Industrial Attachment Report

Chapter 1

Introduction

The 24-week Industrial Attachment (IA) program organised by the Office of Professional

Attachments (OPA) Nanyang Technological University provides every student an

opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge achieved during the course of study in the

industrial environment and to acquire new skills in managing relationships and carrying

out the jobs assigned. It is also an opportunity to improve social, communication and

technical skills needed for working life and a chance to keep abreast with the dynamic

changing industry.

This chapter gives introduction of Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Ltd (LIS) and the

Optics department, where the author was attached. The purpose of the report, followed by

the nature and scope of the presentation to address the next chapters are also being

explained in this chapter. This final report is mainly to provide a summary of the

industrial practice experience.

1.1 LIS Background

1.1.1 LIS history

Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Ltd (LIS) was established in Singapore in

1971 as a subsidiary of Wild Heerbrugg of Switzerland. It was then called Wild

(Singapore) Pte Ltd. In April 1989, the company name was changed to Wild

Leitz (Singapore) Pte Ltd when corporate merged with Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. In

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August 1990, the company was renamed as Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte

Ltd when corporate merged with Cambridge Instruments.

LIS was initially located at Bukit Merah Central. In 1991, LIS moved to a new

12,000 sq metres location at Teban Gardens Crescent, which was officially

opened by the late Dr Tay Eng Soon. The key milestones of the company could

be found in Appendix A.

Figure 1.1 LIS at Teban Gardens Crescent

1.1.2 LIS nature of business

LIS nature of business is manufacturing surveying products (automatic level,

theodolite) and microscopy products (stereomicroscope).

Figure 1.2 Sample of surveying products (NA700 series, left)

and microscopy products (Z16 APO)

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LIS manufacturing processes include:

- Precision Optics - Information Technology

- Precision Machining - International Procurement Office

- Assembly Operations - Technical Service

- Research & Development

1.1.3 LIS organization structure

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MANAGERIAL

ADMINISTRATION MANUFACTURING

SENIOR EXECUTIVES SENIOR EXECUTIVES SENIOR EXECUTIVES

(Administration) (Engineering) (Production)

ADMIN EXECS ENGR. EXECUTIVES PRODUCTION EXECS

ADMIN SUPPORTING MANUFACTURING

STAFF SUPPORTING STAFF

Figure 1.3 LIS organization structure

The Administration includes Human Resource department, IT department,

Finance department and Supply Chain department.

The Manufacturing includes Assembly department, Mechanics&Facilities

department, and Optics department (where the author was attached).

1.1.4 Introduction to Optics department

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The Optics department of Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Ltd produces

precision optical components for sub-assemblies and instruments. The focus of

the production is on the following area:

1) Plano Optics

Plane and parallel plates of any shapes, filters and mirrors. Prism with tightest

tolerances, cemented prism groups and special index matched optical groups.

2) Spherical Optics

Doublets, triples or quadruples lenses, high precision ball lenses and special

edge profile lenses with high surface accuracy, stray light reduction masking,

high efficiency functional coatings and direct air gap adjustment capability.

3) Optical Coatings

Developing and producing optical coatings like Anti-Reflection, Beamsplitter,

Mirror and Filter coatings and also special coatings.

1.2 Industrial Attachment

During the course of the Industrial Attachment, the author was working under Mr.

Charlie Ng, with Mr. Donald Ng Boon Yong as his main supervisor in the Optics

department of Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Ltd. The author assisted the Optics

engineering management in day-to-day operations.

The activities include designing autocollimator holder; Testing, measurement and

checking of optical parts; assisting design and outsourcing of plastic packaging.

Some documentation jobs were also done and the documentation system was learnt as

well. Computer aided design software was learnt by making drawings of some optical

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parts. Data processing jobs and assisting staffs in the optics department were done

throughout the attachment period.

1.3 Report Presentation

This report summarises the work carried out and the industrial training experience

gained by the author during the period of the Industrial Attachment up to the time this

report was documented. The discussion of the projects and jobs undertaken is divided

into two main chapters in this report. Each project comes with a background

discussion to provide better perspective for readers who are unfamiliar with the topic.

Tables, figures and diagrams are provided to enable ease of understanding of the

content.

Chapter two of this report discusses the first project that the author has dealt with,

autocollimator holder design. Chapter three will elaborate on the testing,

measurement and checking of optical parts done using various devices and

instruments. At the end of each chapter, the results obtained and their discussions are

presented. There were other jobs done by the author during the Industrial Attachment,

but they are not presented in this report due to some constraints.

The last chapter of the report will give the conclusions on the work done and

recommendations for improvements and possible next steps of work. The conclusion

includes the author’s view of the work performed and the experience gained from the

projects or jobs.

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Chapter 2

Design of Autocollimator Holder

In this chapter of the report, the project of designing the autocollimator holder is

elaborated. Firstly, the background of autocollimator usage in the process of inspection

will be explained. The problem aroused from the previous inspection method, which led

to the designing of autocollimator holder, will be discussed. Then, the process of

designing the autocollimator holder will be described. Finally, the evaluation of the final

design will be explained.

2.1 Overview of the Autocollimator

Collimation is the process of aligning the optical axis of the optical system to the

reference axis or surface. Autocollimator is an instrument used to check small angular

displacements of optical part by means of its own collimated light.

Figure 2.1: Autocollimator used for the prisms checking

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As far as this project concerned, the autocollimator is used for angle measurement of

2 types of prisms (part no: 409541 and 409542). The checking of the prisms angle is

one of the series of the inspection steps required in the prisms production.

2.2 Previous prisms angle inspection method

2.2.1 Description of previous inspection method

The previous inspection method of checking the displacement angle of the

prisms could be described as follow:

1) The prism is held on the sides by the operator.

2) The autocollimator is put on the focus point of the prism (see figure 2.2),

rested on the surface of the prism.

Figure 2.2: Illustration of previous inspection method

3) The prism is checked to the horizontal and vertical differences of the images

observed, 6’ and 8’ respectively (see figure 2.3)

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Figure 2.3: Illustration of the image seen through the autocollimator

2.2.2 Problem aroused from previous inspection method

Main problem aroused from the inspection method is the high possibility of

scratches on the surface of the prisms caused by the direct contact of the prism

with the autocollimator. Moreover, the manual operation of the inspection (both

the prisms and the autocollimator) might increase this possibility of scratching the

surface of prisms.

2.3 Product design definition

The purpose of the design of autocollimator holder is to prevent the contact between

the autocollimator and the prisms surface. At the same time, the autocollimator holder

should provide accuracy for the prisms angle measurement. The autocollimator

holder should also give convenience for the operators checking the prisms. The cost

of producing the holder should also be a consideration for the design.

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2.4 Conceptual design of autocollimator holder

There were some conceptual designs proposed at the early stage of the design

process. There were 2 initial design concepts based on the placement of the prisms

during testing and the operators’ position (see figures 2.4).

Figure 2.4: Conceptual design A (left) and conceptual design B

On the conceptual design A, the autocollimator is positioned with certain angle

(around 30-40 degrees) with respect to the horizontal surface. While on the

conceptual design B, the autocollimator is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal

surface.

The conceptual design A was chosen to be further developed as a final design as it

has benefit of efficiency in the prisms checking operation compare to the conceptual

design B. Considering the long duration of the prisms checking operation, the

conceptual design B may cause inconvenience for the operators.

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2.5 Embodiment design of the autocollimator holder

The initial design of the autocollimator holder, based on the conceptual design A,

could be divided into 5 parts. The 3D model of the assembled design, made using

SolidWorks 2003 software, is shown in figure 2.5. The details of the parts of the

initial design could be seen in the appendix.

Figure 2.5: 3D model of initial design

Some evaluation and suggestion for improvement of the initial design were made.

1. The cost of producing the design could be reduced significantly by changing the

cylindrical holder base. Rectangular holder base was suggested for the improved

design.

2. The design of the prisms holder should be improved. The placing from the front

was not possible due to the placement of autocollimator. The side placing of the

prisms was suggested for the improvement.

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2.6 Final design of the autocollimator holder

2.6.1 Completing and improving the design

The final design of the autocollimator holder consist of 5 parts:

1. The autocollimator holder rod (part name: part1a)

2. The autocollimator placing (part1b)

3. The holder base (part2)

4. The prisms holder (part3)

5. The adjusting plate (part5)

Figure 2.6: Autocollimator holder rod ( part1a)

Figure 2.7: Autocollimator placing ( part1b)

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Figure 2.8: Holder base (part 2)

Figure 2.9: Prisms holder (part 3); assembled with part 5

Figure 2.10: Adjusting plate (part 5)

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The drawing of each of the parts above can be found in Appendix B. Due to the

some restrictions; the dimensions of the drawing are not shown.

Initially, the design consisted only of the first four parts mentioned above.

The fifth part (part5) was added to overcome the problem of ensuring the surface of

the prisms parallel to the horizontal surface. The part 5 is connected to the par t3

with a couple of spring and screw connector. The spring and screw connector, with

the minimum contact of the part5 against the surface of the prisms, ensures the

alignment of the prisms checked (see figure 2.11).

Figure 2.11: The prism contact with the part 5 on the prisms holder

The material chosen to make the prisms holder (part3) and the adjusting plate (part5)

is Delrin (Polyoxymethylene). Delrin is chosen because the parts (part3 and part5)

would be in direct contact with the prisms’ surface. Thus, the material needs to be

soft enough, yet has reasonable mechanical strength.

The other three parts are made from Aluminium. Aluminium is chosen mainly

because its light weight characteristic (density 2.7x103 kg/m3). The corrosion

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resistance and tensile strength characteristics of Aluminium are also included as

considerations in choosing the material.

The 3D model and drawing, complete with the dimensions, of each part were made

using SolidWorks 2003 software.

2.6.2 Ordering the product

After completing the drawing and defining the materials for the design, an order

was placed to a supplier to produce the product. The Purchase Requisition was

raised and the order was made to the supplier. During the process of ordering, ideas

were exchanged with the supplier to discuss about improvement should be made to

make the design more efficient.

Figure 2.12: the assembled Autocollimator holder

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2.7 Evaluation of the autocollimator holder

The following part will elaborate the things learnt by the author during the design

process as well as the improvement that could be made for the future design.

(1) Besides the function and the ergonomic of the design, the cost of production is an

important consideration in the decision making process.

(2) The manufacturer of the product contributes to the decision making by providing

insight suggestions from the manufacturing point of view. Both of the designer

and manufacturer should discuss the best solution for the product design.

(3) To achieve higher precision and efficiency in the production process, the designer

should decide the appropriate tolerances and include them in the parts drawing.

Figure 2.13: The assembled autocollimator holder in details

(4) The designer should specify clearly the threaded holes and the screws using

international convention in the parts drawing. By doing so, misinterpretation of

the drawing could be avoided.

(5) There was slight deviation in terms of parallelism of the prisms holder (part3) and

the autocollimator placing (part1b). The deviation has significant effect on the

accuracy of the prisms checking. To justify this deviation, some small aluminium

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sheets (0.1 mm thickness) were placed between part3 and the holder base (part2)

to make the part3 and part1b parallel to each other, and thus, improve the

accuracy of the prisms checking.

Figure 2.14: The prisms checking devices set up

(6) The further improvement of the design could be made on the total height of the

autocollimator holder to be more convenient for the operators. The temporary

solution for this is by stacking cartoon boxes to get the desired height.

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Chapter 3

Measurement and Testing

In this chapter of the report, several jobs of optical parts measurement and testing are

presented. Though there were a lot of jobs of testing and measurement during the

Industrial Attachment period, they could be categorized in 3 groups. In the following

parts, each of the 3 groups will be described. The description includes the devices used,

the testing/measurement method as well as the evaluation and the learning process

obtained in finishing the jobs.

3.1 Measurements of Prisms Angle (part no: 19001464)

3.1.1 Overview

Figure 3.1: Samples of the prism

In this job, the angles of 65 samples of prisms (part no: 19001464) were measured.

The job was done in two stages, with 25 and 40 samples were checked at the first

and second stage, respectively. A device called goniometer was used to complete the

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measurement (see figure 3.2). The reflected and converted rays through the prisms

were used to measure the accuracy of the prisms angle.

Figure 3.2: Complete setup of goniometer

3.1.2 Description of the angle measurement

The method of angle measurement of the prisms could be described step by step as

follow:

1) The goniometer was aligned so that the white light coincided with the zero

reference in the eyepiece. The white light was the total ray (direct ray) goes into

the goniometer. This was the 0o 0’ 0” reference (zero degree, zero minute and

zero second) which was defined by zeroing the digital reading (see figure 3.3)

Figure 3.3 Position of goniometer during zero alignment (left) and the white light seen
through the eyepiece

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2) Adjusting the measurement table to be parallel to the horizontal plane. Firstly the

goniometer was moved to 90o 0’ 0”, and the table was adjusted by turning the

panels on the sides of the table. The parallelism of the table was found by

observing the red light (the reflection ray) inside the eyepiece.

3) The goniometer was set to the 180o 0’ 0”, the setting up of the goniometer was

done.

4) The next step done was finding the parallelism of the surface of the parts with

respect to the goniometer. This was done manually by rotating and tilting the parts

slowly until the red light (the reflection ray) appeared inside of the eyepiece. This

step was experienced as the most difficult step throughout the process of the angle

prisms measurement.

5) The angle of the prism using the total ray path (white light) as reference was

found out. This was done by setting the goniometer around 30o (the ideal

dimension). Then, using the fine-tuning, the goniometer was adjusted so that the

white light coincided with the zero reference inside of the eyepiece. The reading

of the prism angle was taken from the digital reading.

6) The angle of the prism using the reflection ray path (red light) as reference was

found out. This was done by setting the goniometer around 30o (the ideal

dimension). Then, using the fine-tuning, the goniometer was adjusted so that the

red light coincided with the zero reference inside of the eyepiece. The reading of

the prism angle was taken from the digital reading. The result of the measurement

could be found in Appendix D.

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3.1.3 Evaluation and Learning Experience

They are several learning experiences gained throughout completing the job of

prism angle measurement. At the following parts, the learning experience and the

problems encountered will be elaborated.

1. During the process of completing the job, the ray path through the prisms was

learnt and observed. By this observation, the understanding about the reflected

ray and converted ray of the prism was deepened. The reflected and converted

ray is used to build the method of prisms angle measurement using goniometer.

2. Finding the parallelism of the prism surface with respect to the goniometer

manually was time consuming and difficult (step number 4). One of the ways to

make the process more efficient was by marking the table of goniometer once the

first sample had been parallel to the goniometer. Another action done was by

regularly adjusting the table after 3-4 samples were checked (repeating step 1

until 3).

3. The importance of the tolerance in the designing and producing high precision

optical parts was appreciated. With the tight tolerance of the parts to get high

accuracy, the inspection steps taken should be done carefully.

3.2 Dimension checking of samples (part no: 10721601, 10721160 and 703510)

3.2.1 Overview

In this job, the dimensions of 5 samples of Diffuser to Fresn Lens WDG29 (part no:

10721601), 7 samples of condenser_mirror (part no: 10721160) and 5 samples of

mirror (703510) were checked. The checking of 7 samples of condenser_mirror (part

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no: 10721160) was done in two stages, with 5 and 2 samples were checked at the first

and second stage, respectively. The checking results were compared to the nominal

value (including the tolerance) stated in the drawing. Though there were 3 different

parts checked, the checking process could be presented together as the principals

behind the checking of the parts are similar. The picture and sketch drawing of all the

parts could be found in Appendix E.

3.2.2 Description of the Devices Used

There were 3 devices used to check the dimensions of the samples in this job:
1. Profile projector.
2. Videoscope
3. Vernier
Throughout the process of completion the checking, various operation functions of the

devices were learnt and practiced.

The basic principles of each device could be described as follow:

1. Profile projector

Profile projector is used to measure linear length or distance of the parts with the

accuracy 1/1000 millimeter. Before starting the dimensions checking, the reference

point needs to be defined. Any point on the surface of the parts could be defined as

the reference point, yet the corner of the part is usually chosen as the reference

point.

The readings of the profile projector show the horizontal and vertical coordinates

of the projector with respect to the reference point. Having known the coordinates,

the length/distance of the points of the parts could be obtained.

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Figure 3.4: Profile projector

2. Videoscope

The videoscope has similar function with the profile projector, linear

distance/length measuring. In addition to that, videoscope has several functions in

its program. One of them, used for checking condenser_mirror (part no:

10721160), was to calculate the radius of curvature of the concave mirror and also

to calculate the distance of the centre of the curvature to the side of the mirror.

The calculation was done by taking coordinates of the points along the curvature,

and based on these coordinates the system of the videoscope calculated the

required dimensions. The videoscope has 1/1000-millimeter accuracy.

Figure 3.5: Videoscope setup

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3. Vernier

The manual vernier was used to measure the thickness of the parts (10721601 and

10721160). The accuracy of the vernier is 1/100 millimeter. The vernier was still

widely used for dimensions checking due to its efficiency for large number of

samples checking.

3.2.3 Description of the samples checking

The method of the checking of the samples could be described step by step as

follow:

1) For measuring linear dimensions, the profile projector was used. For all three

parts (10721601, 10721160 and 703510), the sample was put on the profile

projector table with the surface being checked facing the profile projector lens.

Figure 3.6: The part was put on the profile projector table

2) The focal distance of the profile projector lens was adjusted to get the best image

of the surface of the samples.

3) The sample was aligned so that its position was parallel to the reference of the

profile projector, both vertical and horizontal reference.

4) After the vertical and horizontal reference had been aligned, the reference point of

the checking was defined. In this case, the top right hand side of the surface was

taken as the reference (i.e. the zero vertical and horizontal coordinates).

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Figure 3.7: The alignment of the part

5) The profile projector was moved to the required points along the surface of the

samples. At each point, the coordinate of the point (with respect to the reference)

was recorded.

6) After all the coordinates of the required points were recorded, the calculation of

the linear dimensions was done.

7) The thickness of all the three parts was measured using the vernier.

8) For measuring the radial dimensions (only part no: 10721160), the videoscope

was used. The sample (part 10721160) was put on the videoscope table with the

surface checked facing the profile projector lens.

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Figure 3.8: Placing of the part on videoscope (left) and its various functions

9) The sample was aligned so that its position was parallel to the reference of the

videoscope both vertical and horizontal reference.

10) After the vertical and horizontal reference had been aligned, the reference point of

the checking was defined.

11) Several points (6 to 8 points) along the curvature of the mirror were taken and

their coordinates were recorded. Thus, using the functions of the videoscope

system, the required dimensions were calculated.

12) All the dimensions required of the parts were recorded in the ‘Detail Inspection

Report’. The checking results were compared to the nominal value (including the

tolerance) stated in the drawing.

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3.2.4 Evaluation and Learning Experience

They are several learning experiences gained throughout completing the job of

dimension checking of samples. At the following parts, the learning experience and

the problems encountered will be elaborated.

1. Due to the inhomogeneity of the samples produced by the suppliers, there were

some of the samples not qualified based on the nominal value of the dimensions

stated in the drawing of the parts. The results of the dimension checking would

be used in decision making of the outsourcing of the parts in the future.

2. The importance of the tolerance in the outsourcing of the optical parts was

appreciated. Since the results of the dimension checking would be used in

decision making of the outsourcing (which includes costing), the inspection steps

taken should be done carefully.

3.3 Using Interferometer for Radius and Irregularity Checking

3.3.1 Overview

The device named ‘interferometer’ is derived from the word interference. Interference

is a phenomenon that occurs when two waves take place at the same time. It could be

any kind of waves, sound waves, light waves, ocean waves, or seismic waves from

earthquakes.

Interference can be visualized as the resultant of the two waves. Depending on

amplitude and the degree to which the waves are in or out of step with each other

(phase difference), they will either add together or cancel each other.

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If both waves are in step or in phase, the two will add together to form a single wave.

This combined wave will have larger amplitude In the case of light waves, two

dimmer light beams will add together to form a brighter beam, called constructive

interference. On the other hand, destructive interference occurs when the two waves

are out of phase with each other. Here, when waves are added together, they actually

cancel each other out.

Figure 3.9: Illustration of constructive and destructive interference

Hence, the amount of interference that occurs depends on both the amplitudes of the

two waves and the degree to which their respective peaks and troughs are in phase

with each other.

An interferometer is an optical device making use of the interference phenomena to

obtain information about the optical parts concerned. Though there are many different

types and designs of interferometers in the market, most of them operate on the same

basic principle.

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From a beam of light coming from the light wave source e.g. laser, lamp, etc., two or

more flat mirrors are used to split off different light beams. These beams are then

combined so as to interfere with each other.

In the optical industry, the interference of two or more light waves is widely used for

various applications. In this job, the interference phenomenon was used to check the

radius and irregularity of test glass.

The interference observed in this job was in the form of alternating bands of light and

dark, called fringes. Bright fringes show the constructive interference, whereas the

dark fringes show the destructive interference. This pattern, created by interference, is

known as Interferogram.

Figure 3.10: Interferogram illustration

3.3.2 Description of devices used

There were 21 test glasses with various radiuses to be tested on their radius and

irregularities in this job. There were two types of the interferometer used in the

completion of the job, manual and automatic interferometer. Both of the types work

with the same principles, they only differ in the moving mechanism.

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Figure 3.11: Automatic (left) and manual interferometer

There were some tools to assist the checking that need to be selected according to the

size of the test glass:

1) Transmission sphere

There were 3 different transmission spheres used. They were 75 mm, 150 mm and

330 mm focal length, respectively. Different radius of the test glass needs

different focal length of the transmission sphere. The details of the test glass with

its respective transmission sphere could be shown in the table below.

Transmission sphere Test glass radius

focal length
75 mm - 40.335 mm, -35.992 mm,
-96.480 mm
150 mm +96.480 mm, +40.335 mm,
+113.940 mm, -113.940 mm
330 mm +163.043 mm, -163.043 mm
Table 3.1: Transmissioin sphere and respective test glass radius
2) Ring diameter

The ring diameter was used to hold the test glass on the Abbe holder. The size of

the ring diameter also depends on the radius of the test glass.

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3) Abbe holder

The holder was used to place the test glass (together with the ring diameter) on

the interferometer.

Figure 3.12: Abbe holder (left) and a test glass placed on ring diameter

3.3.3 Description of the test glass checking

The process of checking the radius and irregularity of the test glass could be described

step by step as follow:

1. The appropriate size of the ring diameter was chosen in accordance with the test

glass radius. Then, the test glass was put on the ring diameter on the Abbe holder.

2. The respective transmission sphere was selected and set on the interferometer

accordingly.

3. Define the reference for the checking by firstly finding the interference pattern

(interferogram) of the test glass. The pattern was found by moving the test glass

(manually or automatically) closer or further away from the transmission sphere.

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Figure 3.13: Appropriate transmission sphere was set on the interferometer

4. From the reference, the test glass was moved further away or closer by

approximate distance of the defined radius.

5. From the last position of the test glass, the transmission sphere focal length was

adjusted until a ‘cat eyes’ image of the interference pattern found.

6. The actual radius and the surface irregularity were recorded and printed for the

respective test glass. The irregularity recorded was the peak and valley value (PV

value), which is according to the standard of the test glass. Some interferogram

samples could be found in Appendix F.

3.3.4 Evaluation and learning experience

They are several learning experiences gained throughout completing the job of the

radius and irregularity checking of the test glass. At the following parts, the learning

experience and the problems encountered will be elaborated.

1) The accuracy in precision optics outsourcing or production was greatly

appreciated.

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2) The relationship among the focal length of the test glass, interference

phenomenon and the radius checking was appreciated and understood.

3) There was problem encountered in finding the interference due to the limitation

of the height of the manual interferometer. To overcome this problem, the

automatic interferometer was used.

4) Finding the ‘cat eyes’ interference pattern was difficult due to the absence of

the standard, thus approximate approach was done to complete the job.

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Chapter 4

Conclusions

The period of attachment with Leica Instruments (S) Pte Ltd has helped the author gain

enormous technical knowledge and insightful experiences in a real working environment.

The most rewarding experience is to be part of the company culture.

There were adequate opportunities to put theories and principles learnt in the

undergraduate course at NTU. The programme required interaction with a wide range of

people in the engineering profession as well as other related fields, including

administrative staff and outside parties (e.g. supplier), thus allowing for valuable human

relations skills to be developed.

A great hands-on experience of designing autocollimator holder was gone through by the

author. The appreciation of all the aspects of design was achieved and gained. The author

was given the opportunity to deal with the supplier and exchange ideas for more effective

design of the autocollimator holder. This exposure of the design process has helped to

advance the author’s designing and management skills.

Various testing and measurement of optical parts were done using various devices and

methods. Measurement of prisms angle, dimensions checking of optical parts, as well as

radius and irregularity test glass testing were completed. Throughout the process of

completing the jobs, appreciation about the accuracy of the optical parts was gained. The

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importance of the careful inspection of the optical parts was appreciated. With the help

and guidance from the supervisor and the engineers, the author was able to complete the

testing and measurement effectively.

There were several other jobs completed during the period of the Industrial Attachment

that are not presented in this report. These jobs include the documentation of the optics

department data, producing the drawings using the computer aided design software, data

processing jobs and assisting the engineers in day-to-day operation.

These various projects and jobs undertaken by the author have allowed the author to gain

a deeper insight into the technical and practical aspects of precision optics engineering.

As inculcated by the culture of the company, the author has learnt to adopt a systematic

approach to an engineering problem and explore the numerous ways for the best solution

and have been successfully applied to those projects undertaken. The 24-week Industrial

Attachment in Leica Instruments (S) Pte Ltd Optics department has indeed been a fruitful

and pleasant experience.

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References and Readings

Frey, David. AUTOCAD 2000 No Experience Required. USA, 1999. Sybex.

Karow, Hank. Fabrication Methods For Precision Optics. USA, 1993. John Wiley
& Sons, Inc.

Pfaender, Heinz. Schott Guide to Glass. United Kingdom, 1996. Chapman&Hall.

www.kentek-laser.com/helpers/glossary.htm

www.merckmedicus.com

www.leica.com

Leica Instruments (S) Pte Ltd leaflets and brochures.

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