Infrared
windows come in many materials, shapes, and sizes. Application of the solderable coatings is often the last step
in the entire window fabrication process. By the time the components are ready to receive the sputtered metal films, chances
are there has been considerable value added to the optics. Shaping, polishing, optical filters, or anti-reflection coatings
are likely to have been applied, and now the final step is to add the metal solderband. In almost all cases, the solder band
perimeter metals are applied after the optical coatings are in place.
The first step in the metalizing process
is to apply a mask to the windows to protect the clear aperture during the metalizing process. We stock an extensive inventory
of mask diameters for round windows, which allows us to offer very quick delivery on commonly sized windows (up to a little
over an inch in diameter). For larger rounds, or rectangular windows, we will make up a set of custom "covers" to
match your specific clear aperture. The clean glass covers are applied to the optics using a proprietary adhesive that is
harmless to the window and optical coatings. This technique results in very accurate concentricity of the metal coatings.
Now the windows are ready for metalizing. Batch size is largely determined by the physical size of
the window, and whether or not vertical edge coating is critical. A typical lot size for a .5" dia. window would be approximately 275
windows.
What are the costs?
Obviously, we cannot give you firm pricing here, but we would like
to give you some idea of the costs associated with the application of these metal coatings. Batch size is the single greatest
cost driver. There are others, but for the sake of keeping it simple, let's assume a .50" diameter fused silica
window, that you supply, having a clear aperture of .450", and coated with Ti/Pt/Au. Pricing
for some very typical quantities might look something like the following,
25 pieces...........$36 each
50 pieces...........$27
ea
100 pieces.........$19.50 ea
300 pieces (full run)......$12
1k to 3k pieces.............$10 ea.
Minimum
Lot Charge: $750
Typical delivery is two weeks after receipt of material.
Samples
We
understand that new customers may wish to see the quality of our work and/or compatibility of our coatings with
your soldering process before commiting to production quantities. For new customers we will always supply a small qualification
lot on your supplied windows at no charge. This applies to round windows only, using our stock masking
lids. Square or rectangular windows almost always require a custom lid.
Don't leave this critical step to chance. It
is NOT trivial. Our Premium Platinum films have earned a reputation in the industry that is unsurpassed for adhesion and solderability
across virtually all of the infrared window materials, and soldering processes. You owe it to yourself and to your end
customers to use the best there is..... period.
