What’s New:

Our optical coatings are routinely tested in our Tenny TR2 Environmental Chamber. The chamber can vary the temperature from -75^o C to 200^o C and change the relative humidity from 0 to greater than 95%. The chamber is fully programmable and can store multiple test profiles for repeatable conditions. We can test according to specifications of Mil-675C, Mil-13830B and Mil-48616. After exposure in the environmental chamber, the coating is then inspected under high magnification for defects. Testing reports and certification are sent to customers upon request. Please include testing specifications in your Request for Quotations.

Coating Adhesion and Durability Test:

We use the adhesion and durability testing guidelines of Mil-C-675. Adhesion is tested by applying a Scotch brand 810 cellophane tape across the witness sample and pulling briskly. The abrasion of the coating is tested by using an eraser test for severe abrasion or a cheesecloth for moderate abrasion. It is important in these tests to use materials that are clean with consistent application force. There are some metal coatings of unprotected aluminum, gold or silver that are exceptions to abrasion testing.

Introducing:

Luisa Reyes and Michael Maldari, our new customer relations team. Luisa and Michael are working together to stream-line all our customer relations processes. They are available to offer top level  service and assistance to all our customers. With their new system, customers can expect a rapid response on quotations and  inquiries. Give them a call at 978-685-3800. They look forward to working with you.

What’s New?

Cleaning Capabilities Go High Tech

We have incorporated a new Crest Ultrasonic Vapor cleaner for our optics. The automatic cleaning equipment allows us to more efficiently process parts and increase our volume of production. In addition, the automated system provides very repeatable results which are essential to assuring quality for large orders.

This system utilizes a specially formulated solvent that effectively removes strongly adhered particulates at the micron level. The technology helps IMPhotonix stay competitive by lowering the direct labor cost for coating optics.

Employee Profile

Lab Technician, Peter Newton, is now in his fourth year working for IMPhotonix. Peter’s background in solar panel manufacturing has allowed him to introduce ideas which have made the lab run more smoothly. Peter continues to expand his knowledge of thin film coatings and has become a valuable employee. His concern is that our customers components receive the best production quality we can achieve.

We rely on Peter to keep the coating chambers running at peak performance. In addition to being a top technician, Peter is also very personable and has helped train new employees.

Inspection Technology

The optics industry continues to rely on Scratch Dig specifications for surface quality. A detail of inspection specifications can be found in the Performance Specifications of Mil-PRF-13830B. At IMPhotonix, our technicians are trained on how to properly use a microscope and fiber optic illuminator to inspect for surface defects such as scratches, digs and stains. By using various combinations of microscope magnification and illuminations they can identify defects ranging from 10-5 to 80-50 scratch dig. We use a quality inspection scale of 1 to 5 depending on the scratch dig requirements for the optics.

What’s New?

We Now Stock Precision Mirrors. IMPhotonix Precision Mirrors are designed for analytical instruments, imaging, defense, lighting, and medical applications. IMPhotonix is a US company with 35 years of experience in precision mirrors and custom coatings. Our mirrors are produced to a high degree of quality and coated for specific applications.

We can deliver with a quick turnaround and at a cost that is within budget. If you don’t see what you need on our list of stock items from our web page, we would be pleased to speak to you regarding your specifications.

Please click here to view our precision mirrors inventory.

Did You Know?

Metal coated mirrors such as Aluminum, Silver and Gold, offer great performance at a low cost. When mirrors are subjected to frequent handling or are used in environments where dust and particulates are a problem, their performance will degrade.

Our technical notes, on the proper cleaning of mirrors, will guide you through the proper steps to maintain the quality of reflection and extend the life of the mirrors.

Please click here to learn more on “cleaning mirrors”.

IMPhotonix Helps the Community

Greater Lawrence Rowing is an inner city program that helps kids learn to row on the Merrimac River. Last fall IMPhotonix was a corporate donor to help Greater Lawrence Rowing purchase a rowing barge. The barge is built for stability and can accommodate up to 12 rowers. Rowing is a lifetime sport and the barge will help the youth prepare for high school and college rowing.