Like other kinds of optical lenses, aspheres can be produced in a number of ways. At Shanghai Optics, we use two main methods to produce custom aspheric lenses: molding and traditional polishing with the state-of-the-art manufacturing and metrology equipment. To mass produce aspheric lenses that require a lower level of precision, we use lens molding. In this method, we pour the heated lens material into custom molds, where they firm up and take their final shape. To ensure success, we make moldable aspheric lenses out of materials with low transformation temperatures, such as acrylic, plastic, BK-7, B270 and Pyrex. Molded aspheric lenses are the most cost-effective type of asphere. For large silicon aspheric lenses that require a higher level of precision, we turn to a traditional polishing method. With high-speed polishing equipment, we shape and refine precision aspheric lenses quickly while adhering to exact specifications. S.O. can manufacture lenses with best-fit-sphere deviation between a few millimeters and a few waves. Though the manufacturing process you choose will depend on your project requirements and the volume of lenses you require, you’ll find that our molded and polished lenses meet the highest expectations. Our production staff follows ISO 9001 standards and uses cutting-edge metrology equipment to take accurate and repeatable testing measurements.