Optical systems can depend on a combination of lenses, filters, mirrors, beamsplitters, prisms, gratings, slits and image sensors, creating a potentially complex sourcing requirement. Knight Optical supports the consolidation of these requirements by providing access to stock optics, custom-manufactured components and specialist optical products through a single supplier relationship.
When individual components are obtained from multiple suppliers, engineering and procurement teams may need to manage separate quotations, delivery schedules and technical discussions. Reducing the number of suppliers involved can simplify these processes while retaining access to a broad selection of optical components and manufacturing resources.
Reducing Supplier Management
Projects that combine standard and custom optical components can create a significant administrative workload, particularly when requirements are divided among several vendors.
Consolidating a larger proportion of optical sourcing through Knight Optical allows enquiries, quotations and orders to be handled through one supplier. This can reduce the coordination required between separate vendors while maintaining access to a wide range of optical components and manufacturing partners.
A consolidated sourcing approach can also make it easier to investigate alternative components when availability changes or lead times become a concern during a project.
Using Stock Optics for Development and Production
Stock optical components can support development and production activities where an existing specification satisfies the requirements of the optical system.
Ready-to-ship optics provide engineers with components that can be used to evaluate designs, develop prototypes and help maintain project schedules. Where the performance of a standard component already meets the required specification, the same approach can also provide a practical route into production.
Knight Optical supplies stock optical filters, diffraction gratings, optical slits, lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters, windows and prisms.
Moving From Standard to Custom Optics
Not every optical requirement can be addressed with a standard component. Projects may require particular materials, coatings, dimensions or tolerances that call for a custom-manufactured optic.
Through its manufacturing network, Knight Optical can source custom optical components produced to specified requirements, including particular materials, coatings, dimensions and tolerances.
Access to both stock and custom components gives engineers flexibility when selecting optics at different stages of a project. A stock component, for example, may be suitable for initial evaluation before the project moves to a custom specification for production.
Addressing Difficult-to-Source Requirements
Specialist materials, coating requirements and extended lead times can make some optical components more difficult to obtain.
Knight Optical’s established supplier network provides access to standard and specialist optical components, giving engineering and procurement teams additional sourcing options when particular requirements cannot be readily met through standard channels.
This can be useful when replacing an existing component, locating a specialist optic or supporting the transition of a system from prototype development into production.
Technical Support for Component Selection
Selecting an optical component requires consideration of more than its physical dimensions. Material selection, coating performance, surface quality and tolerances can each influence system performance and therefore need to be considered as part of the sourcing process.
Knight Optical’s technical sales managers support customers with component selection, specification reviews and the identification of suitable alternatives where availability or lead times present difficulties.
Supplied components are also supported by the company’s metrology and quality processes, helping to ensure that optics meet the specifications agreed for the project.
Consolidating Stock, Custom and Specialist Sourcing
Bringing a greater proportion of optical component sourcing under one supplier can reduce the amount of supplier management required while preserving access to stock optics, custom-manufactured components and specialist products.
By combining stock component availability with custom manufacturing support, access to a broader supplier network and technical guidance, Knight Optical provides engineering and procurement teams with a more streamlined route for sourcing optical components across development and production requirements.
Read Simplify Optical Component Sourcing with a Single Supplier on the Knight Optical website.
