Case Study: UK Astronomy Technology Centre achieves high-precision astronomical instrumentation with Hexagon EDGECAM and CMM

Parts for unique multi-object telescope made with EDGECAM and Hexagon CMM

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre faced the challenge of manufacturing highly complex, ultra-precise components for two groundbreaking astronomical instruments, MOONS and ERIS. To achieve the required optical alignment and hold sensitive optics, these parts demanded micron-level accuracy that was absolutely critical for the instruments' success, leading them to utilize solutions from Hexagon.

Hexagon's EDGECAM software was used to program and create quick, accurate toolpaths for machining the components, achieving vital precision and optimum material removal rates with strategies like Waveform Roughing. The manufactured parts were then verified using a Hexagon Global CMM to guarantee they met the demanding ten-micron positional tolerances. This allowed the centre to successfully build instruments capable of studying galaxy formation across ten billion light years with unprecedented accuracy.

UK Astronomy Technology Centre

Will Taylor

Instrument Scientist