IBF – Ion Beam Figuring

NTG offers a large spectrum of standard IBF plants for various sizes and applications. Beside this we can also design tailor made systems according to your requirements.

IBF-Process

The IBF process is realized by a three-axes motion system with three linear axes, operating in a vacuum chamber. In the standard procedure the pathway of the Ion Beam spot on the surfaces follows a spherical bowed meander along the lines of latitude. The path velocity on the work surface results from a dwell time distribution proprtional to the desired material removal depth distribution. It is also possible to treat only partial ranges of the surface.

NTG uses an inhouse developed control technique for this plant. Control is done via touch screen. The process flow is nearly completely automated. This means for the user: insert work piece, load the program, start the process. All the operating cycles of the plant are documented in a log-file. If requested NTG is able to read the log-file via internet and thus can carry out a remote diagnosis of the plant.

There is nearly no restriction concerning the shape of a workpiece. By using the three linear axes in combination with the inhouse developed simulation software NTGsim plane, concave, convex shapes can be treated no matter if they are spheres, aspheres or freeforms.

E-Technology and control

Our plants are equipped with inhouse developed computer control systems including GUI (touchscreens). Different process modi are available, standard operation is running automatically. That means, loading workpiece, load data and start process are the only tasks which need to be done by the operator.

For a quick support in case of any troubles the plant is equipped with an interface for remote control via Internet from Germany. All process parameters are recorded in a log file.

Hardware

NTG develops and manufactures nearly all parts of an IBF plant inhouse. This guarantuees a maximum of flexibility and customisation.