Use of 3D printing in astronomical mirror fabrication
Melanie Roulet, Carolyn Atkins, Emmanuel Hugot, Robert Snell, Bart van, de Vorst, Katherine Morris, Michel Marcos, Iain Todd, Christopher Miller,, Joris Dufils, Szigfrid Farkas, Gyorgy Mezo, Fabio Tenegi, Afrodisio, Vega-Moreno, Hermine Schnetler
TL;DR
This paper explores innovative 3D printing techniques for manufacturing astronomical mirrors, proposing two concepts to improve mirror quality and shape adaptability compared to traditional methods.
Contribution
It introduces two novel 3D printing-based mirror fabrication strategies: a deformable mirror with embedded actuators and an adaptable Stress Mirror Polishing technique.
Findings
Prototypes for both concepts are designed and planned.
The methods aim to reduce errors and increase shape versatility.
Potential improvements over traditional mirror fabrication are discussed.
Abstract
In this paper we are exploring the possibilities of 3D printing in the fabrication of mirrors for astronomy. Taking the advantages of 3D printing to solve the existing problems caused by traditional manufacturing, two proof-of-concept mirror fabrication strategies are investigated in this paper. The First concept is a deformable mirror with embedded actuator supports system to minimise errors caused by the bonding interfaces during mirror assembly. The second concept is the adaption of the Stress Mirror Polishing (SMP) technique to a variety of mirror shapes by implemented a printed thickness distribution on the back side of the mirror. Design investigations and prototypes plans are presented for both studies.
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