Featured guide
How to Specify a Custom Patterned Glass Component
Turn the optical task into a DWG drawing with usable datums, pattern requirements and acceptance criteria.
Open the guideTechnical Guides
Choose substrates and coatings, prepare DWG drawings and define measurable pattern and inspection requirements.
Choose the requirement you need to resolve
Preparing DWG Drawings for Patterned Glass
Prepare CAD geometry that preserves scale, polarity, datums and layer meaning through drawing review and manufacture.
Open the guidePattern Accuracy, Datums and Orientation
Separate line width, pitch, pattern position and system accuracy, then express each requirement against a measurable datum.
Open the guideInspection and Acceptance of Patterned Glass
Define inspection areas, defect significance, measurement conditions and report content before comparing pass/fail results.
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Transmissive vs Reflective Glass Linear Scales: How to Choose the Optical Path
Choose the optical path from the available machine space, readhead geometry and contrast measurement, then define pitch, datums and acceptance conditions.
Fused Silica Substrates: Geometry, Flatness and Inspection
Learn how to specify fused silica grade, outline, clear aperture, TTV, flatness, edge condition and inspection requirements on a technical drawing.
Bonded Reticles: Protecting the Patterned Focal Plane
How a bonded cover glass protects a reticle pattern, what it changes in the optical path, and what to specify in the drawing.
Glass Encoder Disc Selection: A Practical Checklist
Define the code pattern, reading geometry and acceptance requirements before ordering a patterned glass encoder disc.
Choosing Glass Substrates and Optical Coatings
Evaluate wavelength, thermal drift, mounting and film behaviour together instead of choosing glass by name alone.
Preparing DWG Drawings for Patterned Glass
Prepare CAD geometry that preserves scale, polarity, datums and layer meaning through drawing review and manufacture.
How to Choose an Optical Test Target
Compare USAF 1951, slanted-edge MTF, Siemens stars, dot arrays, checkerboards and stage micrometers by the quantity you need to measure.
Pattern Accuracy, Datums and Orientation
Separate line width, pitch, pattern position and system accuracy, then express each requirement against a measurable datum.
Inspection and Acceptance of Patterned Glass
Define inspection areas, defect significance, measurement conditions and report content before comparing pass/fail results.
Patterned Glass and Photolithography Glossary
Plain-language definitions for photomasks, encoder discs, reticles, calibration targets and the measurements used to specify them.
Eyepiece Reticles: Selection, Fit and Calibration
Choose the pattern and mounting fit, then convert eyepiece divisions into specimen measurements with a stage micrometer.
Using this guide
Use these technical guides to choose a component, select a material, prepare artwork, check installation and define acceptance.