Re: [ATM] Blank question

["Jerry B. Hillman" <JBHillman@ev1.net>]

Jeremy,
>Why hasn't some company figured out how to make big cheap blanks? Why not
honeycomb-type?

Making a blank honeycomb doesn't make it cheaper. It just makes it lighter.
In the business world the price of of something is controlled by the cost of
raw materials, the actual cost of manufacture, the cost of the equipment to
do the manufacturing, labor, taxes, and of course profit margin. And I am
sure this is oversimplified.

Making glass is an expensive, time consuming and energy consuming process.
There is not much demand for thick blanks.  They are generally made to
order, and that is another reason they are expensive.

Do some more reasearch on telescope mirrors. It will become obvious why
metal isn't a good choice.  The surface accuracy is almost beyond
comprehension.  If Detroit could build cars to the same specs, they would
last forever and would never break down. In other words, they would be
perfect.

Clear skies, Jerry


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