Custom Biconvex Lenses
Biconvex lenses are lenses that have a positive radius (convex) on both sides. They have a positive focal length so can be used as a collimator or magnifier. A typical application of a biconvex lens is the simply magnifying glass. You can read a fuller technical definition on the RP Photonics Encyclopedia.
Because both surfaces curve outward, biconvex lenses converge light more strongly than a plano-convex lens of the same focal length, which makes them well suited to imaging systems, projectors, condensers and beam-expansion optics where a compact, high-power positive lens is needed. They are widely specified across laser systems, machine vision, microscopy and general optical instrumentation wherever light needs to be focused or collimated efficiently.
Kingsview Optical manufactures custom biconvex lenses to order when stock lenses won’t do — our custom biconvex lenses are made to your exact specification. From prototype batches to full production Kingsview has facility to offer both. Our specialty is offering rapid turnaround on lenses and can offer a number of coating options depending on your requirement. Every biconvex lens is manufactured on site in the UK to your exact specification, with full traceability and inspection to ISO 9001:2015 standards.
Typical applications for our biconvex lenses include camera and imaging optics, laser beam expanders and collimators, projector and condenser systems, and scientific instrumentation such as microscopes and spectrometers. We manufacture biconvex lenses from a wide range of optical materials, including BK7, fused silica and other Schott, Ohara and CDGM glasses, and can apply broadband AR or V-coatings to suit the wavelength of your application.
Standard Lens Tolerances
| Size: 0.8mm to 150mm |
| Diameter Tolerance: -0.05 mm |
| Centre Thickness Tolerance: ±0.05 mm |
| Decentration (wedge): ± 2′ |
| Irregularity: λ/4 |
| Spherical Error: 0.5% of radius or better |
| Surface Quality (Scratch/Dig): 40/20 |
| Flatness: λ/4@633nm |
| Coating Broadband AR, V coat, Mgf2 etc |
| Finishing Edge black painted, steps, bevels etc |
| Materials Schott, Ohara, CDGM, Fused Silica |
Lens Tooling
Dependent on the lens geometry and numbers it will be decided to either manufacture the lens conventionally or using the CNC lens line. Generally the main reasons for the decision is based on the radius needed. Steep radius lenses tend to be better suited to the CNC as the process is done one at a time. If the lens is shallow and you can fit many in a block it can be beneficial to polish conventionally.
Polishing by CNC there will be a tooling charge as custom tools will need to be manufactured. If it is done conventionally provided you use one of the many tools we have in stock you won’t have the expense of the tooling charge. This can be beneficial when the numbers are small. Here you can find our tooling list in Zemax format which you can then use to optimise your design to our tools.
Get in touch
We can offer a one stop manufacturing solution for all precision optical components including spherical lenses, optical prisms filters and precision windows. Also available is a custom lens design service enabling you to give us your optical requirement for us to create a tailor made solution.
Should you need a quote please get in touch for a no obligation quotation and we hopefully will be able to help.
