OPIE’24, optical industry exhibition, highlights machining technologies for difficult-to-machine materials

OPIE’24 (OPTICS & PHOTONICS International Exhibition 2024), an exhibition for the optical industry, was held April 24-26 at PACIFICO Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan. More than 15,000 people visited the three-day event, which showcased machinery and processing technologies for optical lenses. 

SHIBAURA MACHINE, a Japanese manufacturer of precision injection molding machines, machine tools and die casting machines, exhibited its glass grinding technology (= photo). By mixing an abrasive with a processing fluid and causing a chemical reaction on the glass surface, the finished surface during grinding has been improved. A person in charge of the machine tool sales department said, “We are aiming for the practical application of this technology, which has been at the research level until now. By exhibiting this technology, we want to explore needs and applications.” The company also introduced a technology that can improve the cutting efficiency of glass surfaces by vibrating the cutting edge during machining. 

Enable (Saitama, Japan; President: Hideki Ogawa), a Japanese import trading company of measuring and manufacturing technologies for optics and other industries, exhibited the “OPTIMUS T2”, a laser-assisted cutting machine, and other products. The OPTIMUS T2 softens the workpiece by allowing the laser to pass through the tool and strike the workpiece, making it easier to process difficult-to-machine materials such as glass. The spokesperson explained, “Users are very interested in this product because it extends the life of expensive diamond tools”.