[ATM] RE: [atm_free] Re: Smooth Polish

["Peter" <peter@kitgear.com>]

Hi,

Thanks to all those who responded.
Some new information (for me at least) from JAF regarding iron
incompatibility.

Peter
  -----Original Message-----
  From: jaf4oct [mailto:jaf4oct@yahoo.com]
  Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 2:40 PM
  To: atm_free@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: [atm_free] Re: Smooth Polish



  Peter,

  Many things can affect surface smoothness. Not all of them are easy
  for an ATM to control. Here are few though to keep in mind.

  slow speed

  good lap contact

  suitable polishing agent

  a very stiff machine spindle if you are using one

  minimal lap overhang

  uniformity in polishing stroke

  a suitable polish to water mixture for the material being polished.(
  contrary to ATM dogma the optimum mixture does change with the
  hardness and uniformity of the material being polished.)

  The idea that rouge is better for polishing is only more ATM dogma.
  Rouge produces a rougher surface on most ATM optical materials and
  actually interns iron into the polished surface. This iron
  contamination prevented any optics polished with rouge from being used
  in intercavity laser optics since it caused the laser tubes in time to
  fail. Even on plate glass which may have a significant iron content
  already it may affect the longevity of your aluminizing since aluminum
  and iron are incompatible metals.

  For the intercavity laser optics I used to produce I preferred
  zirconium based polishing compounds. ZOX CE-89 was good and Cercoa
  roller milled zirconium worked very well.

  Good luck in your polishing endeavors.

  JAF



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