Custom Optical Micropatterns

Engineered to Your Specification. Delivered to Your Standard.
 

When your optical system depends on absolute precision, standard components are rarely enough.

At Graticules Optics, we manufacture custom reticles, calibration targets, graticules, and electroformed precision apertures tailored to your exact application. With over 70 years of specialist expertise in micro-structure production, we combine advanced photolithography, electroforming, etching and coating technologies to create bespoke optical components trusted across industrial, scientific and defence sectors worldwide.

Whether you're refining an imaging system, developing electro-optics for defence, or building high-accuracy metrology instrumentation, we partner with you to deliver precision you can rely on.

Precision Manufacturing for Complex Optical Requirements

As a specialist custom reticle maker, we design and produce components ranging from simple crosslines to highly complex sighting patterns and calibration structures.
Our capabilities include:

• Chrome deposition (positive and negative patterns)
• Etch and fill processes with coloured pigments
• Electroforming and precision etching
• Electroplating
• Anti-reflection coatings
• High-resolution photolithographic patterning
• Photomask manufacture in-house
• Cementing, mounting and small optical assemblies
   

We work across a wide range of substrates, including:

• Optical glass and cover glasses
• Polymer films
• Ceramic
• Metal foils (Gold, Copper, Nickel, Molybdenum, Titanium and more)

From micron-scale apertures to complex multi-layer doublet assemblies, we engineer components that integrate seamlessly into your optical system.
 

From Prototype to Production

We understand the realities of optical development cycles.
That is why we support:

• Cost-effective prototypes
• Small batch specialist runs
• Scalable volume production
• Very high-resolution micro-patterning
• Traceable calibration standards (NPL / UKAS available)

Whether you are validating a new optical architecture or preparing for full production, our processes are built for consistency, repeatability and performance.

ISO 9001:2015 certified (FS 708521) and exporting globally, Graticules Optics is part of the SDI Group plc and a trusted partner to organisations operating at the highest technical levels.

Applications We Support

Our custom micropattern solutions are used across:

• Industrial metrology
• Scientific instrumentation
• Microscopy & electron microscopy (TEM / FIB grids)
• Photonics & electro-optics
• Aerospace
• Defence systems
• Resolution and calibration standards

If it requires micron-level accuracy and optical reliability, we likely already manufacture it or can develop it with you.

Why Optical Engineers Work With Us

Senior optical engineers choose Graticules Optics because we:

• Speak the language of optical design and tolerancing
• Understand alignment, integration and environmental constraints
• Offer manufacturing input early in the design phase
• Control critical processes in-house
• Deliver on time and to specification

We don't just manufacture drawings we help you optimise them for production.

Let's Discuss Your Application

If you are developing a custom optical system and need a precision reticle, calibration target, electroformed aperture, or specialist micro-pattern component, we are ready to collaborate.

Contact our technical team today to discuss your design requirements.
Email: [email protected]
Call: +44 (0)1732 360460

Early technical discussions often reduce development risk, improve manufacturability and shorten lead times. Let's explore what's possible for your application.