The Estimator is a unique tool designed to allow you to input parameters of an optic and adjust tolerances to get an estimated cost of your optic. This empowers optical engineers to find the best balance of performance versus cost by adjusting the manufacturing tolerances and evaluating the effect on cost.
The Estimator is also available through the ZEMAX OpticStudio ISO Drawing. Once you are registered, you can use the same credentials to login (see Cost Estimator in the OpticStudio System Explorer).
The Estimator is limited in scope to prototype optics within the following boundary conditions:
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Optimax currently provides 19 antireflection coatings for the Coating Library in OpticStudio. They can be divided into four categories, which are described below. The coating designs are encrypted, but this article will help you determine which coating to select, and how to evaluate its performance.
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For a comprehensive table of parameter limits for requesting Cost Estimates (on this site as well as through OpticStudio), see the table below.
The Estimator is designed to generate cost estimates with standard delivery in mind. The full scope of capabilities at Optimax is much broader. If your project requires faster delivery or more challenging requirements, please contact a sales engineer at sales@optimaxsi.comfor more information.
General/Materials
| wdt_ID | General/Materials | Bounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lens Quantity | 1-10 pieces | 3 quantities can be chosen for estimating |
| 2 | Materials | Optimax Preferred Glasses (in stock) | If you are using OpticStudio, use the Materials Catalog OPTIMAX.AGF |
| 3 | Glass Parameters | Precision quality glass is assumed in all cases | Tolerances for refractive index, Abbe number, and homogeneity are not considered in the Cost Estimate |
| 4 | Coating | Limited to the coatings listed in the drop down menu | If using the Estimator through OpticStudio, you may select any OPTIMAX coating in the Coating Catalog |
Surface Parameters
| wdt_ID | Surface Parameters | Bounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surface Types | Standard (Plano, Spherical, Conic), and Even Asphere Surfaces | Even asphere coefficients up to 16th order are considered |
| 2 | Radius (of Curvature) | 10 - 1500 mm | Longer and shorter radii are possible, but out of the bounds of the Estimator |
| 3 | Radius (of Curvature) tolerance | 0.025% or 1 FR (whichever is greater) for spheres; for aspheric surfaces, Rv ± 0.1% | This tolerance is intended for surfaces with finite radii. |
| 4 | Surface Power | Minimum power tolerance is 1 FR. | In OpticStudio, use the ISO 3/A tolerance for Plano surfaces. Optimax assumes the test wavelength is 632.8 nm. |
| 5 | Surface Irregularity | Must be >= 0.1 FR for planos and spheres, >= 0.5 FR for aspheres | In OpticStudio, use ISO indication 3/B (irregularity, PV, in fringes). Optimax assumes the test wavelength is 632.8 nm. |
| 6 | Surface R/number | Must be >= R/1 | R/number = Radius of Curv/Clear Aperture. Faster surfaces can be made, but limited to R/1 for the Estimator. |
| 7 | Surface Roughness/Texture | Minimum surface roughness is 5 Angstroms RMS. | In ISO 10110 format, Rq >= 0.0005 microns RMS |
| 8 | Scratch/Dig | Estimates are provided for scratch dig down to 10/5 | ISO Grade Number (5/A) must be >= 0.063 mm. Scratch width (5/L_A'') must be 0.001 mm or greater. |
Dimensions & Tolerances
| wdt_ID | Dimensions and Tolerances | Bounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diameter of Part | 5-100 mm (spheres/planos) 10-100 mm (aspheric surfaces) | |
| 2 | Diameter of Part, tolerance | A total is calculated for -tol and +tol and it must be >= 0.010 mm. | Traditionally, the +tol is 0; either method is acceptable |
| 3 | Tolerance on Opening | An Opening occurs for concave surfaces with sag faces. Tolerances on this diameter drive fabrication requirements on the surface sag where the sphere joins the flat. A warning will appear if the sag tolerance converts to < ±0.010 mm. | In OpticStudio, the Opening is called the "Diameter" |
| 4 | (Center) Thickness | 2-100 mm (2-50 mm if either surface is an asphere) | Thickness may also be limited by standard glass strip thickness as supplied by manufacturer (varies with glass type). |
| 5 | (Center) Thickness tolerance | A total is calculated for -tol and +tol and it must be >= 0.040 mm. | The thickness tolerance defines the range where power, radius, irregularity, and cosmetics must all meet specifications. |
| 6 | Aspect Ratio | 2 to 12 (most parts) 4 to 12 (aspheres, and small parts with slow surfaces) | Aspect Ratio = Part Diameter/Center Thickness; In OpticStudio, use Diameter (flat)/Thickness |
| 7 | Clear Aperture | Must be | In ISO 10110, CA is called Effective Aperture. In OpticStudio, the part diameter is called "Diameter (flat)," and a convex Opening is called "Diameter" |
| 8 | Edge Thickness | 1.0 mm or greater at part diameter | |
| 9 | Wedge (ETD) | Minimum (total) ETD is 0.005 mm | In OpticStudio, enter wedge in arcminutes as 4/S on one side only. ETD is calculated from that angle and checked against 0.005 mm |
| 10 | Surface Decenter | For aspheric surfaces, the surface decenter tolerance must be at least ±0.002 mm (ERO = 0.004 mm) | In OpticStudio, for an asphere, enter both 4/S (tilt) and 4/L (decenter). |