2016+New+grinding+machine

A newer grinding/polishing and testing machine is in development for 2016.

This will allow for mirrors to e ground/polished and tested in the same rig without the need for a telescope.

This will reduce risk and time during transfer of the mirror under test.

The machine allows for the mirror to be raised in position easily during polishing/figuring by 3 hand wheels under the table that are easily accessed. A mirror of this size is very heavy and not easily turned on a carpet base!

The rig is moved to the test area on wheels and locked into place. The table is unlocked and turned through 90 dgerees with the mirror supported on a 3mm steel wire at its centre of gravity. No load is put through the rear of the glass. Multiple tests at 5 positions over 360 degrees are taken and averaged to create the final error map for figuring.