Custom part manufacturing
Precision laser-cut metal slits for spectrometers, cameras, lasers, and scientific instruments. Specify the slit width, length, and tolerance; we produce clean, parallel edges and inspect the critical dimensions.
What affects performance
An optical slit looks simple, but its performance depends on a consistent opening and two clean, parallel edges. Together, they affect light throughput, resolution, and stray-light control.
A narrower slit can sharpen resolution while passing less light; a wider slit increases throughput. Keeping that width consistent along the full length helps preserve a stable line shape.
Supports resolution, throughput, and repeatable optical response.Both edges need to run straight and parallel without disruptive burrs or roughness. A ragged or tapered edge can scatter light and soften the cutoff the optical system is trying to define.
Helps control scatter, stray light, and edge sharpness.Sizing guide
These values provide a practical starting point. Final dimensions are reviewed around the slit width, length, foil, material, and inspection requirement.
For sub-10 μm or sub-micron slits, or patterns made directly on an optical substrate, a different process may be more suitable. We will identify that during the manufacturability review.
Edge control
A sharp optical cutoff begins at the slit edge. We select the cutting and finishing approach around the material and function rather than treating every slit as the same part.
Configurations
From one precision opening to a multi-feature aperture, choose the geometry that fits your instrument and optical path.
One precision opening made to your specified width and length. A single slit gives you a controlled balance of optical resolution and light throughput.
Ideal for spectrometers, monochromators, cameras, and laser systems.
Multiple parallel slits made at a defined count and pitch. Consistent spacing and width help each optical channel perform in the same way.
Available with fixed pitch, repeated widths, and alignment features.
Combine stepped widths, crossed slits, pinholes, irises, tapered openings, or mounting features in one part for your optical path and assembly.
Designed around your drawing, holder, and functional requirements.Build options
Choose the metal, thickness, and interface that work with your optical path and the surrounding instrument.
A practical starting material for most optical slit plates, balancing edge condition, stiffness, and corrosion resistance.
Foil thickness is selected with the slit width and optical path so the opening has the edge condition and rigidity the instrument needs.
Material selection can be reviewed where thermal behavior, magnetic properties, conductivity, or a particular finish matters.
Supply a free-standing slit plate or include locating holes, tabs, frames, and carrier interfaces for the surrounding assembly.
Applications
Custom slit plates support light control, selection, and alignment across precision instruments.
Entrance and exit slits that set the balance between spectral resolution and light throughput.
Field stops and apertures that define the usable optical path at an image plane or detector.
Beam shaping, spatial filtering, and controlled line apertures for laboratory and production optics.
Custom apertures for confocal systems, X-ray paths, synchrotron instruments, and scientific setups.
Repeatable slit and aperture features for encoder, alignment, and optical calibration fixtures.
Start with what you have
You do not need a finished drawing. Send the information you have, and we will review the design for manufacturability before preparing a quotation.
Clear requirements help us recommend a practical material, thickness, edge condition, and inspection approach for your instrument.
Send your slit specificationInspection
Inspection is set around the dimensions and conditions that matter to your optical assembly, not a generic checklist.
Inspect the critical opening against the agreed dimension and tolerance.
Check slit location, pitch, and locating features against the drawing datums.
Review edge cleanliness and burr condition for the optical function.
Confirm the material, thickness, and mounting features fit the intended assembly.
Answers
About 0.015 mm (15 μm) is a practical starting capability. The final minimum depends on the material, thickness, and slit length. For sub-10 μm or sub-micron slits, lithography or electroforming may be a better process.
Tolerance can range from a few microns to about ±0.02 mm, depending on slit width and length. Send the target dimensions and we will confirm the tolerance for your design.
Yes. We make parallel slit arrays, stepped or variable-width slits, crossed slits, pinholes, irises, tapered openings, and custom aperture patterns.
Laser parameters, material handling, and finishing are selected around the part to produce clean, burr-controlled edges with limited heat effect. Inspection is agreed around the critical slit width, feature position, and edge condition.
Yes. We can supply a free-standing metal slit plate or make it for integration into your specified carrier, frame, or holder. Include the surrounding interface in the drawing or specification.
Stainless steel is suitable for many optical slit applications. The material and foil thickness are selected around the edge condition, rigidity, mounting method, and optical function that your design requires.
Custom optical slits
Send your drawing or slit specification. We will review the design for manufacturability and prepare a quotation.
