Case Study: Cranfield University achieves ultra-precision E-ELT mirror inspection with Hexagon metrology solutions

High-precision inspection for the European Extremely Large Telescope E-ELT

Cranfield University faced the significant challenge of machining and measuring highly precise mirror segments for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), a process requiring extreme accuracy that only they in the UK were equipped to handle. To verify the performance of their specialized grinding machine and measure the mirror segments, they utilized a Leitz PMM-F coordinate measuring machine from Hexagon.

The solution implemented by Hexagon provided the ultra-high accuracy measurement data needed to validate the grinding process and generate error maps for subsequent polishing. This collaboration resulted in a grinding process that is ten times faster than competitors, positioning the UK consortium to successfully bid for future large-scale production contracts for over 1,000 mirror segments.

Cranfield University

Andy Eve

Researcher