Scratch & dig inspection
Do you still inspect optical components for surface imperfections such as scratches, wipes, holes, coating defects, and chips subjectively?
That’s a personal decision!
When evaluating optical surfaces, it is particularly important that inspection processes and evaluations are objective, repeatable, precise, and thus time-saving. Documentation must also be efficient and fast. For an objective evaluation of flat optics and lenses in accordance with ISO 10110-7, we recommend the automated inspection system SurfInspect. With the Savvy Inspector, we offer you objective quality control in accordance with ANSI/OEOSC OP1.002, Annex C of MIL-PRF-13830B, Annex A.3 of ISO 14997, and ISO 10110.
Knowledge Base
Especially in the last steps of glass processing, polishing and coating, defects can occur which locally impair the optical image of the glass. These defects are classified as follows:
- General surface imperfection, e.g., scratches, wipe marks and holes
- Coating imperfection/coating defects
- Edge chip
These imperfections are classified in the dimensional method of ISO 10110-7/ISO 14997 by their geometric sizes or in MIL-PRF-13830B by the visibility or appearance of imperfections. Recently, this visibility type of specifications, known as the “scratch and dig” specification, was added to ISO 10110-7/ISO 14997 as well.
Tests for surface imperfections are carried out in practice both by random sampling and by 100 % inspection. The inspection process is usually carried out purely subjectively by an inspector who classifies the imperfection purely visually. In the case of testing according to MIL, the sample is rate according to its appearance by compared with artifact standards (scratch and dig masters) that show the standardized defect of each class to the greatest possible extend.
MIL-PRF-13830 describes defects by their visual appearance. The scratch morphology drives its brightness.
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