Single-Point Turning Point of Polycrystalline Alumina Missile Domes

OptiPro Systems has developed a new finishing process for brittle materials. UltraForm finishing has evolved from a tire shaped tool with polishing material on its periphery, to a new design, which incorporates a solid rubber wheel, which has a band of polishing material passing over it. One objective of this research is to refine and build a robust 5-axis computer controlled platform for implementation of the process specifically focused on finishing Polycrystalline Alumina steep concave and convex Ogive missile domes. We will continue to refine the “Version 3” belted design to improve its determinism and also work towards minimizing the mid-spatial frequencies left behind from the grinding process. We will need to develop and refine the algorithms which combine the removal function and removal rate of the UltraForm tool into a computerized motion control finishing paths that will minimize roughness and form errors to the required levels for visible and infrared brittle materials. The UltraForm process allows for a multitude of finishing materials to test, ranging from fixed abrasive belts, to polyurethane belts whereby slurry would be induced. Our focus in this contract is to understand which combination of these materials will achieve the best performance with the Polycrystalline Alumina.