bags within sturdy export-grade cartons to ensure absolute pristine condition upon international arrival.
FAQ
Thin materials naturally distort under cutting pressure. We mitigate this by using vacuum fixtures and specialized soft jaws that distribute holding force evenly without crushing the part. Additionally, we utilize extremely sharp carbide tooling with optimized shallow cutting depths and feed rates, followed by a final precision surface grinding process to achieve the exact thickness and flatness without inducing thermal stress.
Standard contact measurement can deform thin shims and provide false readings. We utilize imported Japanese and German non-contact optical comparators and high-precision Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). For strict flatness verification, we use precision surface plates and monochromatic light with optical flats to observe interference fringe patterns, mapping deviations down to sub-micron levels.
Yes. Using our 4-axis CNC machining centers, we can machine complex stepped geometries where a single shim might have a 0.5mm base thickness with a 0.1mm raised boss for precise localized spacing. We maintain strict parallelism and perpendicularity between the multiple steps to ensure accurate alignment.
Optical components are easily damaged by micro-burrs. We use specialized micro-milling techniques and sharp profiling tools during machining. Post-machining, we employ specialized vibration deburring or thermal energy deburring (TEM) for delicate features. This is followed by rigorous ultrasonic cleaning and microscopic visual inspection to guarantee a 100% burr-free surface.
For high-power laser applications requiring both precise spacing and heat dissipation, we highly recommend pure copper (C11000) or high-grade aluminum (6061). These materials offer excellent thermal conductivity. We can also apply gold or silver plating if lower contact thermal resistance is required at the interface.
Absolutely. With our 30 years of expertise and multi-axis CNC capabilities, we can machine custom inner diameters, D-shaped holes, and asymmetrical slots to match irregular lens profiles. We collaborate closely with your engineers on DFM (Design for Manufacturing) to ensure the shim geometry does not obstruct the optical path while providing maximum structural support.
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