Key Takeaways:
Diamond turning of infrared and optical components demands vibration-free, thermally stable rotation for nanometer surface form. Hydrostatic spindles are the standard foundation for these ultra-precision lathes.
The Diamond-Turning Bar
Diamond turning cuts infrared lenses, mirrors, and other optical elements with a single-crystal diamond tool, achieving nanometer-level surface form. The spindle must be utterly free of vibration and thermal drift or the tool path is corrupted.

Why Hydrostatic Is Standard
The non-contact oil film isolates the spindle from floor and cutting vibration, and oil flow keeps temperature uniform—both essential for nanometer form accuracy. Sub-micron runout ensures the rotational symmetry the optics require.
Outcome
Hydrostatic spindles let diamond-turning lathes hold the surface and form accuracy that infrared and visible-light optics demand, without the wear and drift of mechanical spindles.