---
title: "Optical Fabrication Capabilities - Blue Ridge Optics"
canonicalUrl: "https://blueridgeoptics.com/precision-optics/optical-fabrication/"
excerpt: "Optical Fabrication Capabilities from Blue Ridge Optics Blue Ridge Optics supplies both custom and made-to-order standard laser optics, optical polishing components, and thin film coatings for a wide range of applications. From Dielectric Coatings to Conductive (ITO) coatings, our precision optics are designed for the most sophisticated scientific and industrial applications. Our optical fabrication capabilities include double-sided lapping and polishing with planetary action, high speed and MRF polishing, and CNC lens manufacturing. We offer our clients low-volume R&D laser optic solutions customized to meet their specific needs. In addition, we are able to create high-volume production in nearly every type of […]"
metaDescription: "Custom optical fabrication services including polishing, CNC machining, and precision manufacturing for research and industrial optics."
datePublished: "2022-03-09T20:30:17-05:00"
dateModified: "2026-04-06T15:46:48-04:00"
---

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Optical Fabrication Capabilities - Blue Ridge Optics

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[Home](https://blueridgeoptics.com/) » [Precision Optics](https://blueridgeoptics.com/precision-optics/) » Optical Fabrication

# Optical Fabrication Capabilities from Blue Ridge Optics

Blue Ridge Optics supplies both custom and made-to-order standard laser optics, optical polishing components, and thin film coatings for a wide range of applications. From Dielectric Coatings to Conductive (ITO) coatings, our precision optics are designed for the most sophisticated scientific and industrial applications.

Our optical fabrication capabilities include double-sided lapping and polishing with planetary action, high speed and MRF polishing, and CNC lens manufacturing.

We offer our clients low-volume R&D laser optic solutions customized to meet their specific needs. In addition, we are able to create high-volume production in nearly every type of optical material, shape, and size.

![Optical Engineering Capabilities of Between 9-127mm](https://blueridgeoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/OpticalEngineering243x350-e1647464380910.png)

Optical Materials**

**Standard Materials**

BK7**CaF2
Infrasil
Fused Silica
Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2)
Sapphire
Suprasil
Hybrid & Custom Materials

Infrared Materials**

CaF2 (IR)**Cleartran
IG Glass
Germanium
Silicon

Crystals and Gain Materials**

Alexandrite**BBO / LBO Crystal
KTA / KTP Crystal
Phosphate Glass
Lithium Niobate (KNbO3)
RBBF
Ti:Sapphire
Vanadate (YVO4)
YLF
YAG (Doped: Er, Nd, Yb)
ZnSe (Standard & Doped: Fe, Cr)
Hybrid & Custom Crystals

## Optical Fabrication Technologies and Capabilities

Fabrication Technology**

CNC Blanking, Shaping & Polishing**MRF Finishing, Super Polish
Continuous Lappers (12-72″)
Double Sided Lappers

Achievable Specifications**

Dimensions: 0.1 – 457mm (Cross Sections)
Surface Quality: < 10-5
Flatness: 1/40 Wave @ 632.8nm (RWE)
TWE: 1/40 Wave @ 632.8nm (TWE)
RMS: <1 Angstrom RMS

### Double-Sided Lapping and Polishing with Planetary Action

Double-sided planetary lapping and polishing uses a top and bottom plate to grind and polish optical components, making its twin sides completely parallel.  

Our double-sided processing technique involves planetary action in order to abrade material equally from both faces of the optical substrate.

In addition to our double-sided polishers, we also have:

Spindle Polishers
- 15-72” Continuous Polishers
- Hybrid Polishers (YAG, Ruby, and Sapphire)

With multiple large continuous polishers of up to 72”, as well as our high-compression, double-sided planetary action polishers, Blue Ridge Optics can manufacture optics from 0.25 – 14”+. 

![double sided polishers](https://blueridgeoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/DoubleSidedPolishers683x508.png)

![CP Polishing and Lapping](https://blueridgeoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CPPolishingandLapping.png)

### CNC Lens Manufacturing in Optical Fabrication

Blue Ridge employs high-speed Computer-Numerically-Controlled (CNC) instruments and equipment for the grinding and centering of your precision optical components. Our CNC optical grinding equipment ensures that your optics meet our rigorous specifications and standards.

For standard to custom shapes from 5-150 mm, our 5-Axis multi-head CNC platform allows us to precisely manufacture blanks and complexly-shaped optics. Optical fabrication and measurement go hand in glove, and every optical component that we manufacture is measured in our state-of-the-art metrology lab.

### MRF Polishing and
High Speed Polishing

At Blue Ridge Optics, we employ magnetorheological finishing (MRF) using an interferometrically-informed subaperture tool to correct waveform errors by selectively removing materials from the optical surface. 

In relying on a computer, MRF removes the need for individuals to manually finish an optical surface, greatly reducing human error during fabrication. We offer MRF final finishing from 0.5 – 76.2 mm OD, <1 Å RMS roughness, and L/60 RWE/TWE. 

In addition, our super-polished surfaces are available with λ/10 flatness, 10-5 scratch-dig, and 2-5 Å polish.

![Optical Engineering Capabilities of Between 9-127mm](https://blueridgeoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/OpticalEngineering243x350-e1647464380910.png)