CUSTOM MADE GLASS TEST TARGET
FOR PRICE, PLEASE REQUEST QUOTE
BASE MATERIAL
Supplied on soda lime glass with a low-reflective chrome pattern etched onto the surface. The top chrome layer includes an oxide coating (CrO) to minimise light reflections. Quartz substrate is available on request. Additional materials can be supplied as special orders. See the SPECIFICATIONS tab for technical details.
COATING OPTIONS
Anti-Glare Coating: A semi-permanent, non-gloss finish that reduces reflections and offers surface protection. It is water-washable and removable with acetone. May distort line edges when viewed under high magnification. Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS tab for further details.
White Opaque Coating: A polymer coating applied via inkjet to either side of the glass to enhance contrast. Other colours may be available. Contact us for detailed guidance. See the SPECIFICATIONS tab for more information.
White Translucent Coating: A single-layer polymer coating applied via inkjet, producing a translucent effect when backlit. Transmission levels vary depending on the number of coats. Contact us for further guidance. See the SPECIFICATIONS tab for details.
PRINTING OPTIONS
UV-cured inks can be added to the glass for various purposes, including:
QR Codes or Similar: Static codes for component types or dynamic serialised codes. Any format can be used, such as Type 1, Type 2, or Micro QR.
Serial Numbers: Fully customisable in font size and type, applied directly to the glass.
Logos: Company names or logos can be printed to support identification or branding.
CHOOSING RESOLUTIONS
Masks can be written at four resolution levels, referred to as "classes." Higher classes offer increased quality. Each class improvement delivers a 2× enhancement in addressability, minimum line size, edge roughness, CD uniformity, and alignment accuracy. Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS tab for information on dimensional accuracy and tolerance impacts.
Certain geometries, such as 15 µm triangles, contain apexes that cannot be rendered with full precision. Higher resolution classes reduce this rounding effect. This also applies to features with sharp corners. For critical shapes, select the highest class that meets your budget.
Edge sharpness, especially for arcs, depends on addressability and edge roughness. For improved edge quality, choose a higher class.
Class 1: For non-critical designs. Possibe pixelation visible on arcs and diagonals.
Class 2: Suitable for features ≥4 µm. Good edge definition with moderate pixelation.
Class 3: Balanced cost and performance. Resolves 2 µm features with sharp edges.
Class 4: Highest resolution. Supports 1 µm features with high precision.
MIN CD
CD (Critical Dimension) refers to the smallest feature or spacing on the design. Accurate CD input allows correct allocation of production and inspection processes. Use the NOTES section for any additional instructions.
CAD FORMAT
The listed formats are only a subset of supported types. Print-based formats like CorelDraw, PDF, PostScript, SVG, BMP, and TIFF lack sub-micron accuracy and are not suitable for Class 3 or Class 4. For high-resolution work, use engineering-grade vector formats such as Gerber, GDSII, DXF, or CIF. Contact us if your format is not listed. A full drafting service is also available upon request.
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POLARITY Masks are classified as Clearfield (positive) or Darkfield (negative). Positive polarity: CAD data is chrome, and the background is clear. Negative polarity: CAD data is clear, and the background is chrome. Add reference text to the CAD file and specify whether it should be right-reading or wrong-reading to ensure correct orientation. |
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
Standard lead time is 1 week from receipt of artwork, order, and documentation for simple targets that do not need specialist processing. A checkplot is issued for approval; prompt response is essential. Lead time assumes no data revisions. For large or high-resolution orders, confirm availability of premium services in advance.
INSPECTION
All photomasks are subject to a rigorous inspection process, regardless of the selected inspection class. Critical parameters such as CD (Critical Dimension) size and uniformity are measured and recorded internally. High-magnification images are captured using Nikon MM40 (900×) and OGP ZIP 300 (400×) systems, and stored with our production records. In some industries—particularly medical or automotive—additional inspection documentation may be required for compliance with quality systems. You can select the level of documentation to be provided with your order.
Standard: Full inspection performed; no documentation issued.
Certificate of Conformance: Printed certificate confirming compliance with inspection criteria.
Certificate of Measurement: Verifies up to 10 user-defined dimensions against specified tolerances. A CAD file or drawing must be provided indicating the positions to be measured. Additional measurements available on request.
CHECKPLOT
Before production, we supply a checkplot—an essential part of our approval workflow. This checkplot is a high resolution PDF graphic, emailed to you for review. It provides an overview of the design layout, helping you confirm pattern alignment, feature placement, and polarity. However, it is a rasterised image and not suitable for verifying precise dimensions.
For critical designs where dimensional accuracy must be confirmed at the CAD level, we recommend using our online CAD checkplot viewer. This platform allows you to inspect your design using vector data, ensuring that features such as linewidth and spacing match your expectations. You can zoom in to inspect fine details, toggle layers, and therefore compare your submitted file against our interpreted version.
Checkplot approval is mandatory before manufacturing begins. No production will start until confirmation is received. Ensure that your review includes polarity, reading direction, and any reference markers required by your process.
For more details, see our Checkplot Information Page.
YOUR DRAWING NUMBER
Include the CAD file name or number to ensure correct linkage with your order.
NOTES
Use this section to provide any additional instructions or specifications for your order.
Refer to the TECHNICAL, DOWNLOAD, and FAQ sections for more details. For further clarification, contact us via email or LIVE SUPPORT.
BASE MATERIAL
COATING
RESOLUTIONS AND ACCURACY
PRODUCT OPTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Are other materials available for this product?
A: Yes. While standard versions use low-reflective chrome on soda lime glass, we also offer quartz, Borofloat®, fused silica, and other optical glass substrates. Custom coatings such as aluminium can be applied upon request. Non-standard materials may require minimum order quantities and extended lead times.
Q: Can the glass be supplied in different thicknesses?
A: Yes. Glass thickness can be specified at the time of order. Common options range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Availability depends on substrate type and required quantity.
Q: Can I specify exact tolerances or reference dimensions for inspection?
A: Yes. We offer enhanced inspection and measurement certificates for glass-based targets. Customers must provide a CAD file or clearly annotated drawing with the required measurement points and tolerances. Up to 10 points can be measured per standard certificate.
Q: Can you provide coatings on the glass?
A: Yes. We can apply anti-glare, opaque, or translucent coatings to the target to enhance visual contrast or create backlit effects. These coatings are inkjet-applied and tailored to the specific use case.
Q: Can I request custom shapes or edge treatments?
A: Yes. Glass components can be cut to custom shapes. Complex shapes may require a technical review prior to quoting.
Q: Are your glass targets suitable for cleanroom use?
A: Yes. All glass-based test targets are cleaned and packaged in controlled conditions. For applications with stricter particulate limits, we can offer cleanroom-grade packaging upon request.
Q: Can serial numbers, logos, or QR codes be printed on the glass?
A: Yes. We can print variable data, logos, or 2D codes onto the glass surface using UV-cured inks. These features can be fully customised in size, font, and position based on your design requirements.
Q: What is the typical production lead time?
A: Standard production time is 1 week from receipt of artwork and order confirmation. For complex or non-standard materials, additional time may be required. Express services are available for urgent orders.