N-BK7 Extra large optical window

Most customers tend to want small optics and strict tolerances, however on occasion we get to work on some big projects (pun intended). Recently we had a customer ask us for a sizable N-BK7 optical window. The request was for a 12" diameter by 8.25" thickness polished window. Now most folks think you can just get the material off the shelf and start machining it. In this case, finding the raw material large enough for this window was a challenge.
At Esco, we have great partnerships with our glass providers and to procure the glass blank required a special melt with the entire glass block being created for just this part. The glass blank was initially around 60 lbs of solid glass, then the delicate process of working the glass down to final dimensions began. Our final piece was a true 12" in diameter and weighing in at 40 lbs.

We have the capabilities to manufacture small precise optics as well as large polished windows such as this one. Want to find out what a custom prototype costs? Use our fast online quote tool.