SC02 – Advanced Surface Inspection Workshop

Summary

Understanding the correct way to inspect optical surfaces is one of the most important skills anyone working with or around optics can have, including technicians, material handlers, engineers, managers, and buyers. While understanding the specifications is the first step, learning how to actually perform the inspection is just as important. This hands-on workshop with allow attendees to learn the “Best Practice” for inspecting optical surfaces. The course has many demonstrations and labs and gives attendees lots of practice handling and inspecting optics with the oversight of a trained master inspector.

During the course, we will begin with a brief review of the surface imperfection specifications in use today and a quick overview of good cleaning and handling practices. We will practice appearance comparison inspection for MIL, ANSI, and ISO scratch and dig visibility specifications. Each person will grade imperfections and will have their grades verified by the instructor. Attendees will also be able to conduct dimensional comparison inspections using a loupe or a stereo microscope for ISO and ANSI dimensional inspections. Finally, we will review the accumulation rules for acceptance or rejection of optics. The course is based on the concept of learning by doing, with many hands-on labs. As a result, class size is limited.

Learning Outcomes

This course will enable you to:

• perform a visual review of the surface
• conduct a visual inspection according to MIL-PRF-13830B and ANSI OP1.002
• conduct a visual inspection according to ISO 10110-7 and ISO 14997
• conduct a microscope inspection according to ANSI and ISO standards
• evaluate a surface map and determine if a surface passes or fails

Target Audience

This intermediate-level course is designed for all-optical practitioners who need to handle and evaluate optics or optical assemblies. Other suggested attendees include mechanical engineers, purchasing agents, quality assurance personnel, and other persons working around optical components. SC01 or SC700 Understanding Scratch and Dig is a required prerequisite class.

Course Length

Half-day (3.5 hours)

Instructor

Dave Aikens is known throughout the industry as the foremost expert on scratch and dig specifications and their interpretation. He has been involved in surface quality specifications for more than 30 years. Dave is the President and founder of Savvy Optics Corp., is the head of the American delegation to ISO TC 172 SC1, and chair of the technical advisory group to TC172 for optics and photonics standards.