Optical Lens Manufacture

Kingsview Optical is a trusted optical lens manufacturer UK engineers and OEMs have relied on since 1996. With a focus on quality and precision, we have established ourselves as a leading optical lens manufacturer in the UK  producing custom lenses for demanding applications across medical, aerospace, defence and scientific research. Our capabilities allow us to produce precision optical lenses for a wide range of applications, from imaging and illumination to laser systems and machine vision. From micro lenses as small as 0.8mm in diameter to larger format lenses up to 100mm in diameter, we can accommodate a wide range of lens geometries and tolerances.

Whether you need a custom optical lens design tailored to your specific requirements or already have a design ready for manufacture, we are here to help. As a UK optical lens manufacturer with on-site CNC polishing, vacuum coating and cleanroom assembly, we offer a genuinely end-to-end service  from initial prototype through to full-scale production all under one roof.

Optical Lens Types

Optical Lens Standard Tolerances

Polishing Capability

CNC Optical Polishing

In 2021, Kingsview strengthened its position as a leading optical lens manufacturer UK-wide by investing in a second Optotech CNC lens line. We added the Optotech 30 to complement our established Optotech 80 line — giving us two dedicated CNC polishing platforms covering the full range of lens diameters we produce. The Optotech 30 specialises in micro optics from 1mm to 30mm diameter, while the Optotech 80 handles larger format lenses up to 200mm. Together, these CNC lines give us the consistency, repeatability and capacity to produce high volumes of precision optical lenses to tight tolerances — right here in the UK. This dual CNC capability is one of the reasons customers choose Kingsview over other UK optical lens manufacturers when they need reliable, repeatable production at competitive cost.

Advantages of CNC

Conventional Pitch Polishing

Kingsview also provides conventional polishing, also known as pitch polishing, which was commonly used before the introduction of CNC machines in optical polishing. Throughout the years, Kingsview has built a vast collection of optical tooling and test plates. This enables designers to work with existing tooling, resulting in savings on tooling costs and faster delivery times. This is particularly advantageous for small prototype batches. Please refer to our test plate list here.

Advantages of conventional pitch polishing

Lens edging and centering options

We employ advanced technology such as the auto collimator and air bearing to ensure precise alignment of our lenses. For the ultimate level of precision, we rely on the Trioptic Opticentric – the go-to industry standard for lens centration measurement. Additionally, with the help of CNC, we are able to edge lenses with complex shapes, going beyond just round lenses.

Optical Assembly and Cementing

Our clean room assembly areas allow for the seamless assembly of lenses into housings. Whether you require doublets or triplets, our skilled technicians can expertly cement them together. To ensure the highest precision, we employ the Trioptic Opticentric which is the industry standard for centration and cementing. When it comes to optical adhesives, we primarily use Norland and NTT, but we are open to using others upon request. If you’re in need of custom optical lens solutions, look no further – our expertise and attention to detail will ensure your satisfaction.

Optical Coating Options

Our optical coating options are tailored to suit your specific application, making it an intriguing choice. With the convenience of onsite optical coating, we have greater control over the process, leading to cost savings and faster deliveries. Choose our expertise in optical lens coating for a customized solution.

Optical Metrology

Our company utilises state-of-the-art metrology equipment to ensure the precision and accuracy of our manufacturing process for optical components.

• 4″ Zygo interferometer with MX software

One of our tools is a 4″ Zygo interferometer with the latest MX software, which allows us to measure lens radius and surface form with high precision. With a wide range of transmission spheres, we are able to measure the entire aperture of most optics we produce. Additionally, we can provide surface reports for the optics we manufacture, if requested.

• Lambda Spectrophotometer

To assess the performance of our optical coatings, we rely on a lambda spectrophotometer. This equipment operates within a wavelength range of 200-3000nm. If needed, we can provide coating witness samples at an additional cost. These spectrophotometry and metrology tools play a crucial role in ensuring the exceptional quality of our custom lenses.

• Trioptic Opticentric

Centration plays a crucial role in the production of precision optics lenses. We understand its significance, which is why we have made a significant investment in the Trioptic Opticentric – the standard in optical centration measurement within the industry. This state-of-the-art equipment not only enhances accuracy in lens cementing but also enables us to achieve the highest level of precision possible. By incorporating the advanced multilens software add on, we can now measure complete optical assemblies, ensuring that each custom lens component is aligned with utmost accuracy. This meticulous attention to detail results in exceptional imaging performance, surpassing your imaging expectations.

• Trioptic Optisurf LTM Extended

The Trioptic Optisurf LTM is a great tool that addresses the challenges of measuring lens thickness in a contactless manner. By utilising low coherence interferometry, this method achieves an astonishing accuracy of less than 1 micron. This, combined with CNC lens manufacture, allows for the routine accomplishment of the highest levels of precision in lens production. One of the notable advantages of this technology is its ability to measure complete lens assemblies, taking into account both lens thickness and air gaps in systems. This feature greatly enhances the manufacturing process, ensuring that lens assemblies are produced according to their intended design and ultimately improving lens performance. In the realm of optics, this tool is truly a game-changer for custom lens production.

Why choose us?

Our team at Kingsview Optical is proud to be the top choice for optical lens manufacturing in the UK. With a comprehensive range of optical components, we cater to industries such as industrial, defence, and augmented reality. Our commitment to quality is evident, as Kingsview is audited and certified to ISO 9001 standards.

What sets us apart is our ability to deliver customised optics with unparalleled speed. We understand the unique requirements of each project and are more than happy to offer expert advice and innovative solutions. Additionally, we possess the expertise to evaluate lens tolerances and provide insight into achievable outcomes.

If you have any questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide you with accurate quotes and assist you every step of the way. Moreover, we welcome the opportunity to showcase our state-of-the-art facility and demonstrate how our optical solutions can benefit you. Reach out today and discover the difference that Kingsview Optical can make.