American Center for Optics Manufacturing

Employee size

2-10

Organization type

Nonprofit

Headquarters

Rochester, NY

Founded

2021

Based in Fairport, New York, the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) strengthens the U.S. precision-optics base through manufacturing research, prototype development, and technician training. Its 10,000-square-foot COM-Lab gives industry, government, and academic partners access to optics fabrication and metrology equipment for process development before full-scale production. AmeriCOM also runs a national workforce-development network and free online courses that help prepare people for careers in precision optics manufacturing.

• Rochester Precision Optics, LLCFrom its Greater Rochester, N.Y., headquarters, Rochester Precision Optics manufactures precision optical components, assemblies and electro-optical systems for applications ranging from night vision to medical devices. The vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer is notable for producing glass, polymer and infrared optics—including chalcogenide materials—in-house, with capabilities spanning design through volume production. RPO operates more than 40,000 square feet of climate-controlled Class 10,000 cleanroom space within its 110,000-square-foot facility and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.WEST HENRIETTA, NY
• PM
  Precision Manufacturing and Equipment IncIn Troy, New York, Precision Manufacturing and Equipment Inc. designs and machines precision optics and components while handling the software and metrology in-house. Its work includes the protective optics used directly in the path of every National Ignition Facility fusion shot; after identifying their failure mechanism in 2003, PME developed a process that was adopted by France’s CEA fusion program. The company also builds browser-based tools for optical designers and metrologists, carrying its design-to-part approach beyond the machine shop.TROY, NY
• AIM PhotonicsEstablished through a 2015 cooperative agreement with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, AIM Photonics is a federally supported manufacturing innovation institute focused on strengthening integrated photonics manufacturing in the United States. Operating as a program of NY Creates, it gives companies, universities, and government researchers access to shared infrastructure for developing and prototyping silicon photonic circuits. Its work also includes building the specialized workforce needed for domestic photonics manufacturing.ALBANY, NY
• OptiPro Systems, IncFor more than 40 years, OptiPro Systems has been a Rochester-area manufacturing company known for combining machine-tool expertise with hands-on engineering support. Founded in 1982, it grew from serving New York manufacturers into a U.S. builder of specialized equipment for precision optics and advanced ceramics, with an Advanced Process Development lab for difficult applications. The company also collaborates with defense agencies, universities, and national laboratories through SBIR work.ONTARIO, NY