Introduction: The Limits of Traditional Optical Cutting Methods
The demand for ultra-precise, damage-free optical components is rising across industries like 3D sensing, AR/VR, LiDAR, and biomedical imaging. The optical cutting technology becomes important.However, traditional cutting methods like laser 그리고 waterjet are struggling to meet the tolerances, cleanliness, and edge quality required in these applications.
Common optical materials include:
- Borofloat glass
- Fused silica
- 사파이어
- Polymer-coated glass
- Optical ceramics
All these materials are brittle, prone to thermal or mechanical damage, and often have delicate coatings or microstructures.
Comparison: Laser vs Waterjet vs Endless Diamond Wire
| 기능 | 레이저 커팅 | 워터젯 커팅 | 끝없는 다이아몬드 와이어 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Impact | High (100°C+) | low | low |
| Edge Chipping | 중간에서 높음 | 중간 | Very Low |
| Min. Feature Size | <100 μm (depends on lens) | >300 μm | <80 μm |
| Coating Compatibility | Poor (bubbling, delam) | Poor (water damage) | 우수 |
| Surface Cleanliness | Soot or oxide residue | Wet, may leave salts | Clean (DI water rinse) |
| 소모품 | Laser tube, optics | Abrasive, nozzles | Wire (long life) |
| 유지 관리 | 높은 | 중간에서 높음 | 낮은 |
| Total Cut Quality | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Technical Advantages of Endless Diamond Wire
🔹 Cold and Dry Cut
No heating or water contact. Ideal for laminated optics, coated layers, or materials with thermal sensitivity.
🔹 Precision and Repeatability
Wire positioning and speed are tightly controlled. Enables ±10 μm slicing repeatability across multi-batch production.
🔹 Gentle on Coatings and Layers
No delamination, micro-bubbling, or adhesive failure observed on:
- AR coatings
- Polymer-on-glass diffusers
- Optical filters
- Mirror stacks
🔹 Cleanroom-Compatible
No abrasive slurry or post-wash required. Output is clean and ready for direct bonding or coating.
Adoption Trend Across Industries
OEMs and fabs are transitioning to endless diamond wire saws, especially for:
- 3D sensing diffusers
- Micro-prisms
- Wafer-level optics
- Custom DOE and LIDAR lenses
Case studies show a yield improvement of 25–40% and a 50% drop in rework time compared to laser or waterjet setups.
Recommended Equipment for Modern Optical Cutting Technology
Vimfun’s lineup of endless diamond wire saws supports a wide range of optical cutting technology demands:
- SG 20 — Compact and precise, ideal for slicing thin optical wafers and coated glass substrates.
- SGR 20 — Optimized for straight, clean cuts in prisms and rectangular optics with minimal edge deformation.
- SGI 20 — Designed for 3D-profiled or structured optics, supporting multi-layer glass or irregular contours.
- SGRT 20 — Advanced cutting system with tilt and rotation axes for cutting at compound angles and non-planar geometries.
Each system integrates precision servo control, closed-loop tension feedback, and low-stress wire guidance—delivering the cutting edge of 광학 유리 절단 performance.
Conclusion: Endless Wire as the New Optical Cutting Standard
As the complexity and fragility of optical components increase, manufacturers are phasing out thermally aggressive or wet-cutting techniques.
Endless diamond wire offers unmatched balance of precision, edge quality, coating protection, and operational stability. It is fast becoming the preferred solution for clean, crack-free slicing of high-value optics.
