Centering Adjustment Technology in Optical Lens Assembly

In the assembly of optical lenses, ensuring centering accuracy is a critical step after aligning the optical lenses with the lens barrel.

Centering accuracy is a key parameter that characterizes the consistency of the optical axes of all lenses within an optical system. Due to the presence of assembly clearances, the optical axes of individual lenses may deviate from the reference axis, resulting in axial misalignment, tilt, or a combination of both. This misalignment directly affects centering accuracy, disrupts the coaxial and symmetry of the optical system, and can significantly degrade the optical performance of the system. Therefore, after aligning the optical lenses and lens barrel, centering adjustment is necessary to ensure optimal performance.

For optical lenses with lower centering accuracy requirements, centering is typically achieved through two methods:

Self-centering effect of spacers: Using spacers to align the optical axis of the lens with the mounting axis of the lens barrel.

Tolerance control through fitting: Controlling the centering accuracy by the fit between the outer diameter of the optical lens and the inner diameter of the stepped hole in the lens barrel.

This approach, known as uncontrollable centering assembly, is commonly used in the assembly of medium-to-low precision optical lenses.

For high-precision optical lenses, relying solely on the self-centering effect of spacers and the fit accuracy of the lens barrel and optical lenses is insufficient to meet strict centering requirements. In high-precision optical lens assembly, a controllable centering assembly approach is often adopted. This involves defining a reference axis that represents the ideal optical axis of the system and adjusting all optical lenses to align their optical axes with this reference axis. This adjustment is typically performed under the monitoring of a centering deviation measurement instrument, where the lens is adjusted to align its optical center with the system’s reference axis to achieve the highest coaxiality.

Of course, high-precision centering adjustment of optical lenses is based on the premise of high-quality machining of optical component. For components that do not meet machining precision requirements, achieving high-precision centering becomes challenging.

Bena Optics provides a variety of high-performance optical lens solutions, covering the entire spectrum from SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared), MWIR (Medium-Wave Infrared), to LWIR (Long-Wave Infrared). Our lenses are designed to deliver exceptional performance in applications requiring thermal stability, discrete zoom, and continuous zoom capabilities.

Our advanced manufacturing processes and precision assembly techniques ensure that each lens meets the highest standards of optical quality and centering accuracy. Whether for industrial, scientific, or defense applications, Bena Optics's lenses deliver reliable and precise imaging performance.

By leveraging our expertise in optical component design and assembly, Bena Optics continues to push the boundaries of optical technology, providing solutions that redefine performance in high-precision imaging systems.

Centering adjustment technology is a crucial step in ensuring the performance of optical lenses. Bena Optics’ advanced assembly processes and precision alignment techniques ensure that our lenses meet the highest standards of centering accuracy, delivering optimal performance across a wide range of applications.

Whether you need thermally stable lenses for infrared imaging or high-precision zoom lenses for advanced imaging systems, Bena Optics has the expertise and products to meet your needs.