![National Ignition Facility (NIF) Small Optics Summit](https://static.opticspackaging.com/static/images/title-nif-summit-599x17.gif)
Introduction
Horst D. Bissinger
September 10, 1998
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Shipping Assemblies and Components to LLNL
Shipping Containers
Cost Issues
Storage
Cost Issues
Storage
Dave Aikens - Group Leader
Horst Bissinger
Jim Hendrix
Curt Laumann
Wayne Whistler
Horst Bissinger
Jim Hendrix
Curt Laumann
Wayne Whistler
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Cleaning Deliverable NIF Sub-Systems
Now that you have made the best opto-mechanical part in the world, how will you protect and ship the part in one piece?
- We all know, if you can reduce handling, less contamination will occur
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Cleanliness begins during fabrication
- Bevels and edges should be inspection polished
- Coating chambers should be backfilled with clean, dry air (or dry nitrogen)
- Handle all optics in a clean environment (level 50 or 1000)
- Optical substrates should be exposed to other levels to an absolute minimum
- Packing and shipping of optics should be managed in the same spirit
- Mechanical assemblies
- Cleanliness, particulate, and NVR is as critical as the optic itself
- Pre-aligned opto-mechanical assemblies must also meet the ASTM standard vibration and thermal transportation specifications
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Recommended Packing Material
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For loose optical components we provide reusable containers molded with PET-G type material
- PET-G is a copolyester, which is a clear, amorphous polymer, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- This is a NASA designed and Eastman Kodak developed plastic material
- This material will protect coated surfaces under extreme circumstances, such as out-gassing in temperature
- Extremely shock resistant and recyclable
- For non-glass surfaces we recommend capping the optical surfaces with PET-G caps and skin vacuum pack or back-filled dry nitrogen design
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Preparation for Shipment and Delivery
All optically exposed surfaces shall be covered with clean protective covers to protect them from damage during normal shipping and handling.
Delivery preparation:
- Clean and package the item to maintain cleanliness and to prevent damage during handling and shipment to LLNL as specified on the purchase order
- All components are to be prepared and handled in accordance with the requirements specified in MEL98-014
- Each component or large part shall be preferably wrapped separately in clean room quality nylon/polyethylene bag (0.15 mm minimum thickness)
- The bags shall be heat-sealed
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PET-G Containers
PET-G Containers to Hold Round or Odd-Shaped Loose Optical Substrates
Different Shapes of PET-G Containers
Shipping Containers Semi-Custom Made for a Specific Item
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Cleanliness Requirements
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Level 50 containers are cleaned using:
- CO2 sno spray
- High pressure water spray
- Ultrasonic aqueous cleaning system
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Level 1000 containers are cleaned using:
- Wipe cleaning with high purity ethanol
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Cleaning Processes - MEL Guidelines
Gross Cleaning or Visibly Cleaning Process for Removing Organics, Soil, Dust and Scale |
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MEL98-001-OA Fabrication and Handling of NIF Laser Components and Structures |
MEL98-002-OB Cleaning of Cast Aluminum Alloy Components for NIF |
MEL98-003-OB Cleaning of Wrought Aluminum Alloy Components for NIF |
MEL98-011-OB Gross High-Pressure Water Wash for NIF Components |
MEL98-004-OB Cleaning of 300 and 400 Series CRES Steel Components for NIF |
MEL98-005-OB Cleaning of Copper and Copper Alloy Components for NIF |
MEL98-006-OA High Temperature Bake-Out to Remove Volatile Organics for NIF |
MEL98-014-OA Handling of Components for NIF and Guidelines for Creating and Maintaining Clean Area |
Precision Cleaning or Validated Cleaning Process for Achieving < 1246C Level 100A Cleanliness |
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MEL98-007-OA Precision CO2 Snow Cleaning for NIF Components |
MEL98-008-OA Precision High-Pressure Water Wash for NIF Components |
MEL98-009-OA Precision Ultrasonic Cleaning for NIF Components |
MEL98-012-OA Surface Cleanliness Validation by Swiping for NIF Components |
MEL98-010-OA Precision Surface Wiping for NIF Components |
MEL98-013-OA Precision Ultrasonic Cleaning in OAB for NIF |
MEL98-015-OA Non-Volatile Residue Validation for NIF Components |
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LLNL Packing Procedure Summary
- PET-G loose glass containers are packed in multiples inside a foam packed polyethylene box and then packed in larger cardboard boxes
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Level 100 mechanical parts all need to be double wrapped.
- Nylon bag on inside
- Polyethylene bag on the outside
- Small assemblies use uniquely designed PET-G reusable containers
- Larger assemblies have uniquely designed PET-G end-caps
- Some optical substrates and components mounted in assemblies need to maintain a cleanliness Level 50 per Mil Std. 1296C