Neil Johnson, President of UPI
Demand for optics with higher surface quality is growing exponentially. So is the need to meet tight specifications with faster delivery. AmeriCOM DPOC member Universal Photonics Incorporated (UPI) is answering the call. The company specializes in critical surfacing and polishing technology at every step of fabrication.
UPI currently offers more than 9,000 critical surfacing materials, machinery, and equipment in its catalog. The company also offers consultative support through its team of application engineers.
“At the heart of our business are technically advanced, dynamic processing solutions for critical surfacing applications,” says Neil Johnson, president of UPI.
A century of innovation
Founded in 1926, UPI built its business on the science of surfacing. The company got its start supplying process equipment for optical glass, mirror, and stone. Today, UPI is a global expert in surfacing and polishing technology in all phases of fabrication. That includes an emphasis on deeply understanding application-specific products, distribution networks, and R&D that drives advancements.
The company is continually engaged in intensive field research and product development, and maintains state-of-art laboratories, manufacturing, and distribution facilities throughout the U.S. and the world.
A leader in the burgeoning field of optic surfacing
UPI believes in maintaining a broad perspective of the modern precision optics industry, including new technology in the field of optic surfacing.
As the list of substrates grows for today’s optic applications, the processing challenges grow, too. UPI is working hard to stay ahead of the curve. Optic surfacing technology is evolving rapidly, and UPI is well positioned to lead the world in critical surface preparation materials, meet the challenges for faster production, tighter tolerances, and better finishes – all while preserving material integrity.
“By serving a diverse range of precision surfacing needs, we create synergies that drive the development of new materials and processes. Our primary objective is to deliver tailored, advanced solutions that meet our customers’ processing requirements – efficiently, on time, and with reliable technical support,” Neil says.
Hastilite Morphus
S3 Super Smooth Surfactant
Trizact™ Diamond Tile
A closer look at UPI’s range of offerings
- UPI’s processing solutions include LP UNALON, a proprietary polyurethane polishing material engineered for superior flatness and high removal rates needed for applications with high critical surfacing requirements, including semiconductor fabrication.
- The company also produces advanced surfacing compounds, slurries, and powders, including the HASTILITE® MORPHUS SERIES, a new wave of lapping and polishing formulas that combine chemical reaction and mechanical abrasion to augment flatter and smoother finishes.
- UPI also manufactures some of the best-known processing machines worldwide, bringing the latest advancements in optics fabrication to the production floor. Their machinery line includes continuous polishers, submerged polishers, XY axis polishers, and double-sided lapping and polishing machines.
- There’s also a full line of chilling and filtering equipment including centrifuges, compactors, and liquid evaporators.
Why UPI joined DPOC
“UPI was eager to join DPOC because our goals align closely with the mission to advance innovative optics manufacturing, research, and education within the precision optics industry,” Neil says. “As members of DPOC, we’re part of a collaborative effort that addresses both industry challenges and defense requirements, further solidifying our role as a leader in optics manufacturing.”
Interested in joining DPOC? Let’s talk.
The AmeriCOM Defense Precision Optics Consortium (DPOC) is designed to spark new, mission-critical technologies and help the optics industry respond to the needs of the U.S. military. DPOC members have access to AmeriCOM’s COM-Lab, with state-of-the-art equipment to support projects in the precision optics field, including research and proof-of-concept testing.
Membership in DPOC is open to U.S.-based optics manufacturing companies, academic institutions, and other nonprofit organizations. For an overview of member benefits, visit our Manufacturing Technologies page. To join DPOC, submit this Application Form and a member of the AmeriCOM DPOC team will contact you about next steps. Questions? Contact Adam Dunn, Program Manager.