Optimization of the process chain for mirrors made of silicon carbide

摘要

Different grades of silicon carbide (SiC) became an established material for structures as well as optical mirrors in space-borneapplications. But the manufacturing still causes high efforts and restrains an extension of application in furtherfields. The research project iMirrorFab/i aims for a qualification of an optimized process chain for manufacturing mirrorsmade of Cesicsup?/sup. Cesicsup?/sup consists of a matrix of SiC reinforced with chopped carbon fibers. There is a space qualifiedCesicsup?/sup manufacturing process and an established network for the supply chain. The project addresses the required gain inefficiency and flexibility in the manufacturing capabilities. The consortium covers the major parts of the process chain. Itaims for increasing the performance of each manufacturing technology. Additionally, the consideration of the completeprocess chain enables a holistic optimization approach. This paper deals particularly with the process optimization of thegrinding step after infiltration. The benefit of the use of an ultra precision grinding machine for mirrors in the range of200 mm is evaluated. This paper presents the results of a systematical study on the influence of the grit size, the type ofbond as well the major machining parameters on the surface roughness and the grinding forces, when machining thematerial Cesicsup?/sup. A major finding is, that the use of ultra fine grinding wheels does not result in a superior surface qualitycompared to the use of a D46 grinding wheel with resinoid bond.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.