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Diamond Turning Tools for Infrared Industry are precision single-crystal diamond cutting tools engineered specifically for machining infrared optical materials. These tools enable ultra-precision machining of components used in thermal imaging, night vision, and infrared optical systems, delivering mirror-quality surfaces with minimal sub-surface damage.
Single crystal diamond turning tools are used for ultra-precision machining of infrared optics, IR materials, optical molds, windows, sensors and freeform reflective components. For infrared optical systems, tool edge quality directly affects surface finish, form accuracy, micro-chipping control and the final optical performance of the component.
LTCT supplies custom single-crystal diamond turning tools for SPDT machining of infrared materials such as germanium, silicon, ZnSe, ZnS, CaF2, chalcogenide glass and other IR optical materials. Each tool can be designed according to workpiece material, optical surface type, nose radius, rake angle, clearance angle, cutting direction, tool holder and machine interface.
These tools are suitable for infrared lens manufacturing, thermal imaging optics, night vision systems, IR windows, sensor optics, SWIR/MWIR/LWIR optical components, aspheric surfaces, Fresnel structures, diffractive optics, off-axis parabolic mirrors and freeform mirrors.
For general ultra-precision turning tools, you can also visit our single crystal diamond turning tools page.
Infrared materials are often brittle, expensive and sensitive to surface defects. During SPDT machining, the correct single-crystal diamond tool design helps reduce chipping, scratches, micro-cracks, subsurface damage and unstable surface finish.
Our infrared diamond turning tools can be customized for:
| Application Area | Typical Components | Main Tool Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared lens machining | Aspheric lenses, spherical lenses, Fresnel lenses, diffractive lenses | Sharp edge, stable radius, low tool marks |
| IR windows | Ge windows, ZnSe windows, ZnS windows, CaF2 windows | Controlled cutting edge, reduced micro-chipping |
| Thermal imaging optics | SWIR, MWIR and LWIR optical elements | Stable form accuracy and surface quality |
| Sensor optics | Detector windows, sensor lenses, protective optical parts | Fine edge geometry and clean cutting |
| Freeform optics | Freeform mirrors, OAP mirrors, elliptical mirrors | Custom tool radius and cutting direction |
| Optical molds | IR lens molds, mold inserts, precision optical cavities | Consistent surface finish and reduced polishing allowance |
Different infrared materials require different tool geometry. The rake angle, clearance angle, edge radius and tool holder design should be selected based on the material behavior and surface requirement.
| IR Material | Typical Components | Tool Design Focus |
| Germanium (Ge) | Thermal imaging lenses, IR windows, LWIR optics | Negative rake angle, controlled edge radius, reduced subsurface damage |
| Silicon (Si) | IR lenses, sensor windows, mirrors | Stable edge geometry, low chipping, precise cutting path |
| ZnSe | CO2 laser optics, IR windows, aspheric optics | Sharp edge control, low micro-chipping, clean surface generation |
| ZnS | Multispectral windows, IR optical elements | Strong edge stability and matched cutting geometry |
| CaF2 | IR/UV windows, optical lenses | Low cutting force, fine edge radius, fracture risk reduction |
| Chalcogenide glass | IR molded optics, thermal imaging lenses | Tool geometry matched to brittle material behavior |
| GaAs | IR optical components, sensor-related optics | Stable tool edge and careful cutting condition control |
Single-crystal diamond turning tools are widely used in the machining of infrared lenses and lens molds. For IR lens manufacturing, the tool must support accurate profile generation and stable optical surface finish.
Typical applications include:
· Germanium lenses
· Silicon lenses
· ZnSe lenses
· ZnS lenses
· CaF2 lenses
· Chalcogenide glass lenses
· Aspheric IR lenses
· Fresnel IR lenses
· Diffractive IR lenses
· Hybrid optical surfaces
For these applications, tool edge waviness, radius accuracy and cutting direction must be carefully controlled to reduce tool marks and maintain optical performance.
Infrared windows and sensor optics are used in thermal imaging, night vision, industrial inspection, aerospace optics, defense optics, laser systems and monitoring equipment. These parts often require smooth surfaces, accurate dimensions and stable transmission performance.
Single-crystal diamond tools can be designed for:
· IR windows
· Detector windows
· Protective sensor optics
· Thermal imaging optical parts
· Laser system windows
· SWIR / MWIR / LWIR optical elements
For window-type parts, the tool design should reduce micro-chipping and edge damage while maintaining stable surface finish.
Different infrared wavelength bands may involve different optical materials and machining requirements. SWIR, MWIR and LWIR components can require high surface integrity, low roughness and precise profile control.
Our custom single-crystal diamond tools can be designed for:
· SWIR optical components
· MWIR thermal imaging parts
· LWIR germanium optics
· IR sensor modules
· Infrared detector optical elements
· Precision optical molds for IR systems
When machining IR materials, tool geometry should be selected together with process conditions such as depth of cut, feed rate, cutting direction and machine stability.
Infrared systems may use reflective optical components such as freeform mirrors, off-axis parabolic mirrors and elliptical mirrors. These components require custom tool design because the cutting path and surface geometry are usually more complex than standard spherical parts.
Typical parts include:
· Off-axis parabolic mirrors
· Freeform mirrors
· Elliptical mirrors
· Reflective mold inserts
· Aluminum or plated mirror surfaces
· IR reflective optical components
For freeform and OAP mirror machining, tool clearance, shank design and cutting direction must be confirmed carefully to avoid interference during machining.
Infrared optical materials are difficult to machine with ordinary cutting tools because many of them are brittle or require optical-grade surface finish. Single-crystal diamond tools are selected because they provide extremely sharp cutting edges and stable geometry for ultra-precision machining.
Main advantages include:
· Ultra-sharp single-crystal diamond cutting edge
· Suitable for SPDT ultra-precision turning
· Fine surface generation on suitable IR materials
· Reduced micro-chipping when geometry is correctly selected
· Stable tool edge for optical profile machining
· Custom radius and angle design for different IR materials
· Suitable for aspheric, diffractive, Fresnel and freeform surfaces
· Reduced polishing allowance for optical molds and components
· Support for high-value infrared optical manufacturing
Most infrared optical projects require customized tools instead of standard cutting inserts. We can design the single-crystal diamond tool based on your material, component drawing and machining process.
Custom options include:
| Custom Item | Available Options |
| Diamond selection | Natural single-crystal diamond or synthetic single-crystal diamond |
| Tool geometry | Radius, arc, included angle, rake angle, clearance angle |
| Cutting edge | Arc edge, sharp point, straight edge, special profile |
| Tool type | Turning, boring, grooving, facing, profiling, freeform tool |
| Holder design | Solid shank, round shank, square shank, insert holder |
| Machine compatibility | Moore Nanotech, Precitech Nanoform, LT Ultra and other SPDT machines |
| Cutting direction | Left-hand, right-hand, front cutting, back cutting or special direction |
| Inspection requirement | Radius, angle, edge quality, waviness and drawing conformity |
Diamond Turning Tools For Infrared Materials | ||
Diamond Types | Natural Diamond | Yes |
Synthetic Diamond | Yes | |
Minimum Radius | 0.05mm | |
Maximum Radius | 2mm | |
Arc | 15°-140° | |
Included Angle | 20°-160° | |
Rake Angle | 0° to -45° | |
Front Clearance Angle | 0° to 20° | |
Cutting Edge Waviness | 2.0μm to 0.03um | |
Holder | Solid Shank | Yes |
Insert | Yes | |
Shank Material | Tungsten | Yes |
Steel | Yes | |
Molybdenum | Yes | |
Shank Types | Square or Rectangular | Yes |
Round | Yes | |
Other sizes available on request | Yes | |
LTCT Diamond Tools offers complete customization to meet any unique machining requirement. Whatever your application demands, please consult with us—we have the capability to manufacture the exact tool you need.
First-class Natural Diamond (ND) and Advanced Synthetic Diamond, both available, Litian Century has the State-of-the-art equipment for both producing and measuring our diamond tools.
Our technicians have been working with diamond for more than 20 years now. We are constantly innovating and driving the company years ahead of the competition. is the essential for perfect performance and durability of our Single crystal diamond turning tools. You can choose the suitable material according to your requirements. Take advantage of our innovations that will assure you are using the most efficient and reliable tools that eliminate errors and reduce production costs.
Single crystal diamond provides outstanding hardness and wear resistance, delivering a much longer tool life in precision machining of Si and Ge compared with conventional cutting tools.
The atomic-level sharpness of the cutting edge helps maintain excellent surface integrity, reducing striations, tearing, and other defects on infrared optical surfaces.
The low chemical affinity between diamond and many infrared materials helps minimize built-up edge and material adhesion, supporting more stable and consistent machining results.
Even under demanding cutting conditions, the tool edge remains sharp and stable, which is especially important for materials that are sensitive to heat, pressure, and edge wear.
· Edge Radius: R0.1 mm to R10.0 mm, with laser-verified tolerance of ±0.02 mm
· Rake Angle: -45° to 0°, depending on the material and cutting requirement
· Clearance Angle: 10°–15°, helping prevent rubbing and improving cutting efficiency
· Included Angle: 30°–60°, balancing edge strength and penetration performance
Tool Clamping
· Handle the tool lightly when clamping
· Do not contact the diamond tip directly
· After removing the Diamond Turning Tool, place it back in the tool box immediately
· Do not leave tools exposed to avoid damaging the diamond
Tool Cleaning
· Wipe the diamond tips gently with a clean foam stick dipped in industrial alcohol
· Avoid excessive force or abrasive materials that could damage the cutting edge
① After-sales Services
We have professional after-sales service team and after-sales system which called "Litian Century After-sales System". This system is used to manage the information of after-sales maintenance products, and can realize the functions of inquiring the grinding progress, grinding cost and feedback of after-sales problems. Advantages of the system: "zero consultation, more time saving, more convenient, more efficient", users can log in at any time to check.
② Quality Assurance
The company is equipped with advanced inspection equipment and trained inspection personnel which assure us carry out inspections during each process. At the same time, every single tool can be sent to our customers after the professional inspection by Quality Control Center.
③ Repair Service
For the multi-way tools which can be repaired, we can bring your diamond tools back to "new tool" condition in a very short turnaround time. A after-sales service system is available which can let you know the condition of your repaired tools in real time.
④ Packages
We customize special packaging box for the tool, in line with the mechanical structure of the human body, that is, convenient disassembly and safe.
⑤ Delivery
We can arrange delivery your goods by air, DHL, FedEx and other ways your need.
Our products enjoy a great reputation for its good surface finish, high precision and complete product variety. We serve the customers from USA, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Russia, South Africa, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Korea, Japan and all Southeast Asian countries.
