Single point diamond turning (SPDT) is a well known method for fabricating micro optics.  The easiest way to think of SPDT is to imagine a standard lathe in your average machine shop because this is basically what a single point diamond turning machine is.  The big difference between a standard lathe and a single point diamond turning machine is that the SPDT machine uses a diamond tipped bit for it's machining and it is able to machine surface finishes of a few nanometers and  features that are down to about 1 micron in size.  In keeping with the lathe analogy, single point diamond turning is used for radially symmetrical optics including aspherical shapes. 

Single point diamond turning is capable of being used with many different types of materials.  Usually single point diamond turning is used to make a glass optic.  However, it can also be used to machine plastics.  Some UV plastics do not lend themselves to molding so single point diamond turning is used to actually machine the plastic to its correct shape.  Single point diamond turning is also used on metals.  Often when the cavity for a plastics injection mold is needed it will be created using a single point diamond turning machine. 

Optics created by this method are used in all kinds of applications.  They can be used in astronomy, industry, and medical applications.  One of the advantages of using single point diamond turning is the ability to make lens shapes very accurately without expensive tooling.  The only tooling required for the process is a diamond bit.  One of the disadvantages of single point diamond turning is the fact that there is a high reject rate because the surface finishes and accuracy requirements are so demanding.  Additionally, the process isn't really suited for mass production since the reject rate is high and also it takes a while to make each individual optic. 

So, like any other process, single point diamond turning has it's strengths and it's weaknesses and Nalux has the equipment and the expertise in using the process to provide some of the finest optics possible.