Strict component specifications, but inexperienced with precision glass?

A publicly traded medical equipment manufacturer needed precision tolerances coupled with a super smooth surface, light transmission and extreme durability. They were unfamiliar with the benefits, and limitations, inherent in glass.

How did IRD help?

Devised a process to hold a 5um parallelism between a polished surface and two 140um polished edge rails.

Worked intimately with the customer to help them understand the tradeoffs between glass and plastic.

A new manufacturing process was recommended, qualified and implemented.

Final Results

This process exceeded the original lifetime expectations of the component 1200%. Although the upfront cost did increase, the overall cost was dramatically reduced. IRD Glass remains sole-source on this global health project.

Interested in learning more?