A Philosophy of Linking Manufacture to Function— An Example in Optics

Abstract
It is well known that characteristics of a surface can be used to monitor the manufacturing process. It is also well known that the surface of a component is important, in many cases, in determining how well the component performs. Ideally, the manufacturing process should be picked to ensure that the part works satisfactorily. In this paper, as an example, the specific function of gloss is chosen as a requirement. It is then shown what sort of surface is most suitable for this and further how this surface should be made, thereby completing the chain from manufacture to function.