What types of custom optical lenses does Band Optics manufacture?

Band Optics manufactures spherical, cylindrical, achromatic and ball lenses, including plano-convex, plano-concave, bi-convex, bi-concave, meniscus, round or rectangular cylindrical, cemented doublet, ball and half-ball configurations.

Can you manufacture lenses from our drawings or optical specifications?

Yes. Lenses can be manufactured from customer drawings, optical prescriptions, reference samples or defined application requirements. The specification should identify geometry, material, dimensions, focal requirements, surface tolerances, centration, coating and inspection criteria.

What information is required for a custom lens quotation?

Provide the drawing or prescription, material, dimensions, quantity, operating wavelength, focal or imaging requirements, surface quality, surface-form tolerance, centration and coating specification. Include the application, prototype and production quantities, documentation and target schedule where available.

Which optical materials are available for custom lenses?

Available materials include N-BK7 and other optical glasses, fused silica, quartz, crown and flint glasses, CaF2 and sapphire. Selection depends on wavelength, refractive index, dispersion, temperature, environment, geometry and coating.

Can Band Optics support prototypes before production quantities?

Yes. A project can begin with prototypes for optical, mechanical and assembly verification. After approval, the same specification can support pilot and repeat OEM production.

What anti-reflective coatings can be applied?

Options include single-layer AR, multilayer AR, broadband AR, V-coatings and wavelength-specific coatings for UV, visible, NIR and selected infrared bands. Laser applications may require a high-LIDT design.

How are custom optical lenses inspected?

Inspection may cover material, dimensions, thickness, surface power, surface form, centration, wedge, scratch-dig quality and coating performance. Agree the method, clear aperture, test wavelength, sampling and documentation before production.

What determines achievable lens tolerances?

Tolerances depend on material, diameter, curvature, center and edge thickness, clear aperture, geometry, coating, quantity and inspection setup. Tightening one requirement may affect manufacturability, cost and lead time.

Choose Your Site

Global

Social Media

CUSTOM OPTICAL LENSES FOR OEM OPTICAL SYSTEMS

Made-to-Print Spherical, Cylindrical, Achromatic and Ball Lenses

Band Optics manufactures custom optical lenses for imaging, laser, fiber coupling, industrial inspection and infrared detection systems. We work from customer drawings and optical requirements, supporting material selection, precision lapping and polishing, CNC processing, optical coating and final inspection within our 3,500 m² production workshop.

From initial prototypes to repeat production, each project is reviewed around the lens geometry, focal requirements, centration, surface quality and coating performance that matter to the finished optical system.

Request Custom UAV Optics

Optical Component Manufacturing Since 2008

ISO-Certified Manufacturing Since 2012

3,500 m² Optical Production Workshop

Lapping, Polishing, CNC, Coating and Inspection Capabilities

Custom Lens Manufacturing for Optical Engineers and OEM Buyers

Band Optics manufactures custom optical lenses from customer drawings, optical specifications, reference samples or application requirements. We support early prototypes for design verification as well as repeat production for established OEM programs, with manufacturing plans developed around the required optical function, mechanical envelope and inspection criteria.

Available product types include spherical, cylindrical, achromatic and ball lenses. Each lens can be customized by material, radius or profile, diameter, center and edge thickness, focal length, clear aperture, centration, surface form and surface quality. Optical glass, fused silica, CaF2 and other application-appropriate materials can be paired with AR, HR or wavelength-specific coatings.

These lenses are used in imaging systems, laser beam delivery, fiber-optic coupling, industrial inspection and scientific instruments. Our engineering and production teams coordinate lapping, polishing, CNC processing, centering, coating and optical inspection, helping customers move from a defined requirement to a lens that can be manufactured, measured and integrated into the final system.

Optical engineer inspecting custom optical lenses manufactured to customer specifications

Custom Optical Lens Types

Choose a lens type based on how light needs to be focused, collimated, shaped or coupled within your optical system. Band Optics manufactures each lens category to customer drawings, with custom options for geometry, dimensions, optical material, focal performance, surface quality and coating.

Description: Custom spherical lenses provide optical power through one or two spherical surfaces. Plano-convex, plano-concave, bi-convex, bi-concave and meniscus designs are available for focusing, collimation, imaging, beam expansion and light collection.

Spherical Lenses
Description: Cylindrical lenses focus or expand light in one axis while leaving the perpendicular axis largely unchanged. They are commonly specified for laser line generation, one-dimensional focusing, anamorphic beam shaping and astigmatism correction.

Cylindrical Lenses
Description: Achromatic lenses combine optical elements with different dispersion properties to reduce chromatic aberration across a defined wavelength range. Custom cemented doublets support sharper imaging, improved color correction and more consistent focal performance.

Achromatic Lenses
Description: Ball and half-ball lenses provide compact focusing and collimation where installation space is limited. Their short focal lengths and small form factors make them suitable for fiber coupling, optical sensors, endoscopes and miniature laser assemblies.

Ball Lenses

Applications of Custom Optical Lenses

Custom optical lenses are used when an optical system requires a specific focal length, beam profile, spectral response or mechanical fit that standard components cannot provide. Band Optics manufactures lens geometries and coatings around the operating conditions of imaging, laser, fiber-optic, detection and precision-instrument systems.

Custom optical lenses used in machine vision and industrial imaging systems

Spherical and achromatic lenses support image formation, magnification and light collection in industrial cameras, automated inspection equipment and measurement systems. Lens geometry, focal length, centration and chromatic correction can be matched to the required field of view and image quality.

Imaging and Machine Vision

Custom optical lenses for laser focusing and beam shaping

Spherical and cylindrical lenses are used to focus, collimate, expand or reshape laser beams. Material, surface quality and coating performance are selected according to the laser wavelength, beam diameter, power level and required focal position.

Laser Beam Delivery

Ball, half-ball and small spherical lenses help transfer light between optical fibers, emitters, detectors and free-space optical paths. Compact lens dimensions, numerical aperture, focal distance and centration are controlled to support stable coupling within limited assembly space.

Fiber-Optic Coupling

Custom lenses collect and focus infrared energy in thermal detection, monitoring and sensing equipment. Suitable optical materials and coatings are selected around the required infrared band, environmental conditions and detector geometry.

Infrared Detection and Sensing

Custom optical lenses for automotive cameras and optical sensors

Custom lenses can be manufactured for vehicle cameras, optical sensors, head-up displays and other automotive optical modules. Optical performance is coordinated with the available installation space, operating temperature and mechanical interface.

Automotive Optical Systems

Precision lenses support illumination, imaging, collimation and detection in microscopes, spectral instruments, laboratory analyzers and optical measurement equipment.

Scientific and Analytical Instruments

Precision Optical Lens Manufacturing Capabilities

Band Optics combines optical lapping, polishing, CNC processing, centering, edging, coating and inspection within a 3,500 m² production workshop. The manufacturing route is selected according to the lens type, material, geometry, tolerance, coating requirement and planned production quantity.

Discuss Your Lens Requirements

Optical Lapping and Curve Generation

Optical blanks are prepared and generated to establish the required radius, sag, thickness and processing allowance. Grinding and lapping conditions are adjusted to the substrate, lens diameter, curvature and finished edge geometry.

Spherical Lens Polishing

Plano-convex, plano-concave, bi-convex, bi-concave and meniscus surfaces are polished using tooling matched to the required curvature and aperture. Surface power, form and cosmetic quality are controlled according to the approved drawing and inspection method.

Cylindrical Lens Processing

Cylindrical lenses are manufactured in round, square or rectangular formats using optical glass, fused silica, CaF2 and other suitable materials. Process control focuses on cylindrical radius, axis orientation, surface form, wedge and edge geometry.

CNC Edging and Mechanical Features

CNC equipment is used to produce finished diameters, rectangular outlines, bevels and customer-defined edge features. Mechanical dimensions are processed in relation to the optical surfaces and mounting requirements.

Lens Centering and Cemented Assembly

Centering establishes the relationship between the optical axis and the finished mechanical diameter. Achromatic lens elements can be aligned and cemented using the specified element orientation, spacing and assembly requirements.

Optical Coating and Final Inspection

Finished lenses can receive AR, HR and wavelength-specific coatings covering UV, visible, near-infrared and selected infrared bands. Dimensional, surface, centration and spectral checks are completed using the inspection method agreed for the project.

Custom Optical Lens Specifications

The table below presents Band Optics manufacturing and customization capabilities for Custom Optical Lenses. Values are capability references for customer-facing evaluation, not a list of fields the customer must complete.

Band Optics Custom Optical Lenses Manufacturing Capabilities
Capability Item	Band Optics Manufacturing Range	Surface Quality	60-40 or 40-20 scratch-dig for documented cylindrical builds
Product Types	Spherical, cylindrical, achromatic, ball and half-ball lenses	Spherical Lens Size Classes	Ø <10 mm; Ø10-50 mm; Ø50-100 mm; Ø >100 mm
Spherical Geometries	Plano-convex, plano-concave, bi-convex, bi-concave and meniscus	Spherical Surface Power / Form	<1 fringe at 633 nm below Ø50 mm; <3 fringes at 633 nm above Ø50 mm
Cylindrical Materials	Optical-grade glass, fused silica and CaF2	Spherical Centering	1 arcmin below Ø10 mm; 45 arcsec at Ø10-50 mm; 30 arcsec at Ø50-100 mm; 20 arcsec above Ø100 mm
Cylindrical Round Diameter	Ø6.0-200.0 mm	Achromatic Lens Capability	Custom cemented doublets with controlled material pairing, radii, thickness, centration and element orientation
Cylindrical Rectangular Size	4 × 4 mm to 400 × 200 mm	Ball Lens Capability	Custom ball and half-ball lenses with project-specific material, diameter, sphericity and coating
Cylindrical Surface Figure	λ/2, λ/4 or λ/8 at 632.8 nm	Coating Capability	AR and HR coatings; documented coating reference 0.23-2.6 μm
Cylindrical Optical Power	±2 fringes at 632.8 nm	Manufacturing / Production	Curve generation, lapping, polishing, centering, edging, cementing, coating and inspection; prototype to repeat OEM
Cylindrical Centration	Less than 1 arcminute

CAPABILITY NOTE:

Available combinations depend on material, geometry, dimensions, precision, coating and inspection requirements. Final specifications are confirmed through engineering review.

Request a Custom Quote

Optical Materials for Custom Lenses

Material selection affects transmission range, refractive index, dispersion, thermal stability, durability and coating compatibility. Band Optics selects lens materials according to the optical design, operating wavelength, environmental conditions and mechanical requirements specified by the customer.

N-BK7 optical glass lenses for imaging systems

N-BK7 and Optical Crown Glass

N-BK7 and related crown glasses provide consistent optical properties, good visible and near-infrared transmission, and practical manufacturability. They are commonly used for spherical, cylindrical, ball and general-purpose imaging lenses.

Fused silica lenses for UV and laser applications;

Fused Silica and Quartz

Fused silica offers broad spectral transmission, low thermal expansion and good resistance to thermal shock. It is suitable for UV, visible and near-infrared lenses used in laser systems and scientific instruments. Quartz may be selected when its crystalline optical properties are required.

Crown and flint glass elements used in achromatic lenses;

Crown and Flint Glass Combinations

Crown and flint glasses with different refractive indices and dispersion values can be paired in custom achromatic doublets to reduce longitudinal chromatic aberration across the specified wavelength range.

Calcium fluoride lenses for UV and infrared applications;

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

CaF2 provides transmission from the ultraviolet into the infrared and has low optical dispersion. It can be used in UV, infrared, spectroscopy and laser applications where conventional optical glass does not provide the required spectral performance.

Sapphire

Sapphire combines optical transmission with high hardness, mechanical strength and abrasion resistance. Its crystalline characteristics, machining requirements and operating wavelength must be evaluated during engineering review.

MATERIAL SELECTION NOTE:

Confirm the substrate against wavelength range, refractive index, dispersion, thermal conditions, geometry, surface quality and coating design.

Anti-Reflective Coatings for Custom Optical Lenses

Anti-reflective coatings reduce unwanted surface reflections and improve light transmission through a lens. Band Optics matches the coating design to the lens material, operating wavelength, angle of incidence, polarization, transmission target and environmental requirements.

COATING SPECIFICATION NOTE:

Provide wavelength range, transmission target, AOI, polarization, laser parameters and environmental requirements with the RFQ.

Single-Layer AR Coatings

Single-layer AR coatings provide practical reflection reduction around a selected wavelength or spectral region. They can be considered for cost-sensitive systems with controlled operating conditions and less demanding bandwidth requirements.

Multilayer and Broadband AR Coatings

Multilayer AR coatings maintain lower reflection across a wider wavelength range than a single-layer coating. Broadband designs support imaging systems and instruments operating across multiple wavelengths.

V-Coatings

V-coatings are optimized for very low reflectance at a specific wavelength and angle of incidence. They are commonly selected for laser focusing, collimation and beam delivery around one defined laser line.

UV, VIS and NIR AR Coatings

Wavelength-specific AR coatings can be developed for ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared applications. The coating band is coordinated with substrate transmission, source spectrum, detector response and the number of surfaces in the optical path.

SWIR, MWIR and LWIR AR Coatings

Infrared AR and BBAR coatings improve transmission through compatible infrared substrates. Selection must account for the infrared band, substrate properties, operating temperature and exposure conditions.

Laser and High-LIDT Coatings

Higher-power laser lenses may require coatings designed around laser-induced damage resistance. Specify wavelength, pulse or CW operation, pulse duration, repetition rate, beam diameter and power or energy density.

Custom Optical Lens Manufacturing Process

Each custom lens follows a manufacturing route based on its material, geometry, tolerances, coating and order quantity. Inspection points are incorporated throughout production so dimensional and optical characteristics can be checked before the next operation.

Drawing and Specification Review

Review the prescription or drawing, material, dimensions, tolerances, coating, quantity and acceptance method. Clarify manufacturing risks or incomplete specifications.

Material Preparation

Select and prepare the specified optical material in a size suitable for processing. Check material type, blank dimensions and visible condition.

Curve Generation and Lapping

Generate optical surfaces toward the required radius, sag and thickness. Controlled grinding and lapping remove subsurface damage and prepare the surface for polishing.

Precision Polishing

Polish spherical or cylindrical surfaces using tooling matched to geometry and substrate. Monitor surface power, form and cosmetic quality.

Centering, Edging and Dimensional Processing

Center the lens and process its finished diameter or outline. Produce bevels, rectangular profiles and permitted edge features relative to the optical axis and mounting requirements.

Cementing or Lens Assembly

For an achromatic doublet or bonded lens, clean, orient, align and cement the individual elements according to the approved assembly specification.

Optical Coating

Apply the specified AR, HR or wavelength-specific coating based on substrate, spectral band, AOI and performance requirements.

Final Inspection and Packaging

Check applicable dimensions, centration, surface condition, optical form and coating performance. Clean and package accepted lenses to protect optical surfaces.

Optical Lens Inspection and Quality Control

Inspection requirements are established from the approved drawing and the intended function of the lens. Band Optics checks applicable material, dimensional, surface, centration and coating characteristics during production and final acceptance, using the measurement method agreed for the project.

Incoming Material Verification

Check optical substrates against the specified material and blank requirements before processing. Review visible defects, dimensions and relevant material documentation where required.

Dimensional Inspection

Measure finished diameter or outline, center thickness, edge thickness, bevels and other mechanical features against the drawing. Coordinate datums with the intended mounting method.

Surface Power and Form Measurement

Evaluate spherical and cylindrical surfaces using a method appropriate to the geometry, aperture and tolerance. Define the test wavelength, reference surface and reporting convention where they affect acceptance.

Centration and Wedge Control

Determine the relationship between the optical axis and mechanical reference. Check wedge, edge-thickness variation or cylindrical-axis orientation when required.

Surface Quality Inspection

Examine polished and coated surfaces for scratches, digs, chips, stains and other visible defects within the specified clear aperture.

Coating Performance Verification

Evaluate coated lenses against the required spectral band and transmission or reflection target under the specified substrate, AOI and polarization conditions.

Final Documentation and Traceability

Prepare inspection records according to agreed project requirements. Confirm drawing revision, lot identification, sampling plan and documentation when placing the order.

Custom Optical Lens Manufacturing by Band Optics

Band Optics supports made-to-print lens projects from initial specification review through manufacturing, coating and final inspection. Our production resources are suited to custom spherical, cylindrical, achromatic and ball lenses for optical engineers, system integrators and OEM buyers.

Optical Manufacturing Experience Since 2008

Experience since 2008 supports practical evaluation of lens geometry, material behavior, processing sequence and inspection requirements before production.

Integrated Production Capabilities

Lapping, polishing, CNC processing, centering, edging, coating and inspection are coordinated within a 3,500 m² optical production workshop.

Support for Multiple Custom Lens Types

Capabilities cover spherical, cylindrical, achromatic and ball lenses in application-appropriate materials. Dimensions, focal requirements, surface quality, centration and coatings can be defined around the customer design.

Prototype-to-Production Support

Projects can begin with prototypes for optical and mechanical verification before moving into pilot or repeat production. Approved drawings and inspection methods provide the basis for subsequent batches.

Specification-Based Quality Control

Quality checks are planned around characteristics that affect the final system, including dimensions, surface condition, centration, surface form and coating performance.

Related Custom Optical Components

Custom lenses can be supplied alongside other made-to-print optical components used within the same imaging, laser, sensing or instrument system. Matching substrate, coating, clear aperture and mechanical interface across related components can simplify system integration and supplier coordination.

Aspheres & Freeforms

Aspheric and freeform surfaces provide additional control over aberration, beam shape and system packaging when conventional spherical lenses cannot meet performance or space constraints.

Optical Windows

Flat, wedged, protective and infrared windows protect sensors or assemblies while maintaining transmission. Material, thickness, wedge, parallelism and coating can be customized.

Optical Prisms

Imaging, dispersing, beam-steering and homogenizing prisms redirect, invert, separate or redistribute light within compact paths.

Optical Mirrors

Flat, concave, convex and custom-shaped mirrors reflect or focus light without the chromatic effects of refractive components.

Optical Filters

Bandpass, longpass, shortpass and other filters control which spectral regions reach a detector or continue through the optical system.

Beamsplitters

Plate, cube and dichroic beamsplitters divide or combine paths according to a specified T/R ratio, wavelength, AOI and polarization.

Optical Assemblies

Mounted optics, cemented groups and custom assemblies combine lenses with related components in a defined mechanical interface.

Custom Optical Lenses FAQs

Q What types of custom optical lenses does Band Optics manufacture?

A Band Optics manufactures spherical, cylindrical, achromatic and ball lenses, including plano-convex, plano-concave, bi-convex, bi-concave, meniscus, round or rectangular cylindrical, cemented doublet, ball and half-ball configurations.
Q Can you manufacture lenses from our drawings or optical specifications?

A Yes. Lenses can be manufactured from customer drawings, optical prescriptions, reference samples or defined application requirements. The specification should identify geometry, material, dimensions, focal requirements, surface tolerances, centration, coating and inspection criteria.
Q What information is required for a custom lens quotation?

A Provide the drawing or prescription, material, dimensions, quantity, operating wavelength, focal or imaging requirements, surface quality, surface-form tolerance, centration and coating specification. Include the application, prototype and production quantities, documentation and target schedule where available.
Q Which optical materials are available for custom lenses?

A Available materials include N-BK7 and other optical glasses, fused silica, quartz, crown and flint glasses, CaF2 and sapphire. Selection depends on wavelength, refractive index, dispersion, temperature, environment, geometry and coating.
Q Can Band Optics support prototypes before production quantities?

A Yes. A project can begin with prototypes for optical, mechanical and assembly verification. After approval, the same specification can support pilot and repeat OEM production.
Q What anti-reflective coatings can be applied?

A Options include single-layer AR, multilayer AR, broadband AR, V-coatings and wavelength-specific coatings for UV, visible, NIR and selected infrared bands. Laser applications may require a high-LIDT design.
Q How are custom optical lenses inspected?

A Inspection may cover material, dimensions, thickness, surface power, surface form, centration, wedge, scratch-dig quality and coating performance. Agree the method, clear aperture, test wavelength, sampling and documentation before production.
Q What determines achievable lens tolerances?

A Tolerances depend on material, diameter, curvature, center and edge thickness, clear aperture, geometry, coating, quantity and inspection setup. Tightening one requirement may affect manufacturability, cost and lead time.

Submit Your Custom Optical Lens Requirements

Tell us what custom optical lenses you need and how we can contact you.

INFORMATION TO INCLUDE:

lens type, material, diameter or outline, center and edge thickness, radius or focal length, wavelength, surface tolerances, centration, coating, quantity and drawing availability.

If a drawing, prescription or test requirement is available, mention it in the requirements. Band Optics will follow up by email to obtain the file and confirm manufacturability.

We have a highly skilled team that continues to design innovative new products as well as create cost-effective solutions to meet specifications, timelines and budgets.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +86-159-5177-5819

Email: sales@nj-optics.com

Address: Industrial Park, No. 52 Tianyuan East Ave. Nanjing City, 211100, China

QUICK LINKS

PRODUCT CATEGORY

Subscribe to our newsletter
Promotions, new products and sales. Directly to your inbox.

CUSTOM OPTICAL LENSES FOR OEM OPTICAL SYSTEMS

Made-to-Print Spherical, Cylindrical, Achromatic and Ball Lenses

Custom Lens Manufacturing for Optical Engineers and OEM Buyers

Custom Optical Lens Types

Ball Lenses

Applications of Custom Optical Lenses

Imaging and Machine Vision

Laser Beam Delivery

Fiber-Optic Coupling

Infrared Detection and Sensing

Automotive Optical Systems

Scientific and Analytical Instruments

Precision Optical Lens Manufacturing Capabilities

Optical Lapping and Curve Generation

Spherical Lens Polishing

Cylindrical Lens Processing

CNC Edging and Mechanical Features

Lens Centering and Cemented Assembly

Optical Coating and Final Inspection

Custom Optical Lens Specifications

CAPABILITY NOTE:

Optical Materials for Custom Lenses

N-BK7 and Optical Crown Glass

Fused Silica and Quartz

Crown and Flint Glass Combinations

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

Sapphire

MATERIAL SELECTION NOTE:

Anti-Reflective Coatings for Custom Optical Lenses

COATING SPECIFICATION NOTE:

Custom Optical Lens Manufacturing Process

Drawing and Specification Review

Material﻿ Preparation

Curve Generation and Lapping

Precision Polishing

Centering, Edging and Dimensional Processing

Cementing or Lens Assembly

Optical Coating

Final Inspection and Packaging

Optical Lens Inspection and Quality Control

Incoming Material Verification

Dimensional Inspection

Surface Power and Form Measurement

Centration and Wedge Control

Surface Quality Inspection

Coating Performance Verification

Final Documentation and Traceability

Custom Optical Lens Manufacturing by Band Optics

Optical Manufacturing Experience Since 2008

Integrated Production Capabilities

Support for Multiple Custom Lens Types

Prototype-to-Production Support

Specification-Based Quality Control

Related Custom Optical Components

Aspheres & Freeforms

Optical Windows

Optical Prisms

Optical Mirrors

Optical Filters

Beamsplitters

Optical Assemblies

Custom Optical Lenses FAQs

Submit Your Custom Optical Lens Requirements

INFORMATION TO INCLUDE:

QUICK LINKS

PRODUCT CATEGORY

Material Preparation