Sydor Optics, a manufacturer of precision, flat glass optics, has completed the last stage of a $4.5 million investment in equipment to increase its capacity and capabilities for producing wafers, windows, filters and other plano optics. Growth in biomedical and consumer industries has created the need for flat glass optics in broader size ranges, for tighter tolerances and for higher volumes. The investment, which included 14 new PR Hoffman double-sided grinding and polishing machines, several Zygo and Tropel interferometers, a Haas Mini Mill and a robotic arm, will position Sydor to address the growing demands of its customers. Applications as diverse as 3-D movies, debris shields for high-energy lasers and wafers for DNA sequencing are fueling demand for the company’s optics. Industries such as telecommunications, entertainment, biomedical, military and R&D are also strong markets for the company. The robotic arm, for example, allows Sydor Optics to bevel more than 6000 optics per month for a single project, said President James Sydor. “The people and equipment we have added are really bringing in some amazing results,” he said. The company also has added 18 jobs, according to Michael Naselaris, general manager. This phase of the expansion included a significant jump in quality control to measure optics up to 450 mm in diameter, the company said. The Corning Tropel MSP300 interferometer increases the size of glass wafers that the company can measure in an unrestrained state up to 300 mm in diameter. The new Zygo 18-in. interferometer measures transmitted wavefront apertures up to 18 in. to match the size capability of Sydor’s large double-sided grinders and polishers. For more information, visit: www.sydor.com