Industrial applications and process comparisons
Achieving precise optical surfaces: manufacturing processes

In table 6 , we review the use of these different technologies in optical companies, taking into account "industrial" criteria:

• easily accessible technology, i.e.: is the investment required high? Is there a great deal of experience to be acquired before parts can be produced?

• technology suitable for prototypes (1 to 10), small series (10 to 500) or large series (> 500);

• cost of obtaining the part ;

• level of use of this technology: have many companies adopted it? Is it used worldwide?

• product applications: astronomy, spectrometry, civil, defense.