Knowledge-Enabled Variable Interpretation Network

KEVIN 9.0

Plan the run. Review the evidence. Learn from the result.

KEVIN organizes part geometry, current measurements, process settings, historical outcomes, and technician feedback into one guided optical-polishing workflow. It gives technicians a practical recommendation they can understand- not a mysterious answer they are expected to trust blindly.

Start here

KEVIN quick access

Open the advisor, review the instructions, understand how the data is handled, or access the protected run repository.

Run KEVIN

Enter a part, measurements, and process settings to generate a reviewable recommendation.

OPEN ADVISOR →

Operator Manual

Use the step-by-step guide to understand each input, calculation, and result field.

OPEN MANUAL →

Data Privacy

See how process information is stored, protected, and used inside the KEVIN environment.

READ POLICY →

Run Repository

Authorized users can review completed outcomes and manage the historical run database.

OPEN REPOSITORY →

What KEVIN does

Turns a polishing problem into a clear, reviewable workflow.

KEVIN collects the information that often lives in separate notes, spreadsheets, interferometer results, machine settings, and technician experience- then keeps it connected to the recommendation and the final outcome.

Organizes the setup
Captures geometry, material, pad, slurry, tool size, pressure, motion, speed, and cycle details.
Compares current and target measurements
Calculates power, ROC, and irregularity gaps while keeping waves and fringes in compatible units.
Suggests a practical next move
Uses the entered conditions, selected form-error pattern, risk checks, and relevant historical evidence.
Closes the loop
Links the final measurements and actual changes back to the recommendation so the result can be evaluated.
How it works

Four steps from setup to usable outcome data.

The recommendation matters, but the result is what makes KEVIN more useful over time. Completing all four steps keeps the knowledge connected.

01
Enter the part + process

Add geometry, material, tooling, slurry, and current machine setup so KEVIN has the right context.

02
Add measurements

Enter power, radius, irregularity, targets, units, priority, and the observed form-error pattern.

03
Review the recommendation

Check the suggested adjustment, calculations, confidence, historical evidence, and risk warnings.

04
Log the outcome

Return after polishing and record the actual settings and final measurements to complete the run.

The goal

Make useful polishing knowledge easier to capture, share, and improve.

KEVIN is designed to reduce avoidable trial and error, preserve what technicians learn from real runs, and give the next person a better place to start. Its long-term value comes from recording what actually happened- not only generating an initial recommendation.

Keep learning

Build the precision optics knowledge behind the recommendation.

KEVIN can organize a decision, but the best results still come from people who understand the optic, the process, and the measurement. Learn.AmeriCOM offers free, self-paced courses created for the optics workforce.

Optics fundamentalsFabricationPolishingMetrologyBlueprints
Learn. Grow. Advance.
Free online precision optics training

Explore practical courses for technicians, students, engineers, supervisors, and anyone building skills in optical manufacturing.

DRAWINGS + SPECS
Reading Optical Blueprints 101

Learn to identify dimensions, tolerances, radius, power, irregularity, surface quality, wedge, and other optical drawing requirements.

VIEW COURSE →

POLISHING FOUNDATION
Conventional Polishing Basics

Review polishing purpose, pitch laps, slurry, tooling, contact, motion, process stability, and common polishing problems.

VIEW COURSE →

MEASUREMENT
Introduction to Optical Metrology

Strengthen measurement skills for thickness, sag, radius, wedge, power, irregularity, waviness, and surface finish.

VIEW COURSE →

ADVANCED PROCESS
Introduction to Subaperture Polishing

Explore removal functions, toolpaths, CNC motion, contact mechanics, metrology, process control, and troubleshooting.

VIEW COURSE →

The AmeriCOM network

Training, manufacturing technology, and industry collaboration.

KEVIN is one part of a larger effort to strengthen the precision optics workforce and manufacturing base.

 AMERICOM

American Center for Optics Manufacturing

AmeriCOM works with industry, education, government, and nonprofit partners on workforce development, manufacturing technologies, and the long-term strength of the precision optics industrial base.

VISIT AMERICOM →

DPOC
Defense Precision Optics Consortium

DPOC brings together U.S. optics manufacturers, academic institutions, nonprofits, and government partners to address technology development, standards, supply-chain issues, research, and education.

VISIT DPOC →

LEARN.AMERICOM
Free Online Optics Training

Learn.AmeriCOM provides practical, self-paced courses for people discovering optics, preparing for hands-on training, or building skills while working in the industry.

START LEARNING →