Custom Optics is the application of a technology which involves the production of a product at a higher level than that of the original and is precision optics
capable of better performance than its analog counterpart. For example, the manufacture of eyeglasses through polycarbonate lenses rather than glass or plastic is custom optics. The production of automotive windshields is custom-made rather than being made from the same type of material as the OEM's product. This is why automobile manufacturers must adhere to certain design codes in order to have a competitive edge over their competitors.

The manufacture of a common item like a car windshield however is not considered custom optics. Automotive windshields are, on the other hand, custom-made from entirely different materials than polycarbonate lenses. The primary difference between the two is that the former is applied using in-house optical assemblies whereas the latter is applied with off-the-shelf waveplates. The principal difference however is not the principal factor in the quality of the finished product. Rather, it is the process that produces the optimal level of performance, which is dictated by the proper integration of the assemblies into the final product. Designing the right wavefronts and the proper application of the assemblies determine how the product will operate in real life.

How does one go about applying custom optics to an OEM product? One way is through the use of off-the-shelf fabrication equipment. OEMs may purchase customized-optical assemblies from third parties, which may also be adapted to meet their specifications. This option has the drawback of introducing delays into the production cycle. The second option for integrating a customized assembly into an OEM product is to develop the required designs using CAD software.

As discussed above, the application of CAD software to design the required assemblies from off-the-shelf waveplates is a time-consuming affair. This is because production volumes must be carefully monitored to ensure quality performance of the optical components. Also, because OEMs typically have higher production volumes than do design companies, it can be difficult for them to make the investment in buying customized-optical assemblies, which have been tailored to their specification. This is where off-the-shelf assemblies come in handy.custom optics

If OEMs are hesitant to invest in purchasing off-the-shelf assemblies, they can seek assistance from third party providers, which are often willing to contract with them to manufacture and supply the necessary custom optics to meet their client's specifications. Here, OEMs can request custom-optical elements with different measurements according to the manufacturer's specification, depending on the nature of their products. They can also request light sources that are specific to their products. In this manner, companies that are in need of custom-optical elements can acquire manufactured elements that are customized to their requirements.

Since there are several types of custom-optical assemblies, the techniques for manufacturing them are as diverse as their uses. For example, there are fibre optical assemblies (FoA) and mechanical assemblies ( Mechanical Optical assemblies). As the name suggests, fibre optic assemblies consist of a network of optical fibers which are used to transmit signals using a very small beam of light, thereby enabling transmission of high-speed information. The term 'fibre optic' is usually used to describe any assemblies that make use of fiber optics, even though the process may involve utilising other technologies such as electromagnetic radiation, electrical signals, or laser light. Similarly, the term Mechanical Optical assemblies (MOPs) refers to any assemblies that contain mechanical parts that are optically symmetrical; the optical fiber network consists of several sets of mechanically connected parts.

Off-the-shelf optical components, on the other hand, consist of materials that are mass-produced to fulfill production volumes. Because of the great challenges involved in the manufacture of optical assemblies, off-the-shelf optical components often comprise low-quality, low-volume materials. In addition, such materials often contain by-products and/or waste products that are detrimental to the health of users and hinder production volumes. This is where custom optics enter the picture, as the provision of superior quality custom-built components that are manufactured to specifications that satisfy both quality and volume standards can significantly enhance production processes while dramatically reducing costs.

The development of customized optics has resulted in significant advancements in the fields of precision machining and optical coating. The increased precision and improved production rates provided by custom optics have contributed to increased production and product life-span, while reducing costs. This ultimately leads to lower prices for consumers. Indeed, by improving production quality, reducing material waste, and decreasing cycle times, custom optical assemblies enable producers to provide cost-effective solutions to complex precision problems.
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