AG Optical Systems

AG Optical Systems prides itself on crafting high quality instruments that will satisfy the most discriminating customer.  Each instrument is fully modeled in NEi Fusion which allows AGO to precisely model each component in SolidWorks 3D CAD and FEA test components critical to the performance of the telescope.

History

AG Optical Systems was founded in 2009 by Dave Tandy and is located just outside of Huntsville, AL.  Huntsville, also known as Rocket City USA, has a long history of space technology development and has played central roles in numerous space programs including the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Dave has been an avid amateur astronomer for over 20 years and has designed and built numerous telescopes including large aperture Newtonian and Ritchey Chretien scopes.  Dave's professional experience includes a decade as an engineer and product development manager responsible for conducting modeling and simulation studies for NASA as well as participating in the design, analysis, and testing of aerospace opto-mechanical systems.

AG Manufacturing Capabilities

AG Optical uses modern software and equipment to manufacture high quality telescopes.  Nearly all of the non-optical components of AGO telescopes are made at AGO's 3200 ft² production facility which houses among other things a large vertical machining center (VMC) and a computer controlled curing oven.   AGO's extensive manufacturing capabilities give AGO the ability to rapidly prototype new ideas and ensure that AGO's strict quality standards are met on every part we produce.

AGO vertical machining center with iDK backplate on the fixture table.  This machine weighs nearly 18,000 pounds and can machine metal parts as large as 43" x 23" in size! Click on the picture to see a tool change on the VMC (it may take a minute for the video to load).

 

iDK backplate clamped to table of VMC  (with drops of coolant fluid).  It takes the VMC only about an hour to machine this part and it does so while maintaining dimensional tolerances to better than a few thousandths of an inch.  Click on the image to see video of a tube ring being machined on the VMC (it may take the video a minute to load).

 

AGO practices environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and recycles all of our aluminum chips.

 

The vertical machining center houses a 24 tool automatic tool changer that contains a wide array of cutting tools from twist drills to large end mills.

 

Computer controlled curing oven to manufacture large carbon fiber composite telescope tubes.

AG Optical Guiding Principles

• AGO's most valuable assets are its customers
• Integrity and a commitment to excellent customer service forms the foundation for all AGO business practices
• Exceptional performance will characterize every AGO product
• AGO is committed to providing 100% made-in-the-USA products