Ultra-precision Machining Systems; an Enabling Technology for Perfect Surfaces

The technology of ultra-precision machining, spanning almost three decades, has only in recent years experienced major advances in machine design and, subsequently, performance and productivity. In the 1970’s, ultra-precision machining techniques were successfully adopted for the manufacture of computer memory discs used in hard drives, and also photoreceptor components used in many photocopier machine and printer applications. Such applications required extremely high geometrical accuracies to be achieved, in combination with super smooth surfaces. These surfaces were found to be most effectively manufactured by single point diamond turning, as opposed to multiple processes such as machining, lapping, and polishing.