No measurement, No production

In the 1980s, Panasonic was the first company in the world to commercialize glass-molded aspheric lenses. "No measurement, No production." This slogan was born during difficult challenges that Panasonic was facing. At this point, the development and production of the UA3P – the Ultrahigh Accurate 3-D Profilometer started and has become a gamechanger within the industry.

Reinhard Windemuth
Senior Business Development Manager

Optical Measuring with advanced technology

The Panasonic UA3P profilometer series is engineered to deliver nanometer-level accuracy in measuring aspherical lenses, molds, freeform optics, mirrors, and other precision components, with a measurement area of up to 500mm x 500mm. With various models available, the UA3P series caters to diverse optical and high aspect ratio metrology needs.

Each UA3P model combines the accuracy of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with the extensive measurement range of a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). This is achieved through Panasonic’s innovative Atomic Force Probe (AFP) technology, utilizing a stylus and HeNe laser-based interferometric XYZ axis positioning.

Supported by a solid granite base, the UA3P series offers a world-class metrology system, providing unparalleled precision at the nanometer scale.

Precision Measurement: UA3P's Advanced Capabilities

The UA3P offers ultra-high precision measurement with single nanometer-level reproducibility, ensuring unmatched accuracy. It excels in absolute surface profiling through contact measurement, making it ideal for analyzing complex shapes like aspheric and free-form surfaces. With flexible NC paths, the UA3P can measure intricate geometries and perform various advanced analyses, including optimized radius calculations and Zernike analysis. It also supports decenter evaluation for aspheric and wafer lenses. Additionally, the UA3P enables surface roughness measurement on complex objects and offers measurement and evaluation without the need for design formulas. By converting CAD data to point clouds, it simplifies the evaluation process, while its automatic measurement capabilities improve work leveling and reduce labor.

Gaining trust

Since its launch, the UA3P has become a trusted standard in the optical industry, earning the confidence of customers worldwide. In lens production, where molds are crafted and lenses are formed, maintaining precise control over constantly changing production conditions is crucial. High-precision measurement equipment like the UA3P is indispensable for detecting these subtle changes, ensuring consistent quality. We believe that achieving high-quality manufacturing is only possible with such advanced measurement technology.

Looking ahead

In the years ahead, its nanometer-level reproducibility will contribute to the realization of the dreams not only in the optical industry but in the wide range of customers in "Metrology". Evolving UA3P is our mission to society.