Introducing our YMT NFX 400A & OptoTech SPO 80
We’re excited to announce two significant investments in precision manufacturing at Crystran: the arrival of the YMT NFX 400A 5-axis machining centre and the OptoTech SPO 80 sub-aperture polishing system.
These advanced systems significantly enhance our ability to manufacture high-precision optical components with greater speed, accuracy and repeatability — supporting industrial, scientific, defence and aerospace customers worldwide.
YMT NFX 400A — Advanced 5-Axis Optical Machining
The YMT NFX 400A is a high-rigidity, ultra-precision 5-axis CNC machining centre designed for complex optical geometries and precision mechanical features.
Key Capabilities
- Full 5-axis simultaneous machining for complex geometries
- High positional accuracy and repeatability
- On-board metrology for in-process verification
- Ability to machine directly from customer STP files
- Increased maximum part size capacity (400 mm diameter x 300 mm thick)
Optical Geometry Manufacturing
The NFX 400A allows Crystran to pre-generate and machine complex optical forms including:
- Spherical surfaces
- Bi-convex lenses
- Bi-cave lenses
- Plano-convex lenses
- Plano-concave lenses
- Meniscus lenses
- Wedges and angular features
- Radius steps / stepped windows
- Grooving
- Chording
- Radius edge profiles
Advanced Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Control:
Control of runout, roundness, profile, cylindricity, symmetry, angularity, perpendicularity, parallelism, edge centration, concentricity, feature position, grooves, flatness and datum features.
Sustainable Germanium Recovery
In response to ongoing Germanium supply volatility, we have integrated a water filtration recovery system on the NFX 400A.
This system captures Germanium slurry generated during machining, allowing us to recover and recycle material back into usable Germanium stock — supporting:
- Reduced material waste
- Improved supply resilience
- Better long-term cost stability
- Environmental responsibility
This is particularly valuable for our Germanium and Silicon lens production, though the machine is capable of processing many of Crystran’s optical materials.
YMT NFX 400A – Dimensional Capability Table
Part Size Capabilities
| Parameter | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 3 mm | 400 mm |
| Width / Length | 3 mm | 300 mm |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm | 300 mm |
Machining Tolerances
| Feature | Typical Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Diameter Accuracy | ± 0.01 mm |
| Thickness | ± 0.01 mm |
| Radius of Curvature (ROC) | ± 0.05 % |
| Wedge | ≤ 10 arc seconds |
| Drilled Hole Position | ± 0.01 mm |
| Drilled Hole Diameter | ± 0.03 mm |
| Chamfer Width | ± 0.05 mm |
| Lens Centration | ≤ 30 arc seconds |
Interested in our CNC capabilities?
OptoTech SPO 80 — Precision Polishing of Lenses, Wedges and Flats
Complementing our machining capability, the OptoTech SPO 80 delivers advanced polishing.
Key Capabilities
-
- Sub-aperture polishing with surface figure correction
- Superior cosmetic and surface finish across a range of materials
- Maintain centration / parallelism / wedge angle while polishing
- Improved form error on high aspect ratio parts (thin parts)
- Highly repeatable polishing processing
With the SPO 80, Crystran achieves:
- Tighter surface figure tolerances
- Improved mid-spatial frequency control
- Enhanced surface finish
- Reduced polishing cycle times
This is particularly valuable for high-performance optics used in imaging systems, thermal cameras, laser systems and advanced sensing applications.
Polishing & Optical Tolerances
| Feature | Typical Capability |
|---|---|
| Part Size | Up to 80 mm diameter (bounded) |
| Thickness | Up to 100 mm |
| Radius of Curvature (ROC) Accuracy | Typically ≤ 1% |
| Wedge | ≤ 1 arc min |
| Flatness (Transmitted / Reflected) | ≤ 0.5 λ @ 632.8nm |
| Parallelism | ≤ 30 arc sec |
| Edge Centring / Concentricity | ~20 µm Edge Thickness Variation |
| Scratch / Dig (MIL-PRF-13830) | < 40/20 |
| Surface Roughness (Ra) | ≤ 0.8 nm |
Expanded Polishing Capacity — SPO 130
Due to the success of the SPO 80, Crystran has now invested in the OptoTech SPO 130, allowing us to polish significantly larger optical components while maintaining the same deterministic precision.
This expands our capacity for:
- Larger diameter lenses
- Precision flats
- Domes
- Custom large-format optics
A Fully Integrated Manufacturing Workflow
With the addition of the YMT NFX 400A and the OptoTech SPO polishing systems, Crystran now offers a more integrated and tightly controlled optical manufacturing process:
- Enhanced dimensional precision
- Improved concentricity and geometry control
- Reduced handling and cumulative error
- Greater material efficiency
- Improved lead times
- Stronger process repeatability
These investments reinforce our commitment to technical excellence, sustainability and delivering world-class optical components to our global customers.
Why Choose Crystran
Choosing Crystran as your optical components supplier ensures access to world-class expertise and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. Crystran specialises in fabricating high-quality IR and UV materials, including exotic crystals and innovative glasses, all processed under stringent quality controls. With ISO9001:2015 and ISO14001:2015 certifications, Crystran guarantees exceptional quality and environmental responsibility. Their technical sales team offers unparalleled support, ensuring quick, reliable service, whether you need a single optic or a high-volume production run. Crystran’s global reach and competitive pricing make them an ideal choice for optical solutions.
For more details, visit our About Us page.