Single Point Diamond Turning

Overview
Curriculum
Instructor

Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) is an ultra-precision machining process in which a carefully prepared diamond tool is guided across a workpiece under extremely controlled conditions to create optical-quality surfaces and precise geometric forms. This course develops the knowledge needed to understand an SPDT machine, select appropriate materials and tooling, establish work and tool offsets, run a controlled first cut, evaluate the resulting surface, and make measured corrections based on metrology.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Explain how SPDT produces precision optical surfaces and why the process requires exceptional control of motion, temperature, vibration, tooling, and workholding
Identify the principal systems of a diamond turning machine and describe how they work together
Compare common diamond-turnable materials and select appropriate tool geometry and cutting conditions
Set a diamond tool, establish work offsets, prepare a vacuum chuck, and verify runout and balance
Read the key information in an SPDT CNC program and safely prepare for a first machining cycle
Use optical metrology to diagnose tool-height, X-offset, and power-related errors and apply controlled corrections

This course is written for advanced high school students, entry-level technicians, and other learners preparing to work around ultra-precision optical manufacturing equipment. Because SPDT machines can damage expensive tools and components very quickly when they are set up incorrectly, all hands-on work must be performed under the procedures, supervision, and safety rules established by the operating facility.

Curriculum

1 Section
12 Lessons
12 Weeks

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Curriculum
13 Items
This 12-lesson course introduces Single Point Diamond Turning from machine fundamentals through first-cut setup, optical metrology, and controlled process correction.

Justin Ghyzel

Justin Ghyzel is AmeriCOM’s Principal Optical Manufacturing and Metrology Engineer. With 14 years of optical manufacturing experience, Justin doesn’t shy away from any project put in front of him. He enjoys getting his hands dirty with any task necessary and is excited to share his expertise to improve American optical manufacturing. Justin’s career path started in high school, where he learned about CAM/CAD and was quickly interested in the field. He went on to earn his AAS degree from Monroe Community College (MCC) through the Precision Machining program. While attending MCC, he was hired by Optimax to generate and polish prototype asphere lenses. After four years of manufacturing asphere lenses, Justin moved into a new department to utilize more of his machining background. His day-to-day included programming, setting up, and operating ultrasonic 5 axis mills to achieve obscure shapes required for the optical market at the time. He also shared his problem-solving strength and engineered solutions to improve the daily operations of the area. For the last five years, Justin has been starting up and leading a diamond turning area. This work utilizes his strong machining knowledge as well as his optical understanding to achieve polished surfaces on the crystal optics that are at the leading edge of technology today. He is excited to collaborate with industry leaders to improve single point diamond turning education and developments.

Curriculum

Justin Ghyzel

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