Development of beryllium-mirror turning technology

Jones B. Arnold

doi:10.1117/12.46527

1 September 1991 Development of beryllium-mirror turning technology

Jones B. Arnold

Proceedings Volume 1485, Reflective and Refractive Optical Materials for Earth and Space Applications; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46527
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Because of the unique properties of beryllium (Be) and the advantages of single point turning, a development program has been instituted to single point turn beryllium as a means to produce optics. Initial effort to diamond turn beryllium resulted in less than desirable results and development efforts were directed at finding a more suitable tool material. Both single and polycrystalline tool materials were evaluated and cubic boron nitride (CBN) was found to produce the better results. Tool wear has been the primary limitation in precision machining beryllium and advances have allowed a two order-of-magnitude reduction in this problem. After considerable efforts, results with CBN appear to be approaching a limit, and diamond, as tool material, was re-evaluated with promising results. A development program is now under way to determine if diamond may be used to machine larger and more complex beryllium parts.

Citation Download Citation

Jones B. Arnold "Development of beryllium-mirror turning technology", Proc. SPIE 1485, Reflective and Refractive Optical Materials for Earth and Space Applications, (1 September 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46527

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