This process specification is for manufacture of cantilever spring blades for Advanced LIGO. It includes material requirements, limitations on shaping, detail on the nickel plating process and details of the age hardening fixture. These springs are for use in an Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) system.
Revision v5
The section associated with grinding has been modified and extended to the following: -
"Machine all surfaces to remove oxides and mill finish. Abrasive removal techniques other than Blanchard grinding or double disk grinding, are not acceptable. A surface finish of 32 microinches is required. The vendor will need to confirm this surface finish in the inspection report."