nobody makes perfect lenses as part of the initial manufacturing method. Lenses are always smoothed/polished. In the 3d printer case (hobbyist) you would 3d print a solid object oversized, then sand/polish it down.
The automated microscopes I build are mostly 3d printed parts. The precision doesn't matter much- I always have to add additional hardware to adjust the precise positioning (typically screws going through 3d printed threads).
But you are right there are definitely other methods which work faster and cheaper and ten thou is a typical target for a good machinist.
The automated microscopes I build are mostly 3d printed parts. The precision doesn't matter much- I always have to add additional hardware to adjust the precise positioning (typically screws going through 3d printed threads).
But you are right there are definitely other methods which work faster and cheaper and ten thou is a typical target for a good machinist.