Peculiarities of optical element manufacturing in the Chinese optical industry

Abstract

In the long-term production and processing practice, China's optical manufacturing industry has formed a coexistence model with traditional optical classical polishing and high-speed polishing. China’s optical experts are familiar with many optical standards such as the US military standard, German standard, ISO10110, and China national standard, promote optical elements production which can meet the needs of high precision instruments. High efficiency production methods are used to lay a foundation for meeting the market demands of China and other countries. The application of virtual prototyping methods, the emergence of a large number of professional optical specialists, and the popularization of advanced processing and testing equipment have all contributed to the development of China's optical industry. The number, shape and type of the optical components and test requirements are critical to the mass production of the optical components. An optical manufacturer’s sustainable operations not only depend on professional lens design, but also rely on advanced processing and testing equipment, effective cost control management and China's mature industrial chain. In this paper, we analyze the current state and characteristics of China's optical industry from the aspects of component design, processing methods, optical standards, processing and inspection equipment, and cost control. The cost information is valid for China. We propose a way to optimize a mass production cost which is based on the complexity of the optical system. As result it makes it possible to produce complex optical systems in China. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method of analysis, we present examples of the lenses produced.