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Variform

VARIFORM “TRACTOR” SHOWN WITH LVDT TOOL SET STATION

The Variform attachment easily connects to (and disconnects from) Optoform Lathes. The “tractor” (seen above) replaces one of the three dual tool holders on the gang tooling system, and connects via cables to the compact, floorstanding electronics module.
The device uses piezo-ceramic technology within the “tractor” to produce non-axisymmetric surfaces. These surfaces may include torics, slab-offs, or other freeform surfaces.

In the above picture the “tractor” carries yellow warning labels. The LVDT Tool Set Station is also mounted in the spindle, and the ruby tip can be seen probing the diamond tool during the computer controlled set-up and calibration process.

VARIFORM attached to OPTOFORM 40 (alongside OPTOFORM 80)

The Variform attachment provides a rapid positional axis of tool motion. (This “in-and-out motion” is normally referred to as W motion). By combining this W-motion with the linear slide motions (in X and Z) of the Optoform and then synchronizing with the angular position of the work holding spindle, many types of non-rotational features can be machined.

The high natural frequency of the Variform allows typical toric surfaces to be machined at spindle speeds up to 6,000 rpm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Use: Generation of non-axisymmetric surfaces including: Front Surface Torics; Rear Surface Torics; Prism Ballasting; Slab-offs and Dynamic Stabilization.

Technology: Dual piezoelectric actuators with motion amplifying lever.

Range of Motion: 400µm (0.4mm) @ 100Hz.
200µm (0.2mm) @ 200Hz.

If larger departures are required, please review the Varimax or the FTS-1000 (which provide 600µm and 1,000µm respectively).

Position Feedback: Closed loop employing a Linear Variable Differential Transformer.

Spindle Speed: 2,000 to 6,000 RPM (maximum with closed loop control).

Software: The Variform can be programmed using a wide range of software tools. For example Soft Power Suite and RGP Power Suite accommodate programming of non-rotationally symmetrical parts. Sterling’s custom software Engines may also be used. The MiniFile Path Editor provides the user with the ability to generate their own paths for the design of non-rotationally symmetrical surfaces.

File formats used include both the formats recognized by the Optoform machine control software. These include Job Files (the JFL file format uses data points in three dimensions). The MiniFile format uses arcs and lines to describe the geometry of the part. See Software for further details.

Cooling: None Required

Power: Factory set to either 120v or 240 volts