ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY Connect, discover, stay up-to-date
6/2023 ▶ Special topic: Go Digital! Lens production going digital
TRULY SMART LENS GENERATING
Chat GPT and other AI´s -‒ a new language for the industry ▶ Technology Overcoming the gas age ▶ Live on site A breath of future at VEW 2023 Silmo Paris 2023 ▶ Market Survey Lens printing Laser engraving systems
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01_Titel.indd 1
satisloh.com
03.11.23 09:12
CHC1000 - Maximum Output, Minimum Effort The CHC1000 is the ultimate unit for large scale cleaning and hard coating of lenses for customers that need to produce high volumes easily. When fully loaded, the CHC1000 is capable of producing up to 1100 lenses per hour, with the system comprising of 10 stages of effective cleaning and drying, followed by a twin dip coating system for hard coating and if required, anti-fog.
Unleash your full potential with the CHC1000
t: +44 (0) 1462 491616 e: sales@optimal-technologies.com www.optimal-technologies.com
MAFO Advert_CHC1000.indd 1 !AZ.indd 2
12/04/2021 16:57 18.10.23 16:53
LETTER
No need to follow every trend, but know about them!
A
t this year's Vision Expo West
been impressed. Some people even turn this
it was plain to see: the future
skill into part of their business model, allowing
has a rrived in opht ha lmic
customers to watch what is going on in the
optics on every conceivable
workshop through a glass partition.
level ‒ from sales to the production process. Things that have always worked in the past
The same applies in the Lab. Even the production
are now being rethought. Products that have
of lenses in the region, or responding to very
been under development for a decade have
specific customer requests, is clearly a unique
finally made it to market.
selling point (USP) which can leave a lasting impression.
It all starts with eye testing, which is now being
Hanna Diewald Chief editor Tell us your opinion, ideas and suggestions: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com
offered digitally by several providers and it is
That said, the current trends that can be seen
proving increasingly reliable. It continues with
in the industry are extremely exciting. Not
choosing spectacle frames for instance by using
everyone needs to jump on every bandwagon
virtual try-ons. And before choosing the lenses
right away, but it makes sense to understand
one can try out different lens designs with VR
the direction of travel and start getting prepared.
glasses or the perfect lens design can be found with the help of artificial intelligence.
The world which is evolving also calls for a new infrastructure. Machines that only
And in the lab of the future, of course, everything
function efficiently thanks to large databases,
is fully integrated and state of the art: in the
need to be fed with appropriate data. To ensure
machining area with block-free generators, for
this, even collaboration with competitors may
example. When it comes to coating, the first
prove worthwhile.
hard- and photochromic coatings can now be applied by additive manufacturing, whereas
The increased sophistication of modern
technical films can be used for AR-coatings.
machines, combined with the lens design and other factors, in turn calls for standards to
However, those who are most "hip" go straight
help labs orient themselves, so that they don’t
for the latest smart glasses, for streaming live
get lost in a jungle of innovations.
videos online via social media platforms. This and other topics are discussed in the But, of course, all those single steps can be
interview “ChatGPT and other AI’s – a new
done completely different also – more simply
language for the industry” and in the article
or by hand. And that’s not necessarily
“Lens production going digital”, in line with
a bad t hing, choosing a nd
Save the date
the main focus of this issue, “Go Digital!”
producing glasses in the traditional way.
And it is precisely these trend topics – with all the challenges and opportunities they offer –
February 02, 2024 in Milan (one day before Mido)
Anyone who has ever seen
that will be the main focus of the upcoming
an optician working alone
‘MAFO – The Conference 2024’, on February 2
in his workshop, not only
in Milan, one day before Mido. Take a look at
fitting each lens individually
the program starting on page 10, and don't
into the frame by hand but
miss this opportunity to exchange ideas with
also having mastered the rare art
like-minded professionals about the way things
of making frames himself, will have
MAFO 6-23
03_Letter.indd 3
are developing in the industry.
3
03.11.23 17:43
CHANGE
Embrace the light
Revolutionizing Vision Care for Childhood Myopia
Let’s work together! Anything is possible when we combine your vision and expertise with our research and technology. See the difference
www.iotlenses.com IOT offers advanced ophthalmic technology solutions from the initial design and development to the industrial manufacturing process. Their products create added value and offer a boost of innovation for any company or laboratory, regardless of size.
!AZ.indd 3
23.10.23 09:54
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
Content Topics in this edition MAFO issue
November / December 2023
Page 26
Page 30
Page 14
At a glance
Technology
Live on site
6
20
14
All about you
Overcoming the gas age
A breath of future at VEW 2023
News from the international ophthalmic industry
By Mandy Gebhardt, Robin Zimny,
By Hanna Diewald
7
Claudia Radelow
All about markets
30
Data in graphics
Lens production going digital
8
By Jens Buergin
All about products Innovations and products for your lab
18 Special Topic
Silmo Paris 2023 By Silke Sage and Frank Sonnenberg
Surveys Spotlight
34
42
10
Suppliers Guide
Program and preview of MAFO – The Conference 2024
36
22nd edition
Survey laser engraving
47 Closing Words Mark Mackenzie – an industry veteran retires
48
26
Survey lens printing
Special Topic
Chat GPT and other AI´s ‒ - a new language for the industry An interview with Philipp Schmid
Outlook
MAFO 6-23
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5
03.11.23 09:18
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about you News from the international ophthalmic industry Vision Expo East will move to Orlando as of year 2025
New Lens Product Description Standard (LPDS) completed
The Vision Council and RX,
The Vision Council is pleased
co-owners of Vision Expo,
to announce the completion
announced that Vision Expo
and approval of Version 1.00
East 2025 will take place in
of the Lens Product Descrip-
Orlando, Florida at the Orange
tion Standard (LPDS). Created
County Convention Center
by The Vision Council’s Lens
(OCCC) February 19–22, 2025.
Product Description Standard
Vision Expo East’s final show in New York, celebrating and com-
Committee, this standard serves as an eventual replacement for the
memorating nearly 40 years of achievement and growth within the
Lens Description Standard v2.2 (LDS v2.2), which has long been
optical industry, will occur March 14–17, 2024 and kick off Vision
the industry standard for lens manufacturers to provide technical
Expo’s dynamic next chapter.
information about their lenses and lens blanks.
Vision Expo East will debut in Orlando in 2025 with a re-imagined
Building on the strong foundation of technical information of the
show experience and abundant opportunities for exhibitors to
LDS v2.2, the LPDS has a new, extensible format that allows for the
engage with attendees in a more centralized environment. In addition
flexibility to define digital designs independent of lens blanks, the
to offering attendees a multi-year, preferred date pattern of
ability to describe unique processing parameters, and the structure
Thursday–Saturday, the show venue, hotels, meeting spaces and
to deliver base curve charts for lens selection.
special events will all be located within a walkable area, ensuring a better connected and community-like experience.
First flō platforms will be installed in 2024 in three US-labs
The Vision Council appoints Suzanne Krauss as new Director of Shows The Vision Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Krauss as the organization’s new Director of Trade Shows. In her new role, Suzanne will collaborate closely with The Vision Council’s strategic partners at RX, who
flō at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas
co-organize Vision Expo East and West,
The israli start-up flō is happy to share that it has signed agreements
with a focus on driving opportunities for
with three laboratories that will acquire, install, and assist in evaluating
growth and development at these events.
the first flō platforms to be released in 2024. These labs will be the
Krauss brings great expertise to managing
first to have access to flō’s cutting edge technology, where Additive
this partnership from her previous role
Manufacturing (AM) technology is being applied to generate optical
as Industry Relations Manager on the
coatings on lenses. These three ophthalmic labs (all located in North
Vision Expo RX Global team, where she spent the past 16 years cultivating
America) are: Cherry Optical Lab, Encore Optical, and Superior
relationships with top optometrists and opticians.
Optical Labs.
Suzanne Krauss, the new Director of Trade Shows.
You have news for the ophthalmic industry? Submit your press releases to: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com or constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com
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06_All_About.indd 6
MAFO 6-23
03.11.23 17:22
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about markets Graphical data In 2022, the German spectacle lens producer Carl Zeiss accounted for
24.6% Only
32%
of China's optical lens retail sales value, slightly higher than its French competitor Essilor with 24.3%. That year, local lens producer Wan Xin took up around 8.9% of China's spectacle lens retail value, ranking third among all lens producers.
of Americans know that large language models, such as ChatGPT, produce answers based on word patterns and relationships they previously learned from text pulled from the internet. Source: Pew Research Center
Source: Statista
One-in-three
33% US-adults say they are likely to consider purchasing smart eyewear products in the next 12 months. Males, those ages 18-44, those in urban communities, and early adopters of technology are especially likely to consider purchasing smart eyewear products. Source: The Vision Council
MAFO 6-23
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7
03.11.23 17:22
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Advertisement
All about products Innovations and working materials for your lab Coburn Technologies and SDC Technologies Announce the Launch of a Breakthrough Photochromic System for Optical Labs Coburn Technologies in collaboration with SDC Technologies (SDC), has launched CrystalChrome, a breakthrough photochromic system for optical labs at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. This novel lens coating technology brings an exciting dimension to Coburn's acclaimed spin coating offering and represents the first major product development collaboration with its new parent, SDC, combining Coburn’s spin coating know how with SDC’s coating expertise. CrystalChrome allows optical labs the ability to transform any clear semi-finished blank or surfaced lens into a high-quality photochromic lens. "Now labs can provide high performance light-reactive lenses to their customers in less time and at a lower cost than traditional sourcing methods" stated Coburn Technologies President, Alex Incera. Visit www.coburntechnologies.com
DBX modulo ONE: The Natural Way of Deboxing With DBX Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER debuts a powerful and fully automated new lens deboxer for high throughput, 24/7. The innovative technology unpacks all common kinds of boxes and materials – cardboard, blisters, even sleeves – damage-free with a clean process. It requires a minimum of energy and effort. After swiftly identifying the type of box, DBX Modulo ONE opens it "naturally”: It unfolds, takes out and unwraps, entirely without touching the lens surface. The eco-friendly process avoids cutting or burning the material using sharp blades or high energy lasers – no cutting particles or dust and no fumes. All waste material is collected separately to simplify recycling and increase sustainability. DBX Modulo ONE follows SCHNEIDER's vision to provide the full solution for ophthalmic labs. Visit: https://modulo-one.com
Satisloh launches Ophthalmic Consumables Store Satisloh, a global leader in optical manufacturing solutions, launched its new online Consumables Store for EMEA, India and North American markets. Satisloh is one of the few machine manufacturers to offer its customers the option of ordering consumables online. Users can easily browse the wide range of aftermarket products for all ophthalmic processes at http://www.satisloh.com/store without registering. After registering, shoppers will see their region-specific products and availability, as well as personalized pricing. This makes ordering consumables particularly easy and convenient for Satisloh customers. The store showcases more than 1,000 products, for all lens production processes. However, Satisloh will continue to accept all previous ordering methods – whatever is most convenient for their customers.
BispheraTBA Phoenix: The result of the 15 years long MEI experience in the lens edging industry BispheraTBA Phoenix is the new MEI lens edger perfect for any kind of small and big lab, offering excellent throughput, great flexibility, and best-in-class quality control capability, unique features in the overall edging machinery scenario. The first version of this lens edger, born in 2006, became an icon of the optical industry and is still highly considered today. The machine is completely renewed in the exterior design, mechanical structure, and user interface. The footprint remained the same, but the active parts and the mainframe have been redesigned. In order to offer you great flexibility, the left and right edging heads of the new BispheraTBA Phoenix are now totally independent, to be able to cut in parallel also jobs having the two lens shapes different or to mark disparate logos on the lens with the engraving tools. To guarantee the MEI Total Quality Control, the machine performs all needed quality inspection tasks, analyzing 100% of the production. Discover more at www.meisystem.com www.meisystem.com.
8
06_All_About.indd 8
MAFO 6-23
03.11.23 17:22
THE CONFERENCE s elegate d 3 k o Bo 3 ,y € 33 l n o r o f son ! per per
#MAFO CON24
on February 2, in Milan (one day before Mido) Under the motto:
Next Generation Catch the Early bird discount:
€ 399,- per person by booking until December 31, 2023
Highlights Block-free generating Myopia management designs Smart glasses Industry 4.0 Thickness optimization and much more ... Stay tuned and follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter, to get all the news about MAFO – The Conference. For all questions and suggestions about the conference please write an email to: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com www.linkedin.com/showcase/mafo ticket.mafo-optics.com
09_EAZ-Konfi.indd 9
03.11.23 08:33
THE CONFERENCE
Special topic: Next Generation … … block-free generating, myopia management designs, smart glasses and much more MAFO - The Conference 2024 Date: Friday, February 2nd, 2024 (one day before Mido) Location: Fiera Milano Rho (Italy) Chairman: Peter Baumbach
Dr. Judith Ungewiß
Psychophysical evaluation of optical lenses in the Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration Lab (AMPEL)
Stefano Sonzogni
The block-free lens generation process – an effective step ahead in preserving the environment
Dr. Michael Kreis
Opportunities and challenges of blockless surfacing technology
José Miguel Cleva
Revolutionizing myopia management – a novel approach to treating children's myopia
Dr. Jens Buergin & Heiko Schlump
Connectivity as enabler for Industry 4.0
Aalen University
MEI System
Satisloh
IOT
Zeiss
Dr. Gaetano Volpe & Pasquale Fanelli
ProCrea Tech
Mo Jalie
University Ulster
Arved Kampe 3D-Micromac
AI and neural networks in freeform lens design software
The minimum thickness of spectacle lenses
Shaping the future of eyewear: How to enable AR-glasses by laser cutting of high-index glass waveguides
Varsenik Nersesyan
Electronic glasses with active optics for vision correction
Jonathan Jaglom
Going digital: How Additive Manufacturing (AM) will change the ophthalmic coating industry
Dr. Marcel Mahner
Empowering the opthalmic industry with ArtificiaI Intelligence – new possibilities on the example of cosmetic inspection
Morrow
flō
Schneider
SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
Dr. Judith Ungewiß
Stefano Sonzogni
Dr. Michael Kreis
Aalen University
MEI System
Satisloh
Psychophysical evaluation of optical lenses in the Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration Lab (AMPEL)
The block-free lens generation process – an effective step ahead in preserving the environment
Opportunities and challenges of blockless surfacing technology
Different approaches for the evaluation of
The reduction of human footprint on our planet
Recently there has been a lot of “buzz” around
optical lenses and other refractive correction
has become a hot topic lately. However, the
blockless surfacing. And surfacing without a
methods for the human eye are available: Ray
reduction of the environmental impact, often,
block indeed has great potential to reduce
tracing methods characterize the image quality
requires many changes. Changes of people's
complexity, time and cost by removing several
at the retina level whereby the image processing
mentality, manufacturing methods, and
process steps from the manufacturing of Rx
in the higher visual pathway is not taken into
replacement of equipment. Sometimes also the
lenses.
account whereas questionnaires take into
global performance of the process or the
However, any developer of a blockless produc-
account the subjects’ perception in a completely
product may decrease. In the end, everything
tion system will have to overcome significant
subjective way with an inherent lack of
comes down to the cost, which normally is
challenges regarding lens quality, product range
standardization.
perceived as higher. This is what makes the
and processing speed. Dr. Kreis will elaborate
The Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration
attention to the environment problematic,
on both, the opportunities and challenges of
Lab (AMPEL) offers a psychophysical test
even though it is so fascinating.
blockless surfacing based on Satisloh’s feasibility
set-up which can be used to assess individual
We always believed that the way out of this
study of the technology.
visual performance with or without optical
sort of dilemma was to look for a simpler
correction lenses.
manufacturing method. Revolution rather
Psychophysical tests such as the assessment of
than optimization.
halo areas (“halometry”), clinical examination
We devoted a large part of the R&D capability
methods of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity,
of the last decade trying to reinvent processes
and the standardized environment of a (night-
in the eyeglass production field, with a very
time) driving simulator – to be used with and
simple goal in mind: make it simpler, faster, and
without glare – are available. The latter set-up
cheaper, reduce waste, water contamination,
allows for local visual acuity and/or contrast
and footprint.
sensitivity threshold evaluation based on
The block-free technology in lens surfacing and
stimuli (usually Landolt Cs) that are presented
edging is the most prominent result of this relent-
at various locations e.g. on a projection screen,
less effort. Optimized automation systems,
an instrument panel, a navigation monitor, or
self-calibration capability, integrated quality
a rear view mirror.
controls on 100% of the machine output. Solutions that contribute to minimizing space, staff
(A lecture by Dr. Judith Ungewiß, Dr. Michael
requirement, and rejection rate. We are pleased
Wörner and Dr. Ulrich Schiefer, presented by
to explain some of the technologies available
Dr. Ungewiß)
today that can help in reducing the impact on the environment.
MAFO 6-23
11
SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
José Miguel Cleva
Dr. Jens Buergin & Heiko Schlump
Dr. Gaetano Volpe & Pasquale Fanelli
IOT
Zeiss
ProCrea Tech
Revolutionizing myopia management – a novel approach to treating children's myopia
Connectivity as enabler for Industry 4.0
AI and neural networks in freeform lens design software
Industry 4.0 offers great potentials to create
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has catalysed a
value out of data and thus to impact our
profound revolution across various industrial
The global surge in myopia prevalence has
business of ophthalmic lens production. Data
sectors. For example, AI-powered diagnostic
raised concerns among practitioners, urging
generated by machines is the basis for
systems are improving medical imaging
the implementation of effective myopia
Industry 4.0 as it is an enabler for realizing
analysis, and today, in ophthalmology, it is
management solutions.
Industry 4.0 use cases for visualizing and
possible to automatically identify retinal
The efficacy of this myopia management lens
analyzing data.
tissues in an OCT scan. We delve into the
has been evaluated in the first randomized,
Therefore, standardized machine interfaces
core principles of AI and neural networks,
double-blind study carried out, specifically in
for data exchange between machines and a
seeking to clarify their complex mechanics
a European population. After 12 months of
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data
in an accessible manner. The integration of
follow-up, the study showcased a remarkable
Acquisition) system or a MES (Manufacturing
these cutting-edge technologies into freeform
39% reduction in axial length progression,
Execution System) are needed. As standard
ophthalmic lens design software is today
distinguishing this solution from conventional
for data exchange, OPC UA (Open Platform
possible, so it is important to understand how
single vision lenses.
Communications Unified Architecture) opens
this influences the free-form lens calculation
This pioneering solution, utilize free-form
new ways for standardization of machine
process and the impact AI has on the existing
technology and its lens geometry, is grounded
interfaces and offers further advantages like
technology. The primary objective of this
in peripheral positive/myopic defocus and
embedded security and advanced communica-
integration, in fact, is the mitigation of lateral
asymmetric defocus theories. With its utiliza-
tion methods.
aberrations, specifically unwanted astigma-
tion of free-form technology, this solution
tism, to improve visual comfort and provide
ensures enhanced comfort, superior aesthetics,
an overall better visual experience.
and a natural appearance, without the reliance on specialized semi-finished products.
Get your tickets now ticket.mafo-optics.com
12
MAFO 6-23
SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
Mo Jalie
Arved Kampe
Varsenik Nersesyan
University Ulster
3D-Micromac
Morrow
The minimum thickness of spectacle lenses
Shaping the future of eyewear: how to enable AR-glasses by laser cutting of high-index glass waveguides
One of the most important computations which is undergone by the Lens Design
Electronic glasses with active optics for vision correction In the realm of ophthalmic innovation, electronic glasses stand out as a promising alterna-
Software in a Lab Management System is that
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality
tive to conventional multifocal lenses, offering
of finding the minimum thickness for a given
products (VR) mix digital and established
solutions to comfort, safety, and adaptability
prescription which will enable the thinnest
technologies with ophthalmic technologies.
concerns in vision correction.
and lightest lens to be produced in any given
Among the most significant technological
These cutting-edge glasses incorporate active
material. In the case of a minus lens the
challenges associated with AR is the optical
optical lenses, utilizing a new electro- switch-
minimum thickness of the lens always lies at
design of appropriate devices. At the heart of
able technology based on liquid crystal com-
its optical center and is computed from a
any AR device is the so-called optical combiner
position for superior vision quality. These lenses
stipulated optical center thickness plus any
that combines the real-world image with the
can be electrically activated to enhance the
addition for prism which has to be incorpo-
virtual image generated by a display (light en-
viewing experience by focusing on a dedicated
rated in the lens.
gine). Waveguide technology offers a potential
reading zone, providing two distinct states:
Plus lenses on the other hand are more difficult
solution to this.
OFF (with the electrical switch off) and ON
to compute since the point on the edge of a
As the industrialization of waveguide-based
(activated near vision lens).
lens where the thickness will be a minimum
AR devices progresses, their design-based
As an active participant in the exploration and
is not obvious at the outset and has to be
shaping and robustness are becoming key
application of these electronic glasses, I aim
determined before the necessary center
considerations. Automated approaches to cutting
to showcase their seamless integration into the
thickness of the lens can be found. This talk
AR eyepieces made of high-index glass are a
traditional ophthalmic ecosystem. This integra-
considers these problems and shows how the
high priority.
tion ensures compatibility with existing
position of the minimum thickness of the lens
Using ultrashort pulsed lasers provides a
manufacturing processes, providing a promis-
can be determined.
promising approach for scalable free-form glass
ing solution for both consumers and profes-
cutting with high strength and precision. Schott
sionals in the field of vision correction.
and 3D-Micromac optimized a laser-based
This presentation aims to delve into the
separation process for achieving high and
technological intricacies of these active optical
predictable bending strength to guarantee high
lenses, highlighting the benefits they offer to
production yields. They integrated it into a
consumers and their smooth integration into
modular machine concept scalable from lab to
the broader ophthalmic ecosystem.
mass production.
The promise of the technology is seamless
This presentation tells the story behind this
integration into the conventional ophthal-
development project, the underlying reflections,
mic ecosystem, ensuring compatibility with
and the lessons learned.
existing manufacturing processes across the industry.
MAFO 6-23
13
SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
Jonathan Jaglom
Dr. Marcel Mahner
flō
Schneider
Going digital: How Additive Manufacturing (AM) will change the ophthalmic coating industry
Empowering the opthalmic industry with ArtificiaI Intelligence – new possibilities on the example of cosmetic inspection
flō seeks to transform the ophthalmic market by providing digitized coating solutions
To date, cosmetic inspection and the detection
through Additive Manufacturing technology
of irregularities on the lens surface has been a
via unique multi-material and multi-layering
purely manual process, highly dependent on the
techniques. This innovative approach provides
inspectors’ individual perception. The process
ophthalmic labs with new possibilities regard-
is not only strenuous but also lacks objectiveness.
ing coating options that are both improved in
As a result, it has been a desire to automate this
terms of coating performance and offered at
important quality check with the intention to
a lower price. Coatings undertaken using flō’s
facilitate decision making at a new level, based
digital process allow for endless colour
on data, to ultimately standardize the process.
schemes, gradients, and even graphic design
This has changed with the development of a
when it comes to tinting, as well as offering
fully automated system that can automate the
significant savings (example – inventory costs)
process with the help of Artificial intelligence
when applying its photochromic coating solu-
respectively deep learning. Labs have the
tions. Additional advantages rest around
possibility to teach the system by feeding it
Sustainability, Repeatability, and Customiza-
with their individual decisions.
tion. flō's vision is simple: to digitize all things
This lecture takes a deep dive into how Artificial
optical using Additive Manufacturing.
Intelligence can be leveraged to standardize the process and guarantee highest quality. First, the general AI concept is presented and detailed on the example of cosmetic inspection. Furthermore, the benefits of an Artificial Intelligence based system are detailed by a comparison to the current manual lens inspection. Finally, the lecture will show how conclusions about root causes of defects can be drawn in combination with a global lab supervision system.
#MAFO CON24
14
MAFO 6-23
THE CONFERENCE s elegate d 3 k o Bo 3 ,y € 33 l n o r o f son ! per per
#MAFO CON24
on February 2, in Milan (one day before Mido) Under the motto:
Next Generation Catch the Early bird discount:
€ 399,- per person by booking until December 31, 2023
Highlights Block-free generating Myopia management designs Smart glasses Industry 4.0 Thickness optimization and much more ... Stay tuned and follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter, to get all the news about MAFO – The Conference. For all questions and suggestions about the conference please write an email to: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com www.linkedin.com/showcase/mafo ticket.mafo-optics.com
09_EAZ-Konfi.indd 9
03.11.23 08:33
LIVE ON SITE
Reg
Isaa to t
Kev Sch
A breath of future at VEW 2023 Many innovations in Las Vegas In September 2023, the global ophthalmic industry met in Las Vegas as every year. At this year's Vision Expo West (VEW), visitors were able to get an exciting glimpse into the future of ophthalmic optics. Here, it became clear that the industry is in a state of upheaval ‒ at all levels: from blockless generating, to printed coatings, smart glasses with camera, online refractions or VR glasses for lifelike „test vision“ of progressive lenses. Traditional companies and start-ups alike are currently revolutionizing the industry and showing how the latest technology can be used in very different ways. Welcome to the future! By Hanna Diewald
V
EW was held in Las Vegas from September 27 to 30,
More than 400 exhibitors
2023 and even on arrival at the fair, many visitors could
More than 400 exhibitors were on site in the large hall of the Venetian
hardly miss the huge glowing sphere that stood out
Convention & Expo Center and presented several highlights. Attendance
especially at night: The Sphere, Las Vegas's newest
was said to be the highest since 2019, but detailled numbers have not
concert venue opened on Friday night with a highly anticipated per-
been released by the organizers since regulations due to Corona.
formance by U2 ‒ their first live show since 2019. So, visitors quickly
While it looked very crowded in the entrance area at the beginning of
breathed the unique Las Vegas atmosphere, surrounded by slot ma-
the first day, the crowds thinned out somewhat over the days. Several
chines - there are said to be 140,000 in Las Vegas - countless shows
machine exhibitors reported not extremely many but qualitatively
and art worlds. On the fairground itself, of course, it looked different.
good discussions.
There were no slot machines, but many machines that generated excite-
The overall mood at the show seemed quite optimistic: „It was amazing
ment among the public in a completely different way.
to see the vision care industry come together in Las Vegas for an
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Reginaldo Ribeiro in front of the Bühler booth.
The new block-less freeform lens production system by MEI System.
Isaac Altit, Sales Director Canada at Satisloh next to the Rx-Bot LUKE.
Kevin Cross, Vice President of Sales NA at Schneider, presents the EBC 500.
Walter Castro, Danelle Martin and Ron Kroll from Ocuco at VEW 2023.
CrystalChrome allows on-demand production of photochromic lenses
The start-up flō shows live how optical coatings are applied via additive manufacturing. Source: flō
action-packed show featuring over 400 companies across distinct
Block-free generating
neighborhoods, engaging programming at the Innovation Stage, cutting-
A very popular booth this year was that of MEI System, where visitors
edge continuing education and unforgettable exhibitions,“ said Fran
could see the first block-free generator on the market, the CoreTBA.
Pennella, vice president, Visio Expo, at RX, co-organizer of Vision Expo.
The block-less freeform lens production system, as the Italian machine
„This year was especially spectacular ‒ it truly felt like the industry was
manufacturer calls it, combines several processes in one machine, from
finally back after a few long and challenging years, illustrated by the
the digital generation, through the engraving, polishing and washing.
largest show attendance since 2019.“
Block-free machines in labs are a desirable goal, as on the one hand process steps are eliminated and on the other hand neither alloys nor adhesives
Education program
are used. So it remains highly exciting how the machines actually perform
On Wednesday already, started the comprehensive education program
in the lab in future.
and meetings for The Vision Council members in which selected topics
Of course, there were also many other machines on display at MEI, such
of general relevance were discussed.
as the EasyFit Trend, a professional lens edger, or the EasyBuddy, a robotic
For example, at VEW, the Lens Product Description Standard (LPDS)
lens loading system.
was finalized and approved, so that it now replaces the old LDS v2.2 standard. The new LPDS has a new, extensible format that allows for the
Additive manufactured optical coatings
flexibility to define digital designs independent of lens blanks, the ability
Another visitor magnet was the start-up flō. The Israeli company presented
to describe unique processing parameters, and the structure to deliver
a completely new technology in which optical coatings, such as pho-
base curve charts for lens selection.
tochromic coatings or hard coatings, are applied in an additive process.
On Thursday morning, the visitors were then directly tuned into the
„The ability to control the coating process down to the level of micro-sized
„real“ trade show with DJ sounds in the entrance area, and so most of
pixels opens a wide new range of design possibilities in terms of func-
the visitors certainly entered the large exhibition hall in a good mood.
tionality, cost, ease of use, sustainability and more“ stated the company.
Most of the world's machine manufacturers were represented here and
And indeed, many interested people came to the hourly live presentations
had not spared to present many of their machines live at the fair.
of the process.
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Daniel Crespo and Carolina Gago from IOT.
Artist at the EssilorLuxottica booth. Source: VEW
Jim Goerges and Pete Olson from Precision Tool Technologies.
The new Alexa-powered Carrera Echo smart glasses by Safilo.
Pau Artús and Oscar Duran from Horizons Optical.
New Ray-Ban smart glasses including camera.
The VISTA, a fully automated lens inspection system by OptoTech.
Joseph Patella, Sylvia Sadofsky-Saavedra and Will Daniels from DAC Technologies.
In the meantime, the company has announced that it has signed
More unpacking, e-ticket and film lamination
agreements with three North American labs that will install the platform
Another technology preview to unpack semi-finished lenses could be
and flō has already signed an exclusive supplier agreement with PPG.
seen at Satisloh: the Rx-Bot LUKE. The machine was especially developed to automate manual unboxing without human intervention and makes
Photochromic lenses on demand
recycling easy. It works touch-free and gets opened by a maintenance-free
For the machine manufacturer Coburn Technologies, the US-trade
laser cut, that should prevent blanks from contamination.
show is a home game, so as always, many machines were presented.
The latest coating machine 900-TLX with special sector-dome design,
A special highlight was the photochromic spin-coating system
offers more flexibility and higher speed for AR and mirror coatings for
CrystalChrome for optical labs, that enables on-demand production of
medium batch sizes. The 3-sector-dome design allows the simultaneous
photochromic coatings. The system was developed in collaboration with
use of different sector types. There was also the opportunity to experience
the new parent SDC.
the Tech-Film AR or view the new e-ticket that can replace a paper job ticket by having the most important job information on the e-ticket.
"Natural" unpacking and high-speed processing
Furthermore the company launched a new online consumables store for
At Schneider, a large selection of machines was presented as usual. An
some markets.
innovative machine is the Deboxer DBX Modulo ONE, which opens all the usual types of boxes in a „natural“ way and thus should work very
Lens inspection and coating
cleanly. So boxes get unfold, taken out and unwrapped, thus no laser or
At OptoTech, a highlight was in particular the VISTA machine, a fully
knife is needed to open it. It also allows for single-sort recycling.
automated lens inspection system that detects and localizes cosmetic
Visitors could also see the extremely fast HSC Modulo ONE with two-
defects on ophthalmic lenses. A machine that made its debut at Mido
motor concept and ultra-fast workpiece changer, which has become even
2023 and was now presented for the first time in the USA.
more productive thanks to an update. For smaller labs, there were also
At Bühler, for example, the Boxer 1100 coating machine was on display.
compact machines on display, such as the EBC 500, a coater especially
Thanks to its new high-vacuum pumping system, it is particularly energy-
for small and mid-sized Rx labs.
efficient and guarantees easy maintenance.
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And much more… In addition to the machine highlights, however, there was much more to see and experience at Vision Expo West. Horizons Optical was a first-time exhibitor at Vision Expo West. Highlights included the introduction of mimesys, an ecosystem of progressive lens technologies that offers two solutions: mimesys Lens, which represents a paradigm shift in the way patients perceive progressive
Sandra Fonticoli, Thomas Zangerle and Laurent Provost from Automation & Robotics.
Tim Smith, Ken Zappe and Matt Ramlet from Ultra Optics.
Hugh McAllister and François-Charles Laberge from K&Y Diamond.
Joseph El-Hindi and Wynn El-Hindy from Filtertech.
lenses through gaze dynamics diagnostics and the provision of fully personalized progressive lenses, and mimesys Coach, a VR simulation tool designed to dispel misconceptions about progressive lenses. Under the slogan „Ready for the Change,“ IOT unveiled its new international campaign for Neochromes, its flagship photochromic lens. At the same time, the company unveiled a new myopia management solution at Silmo. This lens, based on extensive research, slows the progression of myopia in children and reduces the growth of ocular
Safilo unveiled their highly anticipated collaboration with Amazon, the
elongation. The effectiveness of the Myopia Management Solution was
Alexa-powered Carrera Echo frames that combine high-end fashion
evaluated in the first randomized, double-blind study conducted specifi-
with artificial intelligence.
cally in a European population. It is not yet available in all countries.
Zenni Optical revealed a partnership with Meta to supply custom-built
Software provider Ocuco showcased its comprehensive lab management
VR Prescription Lenses, part of the “Made for Meta” accessories collection
system and used the show to unveil its 2024 Innovations User Group
for the Meta Quest 3 (a mixed realtity VR headset) These lenses make
“Seas the Day”, which will be held at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort,
VR accessible to those who wear corrective eyewear.
Clearwater Beach in April.
And several companies demonstrated how well digital eye tests now work. So it was not boring at all at this year´s Vision Expo West and all participants
Smart Glasses, virtual vison tests and more
could leave the show after several days with a lot of new input.
Outside the machinery area, visitors could expect a few more novelties.
The next Vision Expo West will take place from 18 - 21 September 2024
For example, Luxottica showed the next generation Ray-Ban smart
in Las Vegas. And please note: 2024 will be the last time Vision Expo West
glasses, in collaboration with Meta, which also enables live video streaming
will be held in Las Vegas, from March 14 - 17, 2024, because the organizers
in social media.
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Picture: Frank Sonnenberg
Silmo Paris 2023 The point of attraction for a dynamic industry! Silmo Paris 2023 took place from September 29 to October 2. This year's trade show was again able to attract many professionals from the ophthalmic optics and eyewear fashion industry. With a changed layout in Hall 6 and 7, visitors were faced with new and unfamiliar walkways. No disadvantage, as this made for unexpected encounters and fresh perspectives on a trade fair that knows how to perfectly combine the topic of fashion with technology and the future. By Silke Sage and Frank Sonnenberg
T
his year, 31,437 visitors ‒ including opticians, designers,
As always, the trade show look was resplendent in bright yellow,
manufacturers and other industry professionals ‒ came
visually providing visitors with a high level of recognition in the
to northeast Paris this fall, to attend the prestigious trade
world of trade shows.
show. This represented a slight increase of 16.5% in the
number of visitors compared to the previous year. This stable high
Future of the industry in focus
attendance is an important indication of the importance of the show
At the trade show, in addition to the traditional exhibition halls as the
as a central platform for industry-wide exchange and presentation of
setting for the industry, two visitor areas stood out in particular. Slightly
new products and developments.
off the beaten track, the “Silmo Next” and the special “Futurology”
The almost equal 50/50 distribution of international and national
show took place. Here, too, highlighted by the Silmo yellow, the focus
French visitors also shows: The show plays an important role in the
was on the future of the industry.
global trade fair scene and is considered a visitor magnet for international
Smart eyewear and its current possibilities, such as the connection to
buyers. On 75,000 m², 929 companies showed the entire range of the
social media, were important topics. In addition, it was about so-called
ophthalmic optics and eyewear industry with large and small, histori-
phygital experiences in virtual reality, for instance the skillful con-
cally known and new companies and players representing the entire
nection between the analog and the digital world: the fusion of online
value chain.
and offline.
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Focus on environmentally compatible solutions More mundane, but no less future-oriented for future products in ophthalmic optics was another topic: an environmentally compatible design. The focus here was on materials such as bio-based acetate materials, their application in collections or the recyclability of new products. In the coming years, demand by frame manufacturers for recycled and recyclable materials will increase in the industry. Some materials are already on the market, others will follow. Especially those that offer reusable solutions within the framework of the circular economy. As the range of products currently available shows: they are focusing primarily on bio-based materials in production.
Outstanding performance awarded with the Silmo d'Or. The organizers were also very satisfied: “This year's Silmo Paris has
Haute Couture by Lafont - Maison Sekmoto.
definitely confirmed that the Paris event is the place where new collections and brands as well as innovative concepts are presented on an international level,” they said. The strength of Silmo, in addition to a
show also lies in the diversity of the events that promote innovation,
wide range of presentations and events that promote innovation, creation
creation and knowledge, representing the companies that are inventing
and knowledge, also lies in the recognition of special achievements.
the optics of today and tomorrow.
To this end, the Silmo d'Or Award provides the stage for companies
This year, these included the Optical Design Contest, the Trends Forum,
that are reinventing the optics of today and tomorrow.
the International Optician of the Year Award (presented by the Inter-
The 30th Silmo d'Or 2023 award ceremony took place on Saturday
national Opticians Association), the Futurology area offering unique
evening, September 30 at the Les Folies Gruss Circus. The award is a
experiential areas where smart products could be tested, new trends
central pillar of the show and enjoys great attention. The nominated
in virtual reality could be discovered and an innovative approach to
models and technologies were announced in advance and were displayed
sustainable production could be tried out.
at noon on Saturday for the jury participants to vote.
Silmo Next is a multidisciplinary forum dedicated to the future, showcasing the latest technological innovations and advances in
An all-round successful show
smart eyewear, phygital experiences and environmentally sustainable
This year's Silmo Paris has definitely confirmed that the Paris event is
design. This and much more was part of the repertoire in this edition
the place where new collections and brands, as well as innovative
of Silmo Paris. Silmo Paris 2024 will take place from September
concepts are presented on an international level. The strength of the
20-23, 2024. ◆
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TECHNOLOGY
Overcoming the gas age Multiple photon absorption brings the laser processing for eyeglasses to the next level The production of eyeglasses requires different laser marking processes. Semi-finished and especially free-form lenses require semi-visible functional laser engraving for position marks onto the uncoated surface. Besides these technical engravings, lasers can create visible brandings on spectacle lenses. Now, a new Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) UV concept was developed by 3D-Micromac, that should merge highest engraving quality and cost efficiency. By Mandy Gebhardt, Robin Zimny, Claudia Radelow
I
n the past, mainly excimer and CO₂ lasers covered those tasks.
In 2023, 3D-Micromac developed a new DPSS UV concept that merged
Excimer lasers' UV wavelength proved optimal for manufactur-
the highest engraving quality and superior cost efficiency for surface
ing high-quality surface markings. Recently, economic con-
markings.
siderations put pressure on the technical developed and
For more than twenty years, laser engraving has been the state-of-the-art
established technology. That happened mainly due to the recent
engraving technique in the ophthalmic industry. Whereas excimer
shortage of halogen gases. But also, intensive surveillance efforts
laser systems are especially suited for premium quality engraving, CO2
caused by environmental, health, and safety reasons played an important
lasers operate in low-cost production. These contemplations also apply
role. Therefore, several alternative processes have been developed in
to the laser system's purchase price and operation costs. While CO2
the last years ‒ unfortunately, all of them were causing cutbacks on
laser systems do not need much more than electricity and cooling water,
either engraving quality, lifetime, or material flexibility.
excimer lasers need halogen gas for operation. With halogen gases
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becoming prohibitive up to temporarily unavailable on the market on several occasions in the last years, the search for alternatives began.
Fundamentals of laser processing There are different laser-induced superficial material removal principles. One of them is laser ablation. Its mechanisms depend on:
▶ optical properties of the material (transparency, surface quality, chemical compounds)
▶ laser wavelength ▶ pulse length of the laser ▶ laser power, pulse energy, and energy density As the transparent lens material must absorb the laser radiation for effective interaction between the laser and the lens material, it is only possible to engrave transparent materials with laser sources from
Fig. 1: Nearly invisible position marks on a CR39 lens engraved by DPSS laser.
u ltraviolet (UV) to far infrared (IR) wavelengths. Meaning the recommended laser wavelengths need to be shorter than 400 nm (UV) or
process common ophthalmic materials like CR39 since their wavelength
longer than 2 µm (IR).
was too long for linear interaction, and pulses were too long for non-
In order to take advantage of linear absorption effects when using
linear effects. A new physical solution brought the possibility of multiple
excimer lasers, pulse lengths in the nanosecond (ns) range need to be
photon absorption by working with ultra-short pulses (down to 10-11
applied. By using an ultra-short-pulsed laser source, additional non-
seconds) in this wavelength region. These pulses are short enough to
linear effects occur, generating precise and high-quality markings on
compromise working at a wavelength of 266 nm. Therefore, the focus
transparent polymers. This opens the process window to higher
diameter is slightly smaller than working at 193 nm. (Figure 2, right)
wavelengths like 266 nm.
Due to the shorter pulse duration, the overall pulse effort is higher.
As a result, mainly two laser sources are in industrial use for laser engravings: excimer lasers in the UV wavelength range and CO2 lasers in the
Solutions for ophthalmic lens marking
IR wavelength range.
When in 2022 once again halogen gas became temporarily unavailable
Nevertheless, several criteria must be considered to choose the most
on the market, 3D-Micromac decided to develop a new laser engraving
appropriate laser source for engraving: the requested engraving quality,
concept in the UV range. With their new microMARK RXe BLUE,
reliability and lifetime of the laser source, and last but not least, the cost
the company provides a system that is equipped with an industry-proven
of operation.
DPSS laser source. This guarantees a significantly higher number of emitted laser pulses than similar classes of laser sources, thus ensuring
”Cold” ablation vs. thermal structuring
premium engraving quality and cost-efficiency advantages.
Thermal ablation is the conventional way to achieve cost-effective engrav-
As mentioned above, DPSS lasers have several advantages over other
ing results in well-absorbing lens materials. However, as shown in Figure
laser types, such as compactness, efficiency, costs of purchase, and
2 (left), the longer laser pulses in the IR range are, the more they lead to
reduced maintenance efforts. Furthermore, no halogen gas is required
severe thermal effects, such as melting and solidifying molten material.
to operate the laser system. As a result, customers benefit from low
In addition, a heat-affected zone of some micrometers width, thermal
investment and operating costs and fewer environmental, health, and
stresses, cracks, and delamination of coatings may occur. During laser
safety risk management restrictions.
irradiation, the top layer of material heats up, and an ionization appears.
With the new laser engraving system, engraving test rows have been
All these facts influence the engraving quality.
carried out on various commercially available ophthalmic lens materials
Laser pulses in the UV or deep UV (DUV) range typically operate by pulse
together at multiple production facilities. The result: The engraving
durations of 10-9 seconds. The energetic UV radiation and short nanosecond
quality of the new DPSS laser system has clearly achieved the same
laser pulses achieve a precise engraving result. The main advantages are a
standard as common excimer laser systems.
minimum heating of the lens surface (Figure 2, middle) and a minimum
Figure 3 compares laser engraving results on CR39. On the left side,
heat-affected zone of some tens of nanometers width, no thermal stresses,
there are engraving results shown that are created with several excimer
cracks, and delamination of coatings (Figure 2, middle). Furthermore, UV
laser systems available in the market. On the right side (last row), the
laser engraving suits all polymer and glass lens materials.
engraving result of the new 355 nm DPSS laser system is depicted. The
A rather new approach to engraving in the ophthalmic industry are
pictures visualize the engraving qualities of functional and branding
Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) lasers. Former DPSS lasers could not
engravings on AR- and super-hydrophobic lenses.
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TECHNOLOGY
Fig. 2: Comparison of thermal ablation with CO2 laser working in the infrared wavelength (left) and cold ablation with excimer UV laser (middle) and DPSS laser working in the ultraviolet wavelength (right). The comparison shows the working principle of the different laser sources. The excimer and DPSS laser ablation work without thermal influences on the lens material. Coatings are unaffected. Engraving with a CO2 laser (left) heats the material. The thermal stress leads to a robust heat-affected zone, melting of the lens material, and peel-off effects in the coating.
Fig. 3: Comparison of engraving results on CR39 (Source: HOYA Lens Thailand).
It was shown that the DPSS laser source has created high-quality engrav-
for gas supply systems nor gas safety equipment. Third, the cost for
ings with virtually no heat influence, melting, or material contamination
essential laser equipment, such as beam guidance and optical motion
on the surrounding material, making the engraving comparable in
control, can be cut off due to the different technical approaches between
quality to excimer laser markings.
excimer and DPSS laser engraving systems. Altogether, that leads to
Excimer laser engraving quality at CO2 laser costs
Furthermore, switching to a DPSS laser engraving system can
As shown above, DPSS laser engraving systems are a considerable alterna-
a gas supply system, material and labor costs for changing the gas
tive to excimer laser engraving systems quality-wise. Additionally, due
necessary for operating an excimer laser become obsolete. In ad-
to their technical characteristics, using DPSS lasers opens the door to
dition, the laser optics of DPSS lasers are more durable, which
achieving excimer laser engraving quality by ownership costs comparable
results in longer maintenance intervals. Another advantage of
to CO2 laser engraving systems.
DPSS laser sources is that no laser tubes are installed, making a
The key drivers for this massive potential cost reduction are the DPSS
change during lifetime, differing from excimer lasers, unnecessary.
lasers themselves. First, DPSS laser sources cost an average of 20% less
Moreover, the DPSS laser source has a minimum lifetime of 5
than excimer laser sources that provide the same engraving results.
billion shots, which is about 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than the lifetime
Second, when working with DPSS laser sources, there is neither a need
of an excimer laser source.
a CaPex (Capital Expenses) reduction of up to 20%.
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reduce the cost of ownership significantly. It is evident that without
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TECHNOLOGY
All these factors can lead to a reduction of ownership costs of up to 60% compared to an excimer laser system - plus reduced downtimes and higher yield - in addition to saved labor, material, and service costs, as shown above. Under the cost of ownership view, exchanging existing laser equipment at the end of laser lifetimes can return the investment in less than two years.
Conclusion DPSS lasers working in the UV range are an excellent alternative to CO2 or excimer laser systems for laser engraving of ophthalmic lenses. With these systems, it is possible to achieve high-quality laser engravings. DPSS UV lasers are suitable to engrave all polymer materials from CR39 through high-index glasses, polycarbonate, and even glass lenses. Engraving intensity and contrast can vary according to customer demands. A comparison of investment and operational costs shows a significant advantage of DPSS UV lasers over excimer lasers for lens engraving. Thus, DPSS UV systems
Example for a typical wafer-based layout of optical waveguides for AR application.
qualify as very interesting engraving method for all kinds of lenses with
Outlook AR / VR
low investment and consumption costs and high-quality engravings.
The eyeglass industry, meanwhile, is ready for the next big thing:
Furthermore, no gas is required to operate the laser system. ◆
Augmented reality (AR), or virtual reality products (VR), mix digital and established technologies with ophthalmic technologies. Displays are integrated inside glasses, allowing users to see the natural world and the virtual image in parallel. Among the most significant technological challenges associated with AR is the optical design of appropriate devices. The so-called optical combiner, which combines the real-world image with the virtual image generated by a display or projector, is at the heart of any AR device. Already well known to the industry for decades, such combiners have not been suitable for consumer all-day use regarding especially their form. Waveguide technology offers a potential solution to this: Flat substrates made of optical grade glass serve to guide the image parallel to the waveguide’s surface while simultaneously allowing light to
Mandy Gebhardt
pass through perpendicular to the waveguide’s surface. Thus, a large portion of performance-defining parameters depend on the waveguide material and its specifications, such as refractive index, specific density, transmission, homogeneity, flatness, warpage, etc. Although still in its infancy, the AR industry needs to consider lifetime and reliability issues, which are tied to product robustness
Robin Zimny
Claudia Radelow
This article was written by a team of authors working at 3D-Micromac.
on the one hand and processing yield on the other hand. In 2023, Schott and 3D-Micromac have optimized a laser-based separation process for cutting augmented reality (AR) eyepieces made of
Mandy Gebhardt (Team Leader Marketing Scia systems and former Team
high-index glass that achieves high and predictable bending strength.
Leader at 3D-Micromac), Robin Zimny (Head of Customer Service) and
Combining competencies in material science and equipment building
Claudia Radelow (Team Leader Marketing). With almost 200 laser engrav-
significantly advanced the understanding of high-strength and
ing systems installed worldwide since 2004, 3DMicromac has an extensive experience in ophthalmic lens production. A worldwide available service team supports customers throughout the life cycle of the systems. In addition, the company has a fully equipped application laboratory with experienced process engineers, which support customers in feasibility
high-throughput cutting of high-index glass and other transparent materials used in AR eyepieces. 3D-Micromac integrated the process into a modular machine concept scalable from lab applications to mass production.
tests, process development, and realization of customized solutions.
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Go Digital! SPOTLIGHT
Chat GPT and other AI´s -‒ ‒ ‒ ‒ a new language for the industry An interview with CSEM Machine Learning expert Philipp Schmid Since the free launch of the ChatGPT chatbot in 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undeniably become a hot topic. More than 50% of ChatGPT users reveal that they utilize AI in their personal lives to streamline daily tasks. With such widespread consumer interest in AI, it prompts a natural inquiry into the current role of AI in the industrial landscape. Philipp Schmid, Head of Industry 4.0 and Machine Learning at CSEM, an internationally recognized Swiss technology innovation center, provides insights in the following interview. Schmid addresses, among other topics, the general significance of AI in the industry, the untapped potential of predictive maintenance and why the industry would do well to rethink its handling and attitude toward data. The following interview was first published at netzwoche.ch
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Go Digital! SPOTLIGHT
ChatGPT and other AI´s have recently caused a furor in virtually
all these data are rarely processed and used. In general, I would give
all professions where people write, program or design. How
Swiss industry a rather poor report card in the area of digitization.
much dust are these supposedly general-purpose AIs stirring up in the industry?
What is the reason for that?
The general-purpose AIs are kicking up an enormous amount of dust.
I attribute a key factor to the restrained pragmatism exhibited by Small
But unlike 2016, this time I am convinced: it will also have a strong
and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). While this approach shields
direct economic impact in the industry. The situation is comparable to
companies from unnecessary expenses, it concurrently hinders their ability
the big AI hype in 2016, when AlphaGo beat South Korean Lee Sedol,
to assume a pioneering role in technology. Historically, there has been an
one of the world's best professional players, in the board game Go.
excessive focus on ROI (Return on Investment) alone, neglecting the
Go is considered the most complex board game. Suddenly, AI was on
broader array of benefits flanking the path to digitalization. In numerous
everyone's lips and everyone did not want to miss out under any cir-
projects, the most significant value for companies did not arise solely from
cumstances. However, thanks to ChatGPT, this time AI is not an impres-
achieving the initial goal, but rather from capitalizing on incidental out-
sive opponent, but is experienced in a simple way for everyone.
comes. Presently, however, there is a noticeable surge in companies expressing keen interest, and I firmly believe that it is not too late!
What benefit does ChatGPT bring to the industry? GPT stands for “Generative Pretrained Transformer”. Generative means
In which areas do you currently see the greatest potential?
something new is created (a matching response in the case of ChatGPT).
I currently see three exciting areas that can also be directly implemented
This property of neural networks has been used in the image domain for
in industry: quality and process control, predictive analytics (maintenance,
a few years now also for industrial applications, be it via AI-assisted image
digital twin, forecasting) and cognitive robotics (intelligent robots, human-
rendering functions or as deepfake to generate training data for improved
robot interaction, awareness of the environment). The selection of ap-
classification. Transformers are a special architecture of neural networks,
propriate technologies depends on the market segment and the degree
which were first introduced back in 2017. Text is comparable to sensor
of automation. From a technological standpoint, all three pillars are
data from a machine: it needs an understanding of the current situation
ready for industrial applications; however, the choice of implementation
and there is a temporal dependency, similar to the thread of a story. This
should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Initiating the digitization
makes these powerful transformer algorithms suitable for typical industrial
journey promptly is crucial; there is no need to delay any further.
problems like predictive maintenance/quality or process optimization. What is holding companies back from realizing this What has happened in data analytics in the last five years?
potential?
These technologies are about extracting insights from data to identify
I think it is a mixture of skepticism, ignorance and risk aversion. Often,
trends and solve problems. It involves all the processes, tools and techniques
at the beginning of an AI project, the resulting performance cannot be
used for this purpose, including collecting and storing the data. In order
guaranteed. The results depend on very many different parameters.
to successfully implement data analytics solutions in industry, three
Without practical experimentation in a specific case, experts rely on gut
critical success factors are needed: annotated data (data that has been
instincts. Many managers prefer a clear run-through of use cases to
manually labeled by experts), algorithms (suitable neural networks) and
eliminate deployment risks, but in the area of AI solutions, this has
(affordable) computing power. In all three areas, we have made tremendous
hardly been possible to date.
progress in the last five years. Thanks to modern machine controllers and
Companies that have relied on the hype too early have also been disap-
powerful databases, it has never been easier to store vast amounts of data.
pointed in the past; they need to regain confidence and understand that
AI-powered annotation tools help human experts with the tedious labeling
the technological progress of recent years has been tremendous.
process. New algorithms like transformers have made it into programmers'
It is also enormously important that there is a certain level of expertise
standard libraries. And thanks to gamers and crypto miners, GPUs
within the company. It is like a new “language” and proven concepts
(graphics cards) have become extremely powerful and at the same time
from software development have to be adapted. However, more and more
attractively priced today. The combination of these three developments
young people are bringing this specific know-how with them, and this
means that there is now a large number of industrial applications that
can also ensure long-term implementation. Companies should dare to
were too expensive or not performant enough five years ago.
take small steps and not be deterred by the big mountain ahead.
In your opinion, how well are Swiss companies already digitally
There seems to be a trend towards predictive maintenance.
positioned?
Has this trend already arrived in the manufacturing
My daily experience in industry shows a wide spectrum: from simple
industry?
assembly machines without any sensors to highly integrated fully auto-
Excluding simple rotating systems (pump, fan, motor), I regret to say
matic machines that store millions of data points every day. However,
that, until today, I have not come across a solution in the industry that
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Go Digital! SPOTLIGHT
truly deserves this name. The algorithms to offer “predictive” exist today.
companies are just now discovering the potential of predictive quality
This is proven daily by various text and voice applications like DeepL
and I can literally feel the enthusiasm. I expect great growth in this area
or ChatGPT. But for machine applications in industry, the data basis is
over the next few years.
usually missing. We have been looking for an industrial partner for a long time, who would provide us with 1,000 machines, all of which we
In order, to fully exploit the potential of Machine Learning, data
would be allowed to break down. This would probably be necessary to
is existential. Is there a general need for better access to data
acquire the required training data.
and data sets?
I see predictive maintenance as a vision and umbrella term for modern
I currently sense a real war in the industry over data sovereignty. Everyone
maintenance solutions. Condition-based maintenance is now technically
thinks data is the new oil and no one wants to share it. The big added
feasible. If this is combined with real-time evaluation and trend analysis,
value of data-driven approaches is the fusion of different data sources.
we are very close to predictive maintenance. The local manufacturing
The algorithms and computing power are ready to process even large
industry still has a lot of catching up to do in this field, as we notice from
data sets efficiently. Solutions need to be developed here that encourage
many inquiries. However, establishing a sustainable business model
data sharing and not the opposite. Anyone who shares their data openly
appears to be anything but straightforward.
and makes it accessible via a suitable interface should also share in any success. Currently, a lot of things are done twice or the party with the
At CSEM, one of your research topics is predictive quality. What
greater negotiating power wins.
does that mean in concrete terms?
In the whole discussion, a distinction must be made between sensitive,
Modern maintenance is all about the availability of the machine. It is
personal data and machine/process data. Especially with health data
seldom possible to prevent component failure; the added value lies primar-
and personal data, I advocate a very restrictive approach. There has to
ily in the early detection of a malfunction. Depending on the industry,
be a very good balance between the individual benefit and the potential
this can hardly result in a major cost advantage. However, long before
risks. Neural networks in particular offer a whole arsenal of new possibili-
a component - such as an axle or a motor - fails, the quality gradually
ties for deanonymizing data and further perfidious attack scenarios.
declines. The quality of a final product depends on the interaction of the
Advanced language models, like DarkBERT, exclusively trained on data
individual production steps and the condition of the components used.
from the darknet, are already in circulation. As is so often the case, there
In addition, product use and the subsequent field of application must be
are two sides to the coin with these new technologies. Legislators should
taken into account.
approach this matter with caution and foresight.
The concept “predictive quality” tries to predict the quality of a product during production using data-based methods and neural networks. For
How would your solution for regulated access to data look like?
example, it answers the question: At what degree of vibration of an axis
Especially for the Swiss/Europe economy, close cooperation in the data
does the machine produce only rejects? It also takes into account whether
domain, even with its competitors, is absolutely essential. However,
the product is intended for a highly critical market such as aerospace or
there's a significant hurdle: it's a “heavily untrusted environment” where
medical technology, or whether it is “merely” supplied to the consumer
mutual trust is lacking, despite the essential need for data from one
goods market.
another. CSEM, together with various companies, has developed a comprehensive concept called DEMON. The central idea is an encrypted
What are the strengths of predictive quality?
data lake in combination with a highly automated crypto key exchange,
The concept is very comprehensive, and takes into account all production
which manages the access to the data sources as well as the time period.
steps, condition of all components and continuously estimates the final
All companies, machines, devices and components can securely store
quality. It offers a large variety of direct business models and price ad-
their data in this encrypted data lake and request easily access from
vantages. A very big plus is that you do not need to destroy 1,000 machines
other users when necessary.
to get the training data. Common quality checks can generate the valuable ground truth data at any time. We have already successfully validated
What opportunities arise from this?
the concept in an industrial use case in concrete production. The
If a manufacturing company wants to implement the concept “predictive
implementation is challenging, but it is possible to start with first smaller
quality,” it needs data from all systems in its facility. The supplier of a
plants and then expand step by step to the whole production. Many
subsystem, aiming to enhance its products, requires data only from its system but from all facilities worldwide. In the event of a malfunction
I expect great growth in this area over the next few years. 28
26_Interview Schmid CSME.indd 28
in a facility, permissions for the service specialist can be immediately activated, providing temporary full access. It is even possible to make data available for training a neural network without effectively sharing it; the AI service provider receives the trained network without the raw data used. Technically, a lot is possible today, but the question remains:
MAFO 6-23
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!AZ.ind
Go Digital! SPOTLIGHT
who has the market power and the finances to proclaim such a solution?
analytics (BA). The shortage of skilled workers will force many companies
The benefits would exponentially increase with the number of participants.
to map the experience of long-serving employees in software and thus
For now, there seem to be only isolated solutions, and the battle over
make it available as a support system for young, inexperienced employees.
data sovereignty continues behind the scenes.
Those who consistently follow this path and cooperate with the right partners will see their companies flourish in 10 years. ◆
What, in your opinion, will distinguish a successful industrial company in 10 years? In addition to the consistent automation of routine tasks, I am convinced that software will play a significant more important role. An intuitive user interface, condition-based maintenance, encrypted data interfaces and comprehensive quality concepts will become significant unique selling points. Suddenly, the question will no longer be, do I make money with “predictive maintenance”, but rather: can I sell machines at all without it? Mechanical systems and components are becoming increasingly similar, copiers from low-wage countries are catching up with us faster
Philipp Schmid
and faster and patents are expiring - differentiation in the future will be determined by comprehensive software solutions. This will have an impact
Philipp Schmid is Head of Industry 4.0 & Machine Learning at CSEM.
not only on the production and machine level, but also on Business Analyt-
He is responsible for the scientific and economic excellence of this
ics (BI). The shortage of skilled workers will force many companies to map the experience of long-serving employees in software, thus providing a support system for young, inexperienced employees. Those who consistently pursue this path and collaborate with the right partners will see their companies flourish in 10 years.machine level, but also on business
domain. Before joining CSEM he worked in several industrial companies including Roche and spent one year as research fellow at the CSIRO Robotics group in Australia. He has a broad technological background in automation and holds an MBA degree from ETH Zurich. He is member of various expert committees and in 2023, he was again awarded as "Digital Shaper".
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!AZ.indd 3 Schmid CSME.indd 29 26_Interview
05.10.22 18:04 16:20 03.11.23
Go Digital! TECHNOLOGY
Lens production going digital Industry 4.0 creating business impact Industry 4.0 offers new potentials impacting our business of producing ophthalmic lenses. Having realized automated mass production of individualized ophthalmic lenses with freeform technology developed by Zeiss and introduced in the year of 2000 is not the ending of improvements in lens production, but just the starting point of the fourth industrial revolution. Data generated by machines and where needed gathered as input by operators is the basis for Industry 4.0 with its target to create value out of data. By Jens Buergin
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Go Digital! TECHNOLOGY
control based on data Mold Making
Mold Opening
Casting
Mold Making
Casting
collect data
Photocoating
Mold Opening
Surfacing
Photocoating
Hard and Antireflective Coating
Cut, Edge and Fit
control based on data
Hard and Antireflective Coating
Surfacing
Cut, Edge and Fit
Delivery
Level 5 AUTONOMY
Level 4 PREDICTION
collect data Level 3 UNDERSTANDING
Level 1 CONNECTIVITY
Delivery
Level 2 VISIBILITY Level 3 UNDERSTANDING
Level 5 AUTONOMY
Level 4 PREDICTION
Level 2 VISIBILITY
Level 1 CONNECTIVITY
Fig. 1: Industry 4.0 levels and closed loop.
Industry 4.0 levels and use cases
Fortunately, it does not require to achieve the highest level of Industry
The implementation of Industry 4.0 cannot be mastered in one big step
4.0 for creating business impact. Industry 4.0 use cases can be defined
but needs to be developed from one level to the next (Fig. 1) . First of
on each level. In order to select use cases for implementation it is helpful
all, data generated along the value chain of ophthalmic lens production
to prepare a business model for each use case and, as far as possible,
needs to be collected and stored in data bases which requires
to make a business case calculation.
“connectivity”.
The value created by each use case should be in line with the business
The data then can be used to gain “visibility” about what is going on in
need such as putting focus on quality, cost or service. Moreover, it has
the value chain and on the shopfloor by e.g. creating reports or imple-
to be elaborated how value is created by each Industry 4.0 use case.
menting dashboards with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), quality
What Industry 4.0 use cases have in common is, independent of their
control charts and condition monitoring. Visibility allows to see more
Industry 4.0 level, that value is created out of data by controlling produc-
than what is visible on the shopfloor and to speak with data.
tion based on data and thus closing the loop to production. In particular,
Based on it, “understanding” of dependencies and root causes can be
the loop to production is closed either on a single process level, along
gained by analyzing the data. For example, the data can be used by Six
several steps of the value chain or even along the complete value chain
Sigma experts to solve problems in production by following the DMAIC
which might even be distributed among various locations globally.
process: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.
So, the basis of all Industry 4.0 use cases is to collect data which is why
In a further step, “prediction” of defects as well as machine errors and
“connectivity” is so important for realizing Industry 4.0 use cases and
downtimes is possible.
thus for creating business impact.
[1]
Multiple regression or Artificial Intelligence can be used for predicting quality characteristics based on various influencing factors and thus
Connectivity as enabler for Industry 4.0
for optimizing the parametrization of influencing factors in order to
The requirements for “connectivity” go far beyond plug-and-produce.
avoid defects. Also, predictive maintenance can be realized based on
Definitely, quickly connecting machines to a Supervisory Control And Data
condition monitoring.
Acquisition (SCADA) system or a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Reaching the highest level of Industry 4.0, “autonomy” means that
and thus the internal production IT architecture in order to start production
reactions based on predictions are autonomously executed.
and saving respective costs for integration of machines into the production
For example, depending on the use case, it can be decided to automize
system is essential. However, for realizing Industry 4.0 use cases the data
the optimization of the parametrization of influencing factors. This
exchange between machines and SCADA or MES has to be enhanced.
requires that risks and benefits are carefully evaluated. So, human
Besides exchanging data that is critical to run production, for each use
beings might still be needed in executing reactions and definitely will
case it has to be identified which additional data is needed from which
play an essential role in developing analytical models with and without
machine and which additional data needs to be shared with which
Artificial Intelligence.
machine for closing the control loop. Thus, it becomes clear that without
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Go Digital! TECHNOLOGY
SCADA/MES
Mold Making
Casting
Mold Opening
Get Order Data via Order Identifier
Store Order Data via Order Identifier
Order Data Handshake
Order Upload Handshake
Photocoating
1. ZEISS
Fig. 2: Handshakes for order-related parameters.
Order Data Download
Order Data Handshake
Tray Insert
Hard and Antireflective Coating
Surfacing
Order Data Request
Machines from internal and external suppliers collect data
control based on data
Cut, Edge and Fit
Delivery
Order Upload
Level 5 AUTONOMY
Order Upload
Process
Handshake Level 4 PREDICTION
2.Level 3 UNDERSTANDING
3.
Level 2 VISIBILITY
Tray Eject
4. 27 October 2023
5. 1
Level 1 enhanced data exchange Industry 4.0 use cases cannot be implemented. CONNECTIVITY
The communication protocol needs to be defined in consideration of
“Connectivity” is a crucial enabler for Industry 4.0.
advantages and disadvantages of respective solutions such as TCP/IP and
So, what is needed to realize the 4th industrial revolution in ophthalmic
OPC UA. The data should be exchanged in a structured way such as by
lens production? Machine interfaces need to be standardized not only
implementing information models including the name, data type and
allowing for plug-and-produce, but also allowing for data exchange for
description of parameters.
Industry 4.0 use cases. This needs strong alignments between machine
The information models should be clearly defined, not leaving open any
suppliers and ophthalmic lens manufacturers or even joint standardization
room for interpretation in order to avoid differences in the implementation
activities between multiple suppliers and multiple manufacturers. Current
done by various suppliers for the same machine type and thus enabling
standards like the Data Communication Standard (DCS) presented by
plug-and-produce.
The Vision Council could be updated in order to better comply with
Parameters which are independent of the machine type should be
Industry 4.0 requirements.
defined generally for all machine types and parameters which are specific for a machine type with its respective process should be defined machine-type-specific. It has to be ensured that for each machine type general and specific parameters, that are needed for realizing to-be-implemented Industry 4.0 use cases, are considered. In this context, it has to be distinguished between order-related parameters that are directly related to an order that is processed in a machine and non-order-related parameters that are machine parameters that are continuously monitored in a machine and are not directly related to orders. Furthermore, handshakes have to be defined for exchange of order-related and non-order-related parameters. For order-related parameters handshakes are triggered by orders to be processed in a machine, e.g. by inserting a tray with to-be-processed lenses into a machine (Fig. 2). In a next step, data needed for processing a specific order is requested and transmitted or downloaded from a data base. After processing, order-related data about processing is uploaded or transmitted and then stored in a data base. Finally, the tray is ejected. Dependent on the Industry 4.0 use cases, order-related data upload can include parameters that are useful for predicting quality characteristics and order-related data download can include parameters that are controlled by the prediction model in order to avoid defects.
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Besides, order-related data upload can also include further information
structuring the use cases in a way that overlapping use-case-specific
about processed orders such as the processing time of each order on a
criteria as well as common user groups are identified. The target
machine and conditions such as temperature during the processing of
must be on the one hand to avoid having too many different tools
each order.
overwhelming the users and on the other hand to provide the most
For non-order-related parameters, handshakes are not triggered by
important features that are needed for realizing the use cases and
orders, but continuously generated data, such as temperature and
creating impact.
pressure, can be continuously uploaded without any reference to orders,
For some use cases there might be an interaction between tools needed.
stored in a data base and visualized as time series.
For example, one tool might be needed for a simulation of production
In case the data required for an Industry 4.0 use case is not recorded,
systems with machines and material flows and another tool might be
additional sensors might be installed. However, it should be avoided
needed to visualize the simulation in Virtual Reality or Augmented
that required data is recorded by a machine, but not made accessible
Reality. Visualization in Augmented Reality would be especially helpful
by the machine supplier for data upload.
in cases where some production equipment is already set up on the
The challenge of Industry 4.0, thus, already needs to be faced at the
shopfloor interacting with additional equipment that is under evaluation
very first level which is “connectivity”. Machine suppliers need to be
and can be augmented on the shopfloor.
convinced by ophthalmic lens manufacturers to implement standardized
Real-time data from the shopfloor can be directly accessed by the
machine interfaces for new machines and as upgrades for machines
simulation enabled by “connectivity” in order to digitalize the physical
that are already running in production by now. Therefore, an industry-
production and then enhance the physical with the virtual production
wide standard for “connectivity” could be beneficial.
by using Augmented Reality.
Tools for data visualization and analysis
Summary
Based on “connectivity”, tools have to be selected and applied that are
Industry 4.0 offers great potentials to create value out of data and
suitable for creating value out of the data according to the requirements
thus to impact our business of ophthalmic lens production. Therefore,
of defined Industry 4.0 use cases. There will not be one tool which
Industry 4.0 use cases have to be defined along the Industry 4.0
will be able to fulfill the requirements of all use cases and there might
levels. “Connectivity” on the lowest Industry 4.0 level is an enabler
be several tools needed for implementing use cases on the different
for realizing the Industry 4.0 use cases on all levels “connectivity”,
Industry 4.0 levels “visibility”, “understanding”, “prediction” and
“visibility”, “understanding”, “prediction” and “autonomy”. Thus,
“autonomy”.
standardized machine interfaces for data exchange with machines
Depending on how value is created by each Industry 4.0 use case, a
are needed. For visualizing and analyzing the data according to the
suitable tool has to be selected. Therefore, it might be helpful to conduct
requirements of the Industry 4.0 use cases, an Industry 4.0 tool
a utility analysis by comparing several tools based on defined use-
landscape has to be created. ◆
case-specific criteria. As features usually differ between tools, testing of the tools could be useful to gain further insights and to come up with a profound tool selection. Thus, data visualization and analysis should not be limited to a tool
References: [1] FIR e.V. at RWTH Aachen: „Stufen des Industrie 4.0-Entwicklungspfads“
set provided by one single supplier on the market. In this context, it is important to understand that tools offered by machine suppliers have the huge shortcoming of limiting the implementation of use cases that go beyond single machines or even a set of machines offered by the same supplier. Traceability in terms of unique identification of work pieces such as lenses allows for use cases that cover several process steps or even the complete value chain and thus might need “connectivity” of machines provided by several suppliers. However, not only tools provided by a single machine supplier, but also tools provided by a single software supplier may have its limitations in fulfilling the criteria of the internally defined use cases. In conclusion, an external dependency on a single supplier can be a big risk for realizing Industry 4.0 use cases. It is important to create an Industry 4.0 tool landscape that is suitable for realizing the defined company-specific Industry 4.0 use cases – in our case for ophthalmic lens production. High effort is needed for
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Jens Buergin Dr. Jens Buergin is Head of Industry 4.0 at Zeiss Vision Care. He has been working in the field of Industry 4.0 for several years both in academia and in industry. Jens is convinced that Industry 4.0 offers great potentials for improving operations and even better fulfilling customers' needs - and he is highly motivated to realize these potentials.
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MARKET SURVEYS
Automation & Robotics www.ar.be
Process and features
Measuring parameters
Technical data
Application
Lens printing systems
ProMapper_ink
AutoInker
All organic materials
x
x
Mineral
/
x
Hard coated lenses
x
x
AR coated material
x
x
Syper hydrophobic coated lenses
x
x
Productivity (unblocked lenses/hour)
120
400
Ink consumption Automated operation
2,3gr/1000 lens (~4gr/cold start) x
x
600 x 800 x 800 mm 24 x 29 x 30,5 inches
1400 x 1900 x 1900 mm 55 x 75 x 75 inches
230V (50Hz / 60Hz) Phase+N+PE, 0,5kVA
230V (50Hz / 60Hz) Phase+N+PE, 1kVA
Weight [kg / lbs]
67 kg / 148 lbs
920 kg / 2028 lbs
Optical power [dpt]
x
x
Cylinder [dpt]
x
x
Addition [dpt]
x
x
Prism [cm/m]
x
x
Axis [0 … 180°]
x
x
Lens diameter
x
x
Lens thickness
x
x
Left/Right inversion
x
x
Wax based solid ink
x
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
x
x
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches] (machine without conveyor) Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase]
Layout editor
ENGMARK data
Import formats
png / bmp
Host connection
OMA/VCA/Rx
Unlimited number of designs
x
x
Further information Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
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A
MARKET SURVEYS
Automation & Robotics
Cotec
www.ar.be
www.cotec-gmbh.com
MCTVP8 - Inking
MATRIX 2.0
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
240
up to 300
2,3gr/1000 lens (~4gr/cold start)
0,4-1g/1000 lens
x
/
2500 x 2100 x 1900 mm 98,4 x 82,7 x 74,8 inches
approx. 900 mm x 990 mm x 1500 mm / approx. 35.5 inches x 39 inches x 59.1 inches
230V (50Hz / 60Hz) Phase+N+PE, 3kVA
[110-230],10, 50/60,2]
1400 kg / 3086 lbs
approx. 165 kg / approx. 365 lbs
x
/
x
/
x
/
x
/
x
/
x
/
x
/
x
/
x
x
x
manual alignment
ENGMARK data
x
png / bmp
bmp
OMA/VCA/Rx
OMA/VCA/RX
x
x High efficent, environment friendly progressive lenses printing system. Automated printhead maintenance functions.
All information in the survey is provided by the participating companies themselves. MAFO does not guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
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MARKET SURVEYS
3D-Micromac https://ophthalmic-marking.com/
http
Technical data
Application
Laser engraving systems
microMARK™ RXe BLUE
microMARK™ MCF RXe 200
microMARK™ MCF
Organic lenses
x
x
x
Mineral lenses
/
x
x
Coated lenses (branding)
x
x
o
Contact lenses
o
o
o
Glass molds
/
x
x
Front side engraving
o
o
o
193
193
Excimer Laser (wavelength) [nm]
/
UV Laser (wavelength) [nm]
x
CO2 Laser
/
/
/
Feeding mode (manual or auto)
x/x
x/x
x/x
Upgradable from manual to auto
x
x
o
Drying station
/
/
/
Productivity (blocked lenses / h.)
200
200
180
Productivity (unblocked lenses / h.)
200
200
180
960 x 600 x 1200 mm
960 x 600 x 1200 mm
1300 x 2100 x 2200 mm
200 kg
250 kg
350 kg
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
Weight [kg / lbs] Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase]
240, 8, 50/60, single phase
Marking field (mm x mm) Dot size [µm]
85 x 85 Focus depth +- 0.5 mm
80 x 80 ~ 20
Accuracy [µm]
10 - 120
+ / - 50 1 / CE, CDRH
< 1 ns
< 10 ns
Process gas
Features
Refurbishing period
20 - 120
+ / - 100
Laser system safety [class / safety compliance] Pulse time
2
20 liter premix every two years depending on laser source
more than 10 years
Back up laser
/
/
o
System integrated back up laser
/
/
o
Hybrid function option (Excimer & CO2 laser)
/
/
/
Laser power automatic detection
x
x
x
Self orientation of edged lens
/
/
o
Engraving editor
x
x
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
/
/
o
Integrated measuring unit (parameter)
x
x
o
Z-focus calculation
x
x
x
Z-focus measurement
x
x
x
Host connection
x
x
x
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
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MARKET SURVEYS
3D-Micromac
Automation & Robotics
LaserOp
https://ophthalmic-marking.com/
www.ar.be
www.laserop.com
microMARK™ MCL
MCEVS_V2 + CO2
MCTVP8 + CO2 (3D)
LensMark V/DT & SA
LensMark V/Auto
x
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
o
x
x
x
x
/
/
o
o (manual feeding)
o
/
/
/
/
/
o
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
1064
x
x
x
x
x/x
auto
auto
manual
auto and manual
o
/
/
x
/
/
/
200
/
/
200
750
240
500 x 700 x 850 mm
5700 x 2600 x 1900 mm (machine with conveyor)
200 kg
970 kg
240, 8, 50/60, single phase 85 x 85 Focus depth +- 0.5 mm
o 280
240
2050 x 2100 x 2300 mm (machine with conveyor)
Desktop: 530 x 1000 x 930 mm Standalone: 1050 x 1000 x 1520 mm
Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560. With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560
1400 kg
Desktop approx. 150 kg. Standalone approx. 190 kg
Without dryer approx. 250 kg. With dryer approx. 300 kg
230V (50Hz / 60Hz) Phase+N+PE, 3kVA
100 - 240, 6, 50/60, single phase
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
Dia 75
Dia 75 mm Z adjustment (16 mm)
80 x 80
50
110-150
100-200
+ / - 50
+/- 200µm
+ / - 25
1 / CE, CDRH
Class 4
Class 1 laser product / CE, CDRH
< 1 ns
Machine settings
nothing
/
/
None
more than 10 years
/
/
None
o
x
x
No need
/
x
x
No need
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
x
o
/
x
/
/
x
x
From LMS
x
x
/
/
x
/
/
/
x
x
/
/
x
/
x
x
x
/
x
x
/
/
x
x
x
MAFO 6-23
36_Survey-Laser-Engraving.indd 37
OMA / VCA / Rx
All information in the survey is provided by the participating companies themselves. MAFO does not guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
37
03.11.23 09:09
MARKET SURVEYS
LaserOp www.laserop.com
Application
Laser engraving systems
LensMark V/Autobullet
LensMark UV/DT & SA
LensMark UV/Auto
LensMark UV/Bullet
Organic lenses
x
x
x
x
Mineral lenses
/
x
x
x
Coated lenses (branding)
x
x
x
x
Contact lenses
/
/
/
/
Glass molds
x
x
x
Front side engraving
o
o
o
Deep UV
Deep UV
Deep UV
manual
auto and manual
auto and manual
x
x
Excimer Laser (wavelength) [nm] UV Laser (wavelength) [nm] CO2 Laser Feeding mode (manual or auto)
x auto and manual
Upgradable from manual to auto
x
Drying station
o
Productivity (blocked lenses / h.)
300
280
240
300
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560. With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560
Desktop: 530 x 1000 x 930 mm Standalone: 1050 x 1000 x 1520 mm
Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560. With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560
Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560. With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560
Weight [kg / lbs]
Without dryer approx. 250 kg. With dryer approx. 300 kg
Desktop approx. 150 kg. Standalone approx. 190 kg
Without dryer approx. 250 kg. With dryer approx. 300 kg
Without dryer approx. 250 kg. With dryer approx. 300 kg
Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase]
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
100 - 240, 6, 50/60, single phase
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
Technical data
Productivity (unblocked lenses / h.)
Marking field (mm x mm) Dot size [µm]
80 x 80 100-200
Accuracy [µm]
80 x 80 50
50
+ / - 25
Laser system safety [class / safety compliance]
+ / - 25
Class 1 laser product / CE, CDRH
Pulse time Process gas Refurbishing period Back up laser
None None
None
Expected 18 months or more
No need
o
o
o
Hybrid function option (Excimer & CO2 laser)
/
/
/
/
Laser power automatic detection
x
Self orientation of edged lens
/
/
/
/
Engraving editor
x
x
x
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
/
/
/
/
Integrated measuring unit (parameter)
/
/
/
/
Z-focus calculation
x
x
x
x
Z-focus measurement
/
/
/
/
Host connection
x
x
x
x
Features
System integrated back up laser
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
38
36_Survey-Laser-Engraving.indd 38
MAFO 6-23
03.11.23 09:09
llet
MARKET SURVEYS
EZMarker CO2
MEI
OptoTech
www.meisystem.com
www.optotech.net/en
EZMarker CO2 TBA
EZMarker UV
EZMarker UV TBA
OTL 80 CNC-A
x
x
x
x
x
/
/
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
/
/
10600
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
up to 230
/
up to 230
/
300
/
up to 200
/
up to 200
optional (300)
al
x (355 nm)
auto
/
auto
0x ryer: 60
auto
1800 x 1000 x 1500 mm 71 x 39 x 59 in
[1600 x 1000 x 2100 / 63 x 41 x 81]
rox. ap-
[456 / 1005]
[456 / 1005]
/60,
400 kg / 882 lbs
208 / 400 VAC 50/60 Hz
220-240V 50/60Hz single phase, others on request
100 mm circular
100 mm circular
60 +/- 20
80 x 80 mm / 100 mm
25
25
90 - 110
+/-5
5
+/- 20
Class 4 / EN 60825-1 1.0 µs +- 0.2
20 ns
variable
> 20000 h
source lifetime 20.000h
20 liter premix every two years
CO2 gas
10y x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
/
x OMA/VCA/RX
MAFO 6-23
36_Survey-Laser-Engraving.indd 39
OMA/VCA/RX
All information in the survey is provided by the participating companies themselves. MAFO does not guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
x
39
03.11.23 09:09
MARKET SURVEYS
OptoTech
Satisloh
www.optotech.net/en
www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic
ww
Application
Laser engraving systems
OTL 80 Store
OTL 100 CNC-A
Lens-Engraver EC
Organic lenses
x
x
x
Mineral lenses
/
x
x
Coated lenses (branding)
x
x
x (backside)
Contact lenses
/
o
/
Glass molds
/
x
x
Front side engraving
x
x
o
Excimer Laser (wavelength) [nm]
/
193
x (193)
UV Laser (wavelength) [nm]
/
/
/
CO2 Laser
10600
o
/
Feeding mode (manual or auto)
manual
auto
manual & auto
Upgradable from manual to auto
/
/
/
Drying station
/
/
o
Productivity (blocked lenses / h.)
180
250
up to 180 lph (for 1700 shots/job)
Productivity (unblocked lenses / h.)
optional (180)
optional (240)
Technical data
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
Weight [kg / lbs]
1000 x 910 x 1600 mm 39x 36 x 63 in
1087 x 1800 x 2190 mm 43 x 71 x 86 in
1200 x 800 x 1400 (+conveyor) 47 x 31,5 x 55
205 kg / 452 lbs
495 kg / 1092 lbs
350 / 770 (manual) 450 / 990 (automated)
Desk S
A
Au Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase]
Marking field (mm x mm)
220-240V 50/60Hz single phase, others on request
110 - 240, 8, 50/60, single phase 100 mm x 100 mm Focus depth +- 0.5 mm
80 x 80 mm / 100 mm
85 x 100 mm / 64 mm
Dot size [µm]
90 - 110
10 - 120
10 - 200
Accuracy [µm]
+/- 20
+ / -10
+ / - 100
Pulse time
variable
6 to 8 ns
< 6 ns
Process gas
CO2 gas
20 liter premix at 150 bar for 800 mio pulses
20 liter premix every two years
source lifetime 20.000h
3 billion pulses
> 3 Mio lenses
Back up laser
/
o
/
System integrated back up laser
/
/
/
Hybrid function option (Excimer & CO2 laser)
/
o
/
Laser power automatic detection
/
x
x
Self orientation of edged lens
/
/
/
Laser system safety [class / safety compliance]
Refurbishing period
Features
up to
1 / CE, CDRH
Engraving editor
x
x
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
/
o
/
Integrated measuring unit (parameter)
/
/
o
Z-focus calculation
x
x
x
Z-focus measurement
/
x
x
Host connection
x
x
x
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
40
36_Survey-Laser-Engraving.indd 40
MAFO 6-23
03.11.23 09:09
Ma
lmic
/job)
yor)
hase
ears
MARKET SURVEYS
Satisloh
Schneider
www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic
www.schneider-om.com
Lens-Engraver LC
CCL C*mark
CCL modulo
CCL modulo X
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
x
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
o
/
/
/
/
/
/
193
/
/
10,64 (µm)
x
manual or auto
auto
manual & auto
/
/
x
o
o
o
o
185
230
400
up to 250 lph (depending on layout design)
/
/
/
/
approx. 340 x 870 x 600 / 13 x 35 x 24 approx. 900 x 1320 x 1715 / 36 x 52 x 68 approx. 1275 x 1450 x 1800 / 51 x 57 x 71 Desktop: 515 x 1340 x 827 / 20 x 52 x 32 Standalone: 1056 x 1347 x 1322 / 41 x 53 x 52 Automated: 1188 x 1661 x 1387 / 46 x 65 x 54 Desktop: 210 / 463 Standalone: 316 / 697 Automated: 400 / 882
approx. 125 / 276
approx. 420 / 926
approx. 600 / 1323
200-400 VAC, 1,4 A, 50/60 Hz, three 200-400 VAC, 2,9 A, 50/60 Hz, three 200-400 VAC, 2,2 A, 50/60 Hz, three phases phases phases
Auto: 110 or 220 VAC, 6A single phase Manual: 100-240 VAC, 6A single phase
Diameter 70 mm, Focus depth +- 0.5 mm
100 mm x 100 mm Focus depth +- 0.5 mm
approx. 100 x 100
80 µm
80 or 120 µm
/
+ / - 30
/
1 / CE, CDRH
1 / sealed off CO2 /
needs no changing
20 l. equals 4 bio. pulses
/
more than 10 years
after 4 bio. pulses
/ /
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
o
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
o
x
x
x
x
OMA/VCA/RX
MAFO 6-23
36_Survey-Laser-Engraving.indd 41
All information in the survey is provided by the participating companies themselves. MAFO does not guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
41
03.11.23 09:09
Suppliers Guide The Suppliers Guide is MAFO’s version of Yellow Pages. In it you can find an overview of suppliers from the fields of: ▶ cleaning and hard coating equipment
▶ lenses
▶ coating equipment
▶ machinery – automation, control & packaging
▶ crystals
▶ machinery – lens edging & industrial edging
▶ laser engraving & printing
▶ software
▶ lens surfacing machinery
▶ surfacing and finishing consumables
If you are interested in an entry in the Suppliers Guide, please contact Mrs. Classen: constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com
Cleaning and hard coating equipment
Coating equipment
Bühler Alzenau GmbH
Business Area Leybold Optics Siemensstrasse 88, D-63755 Alzenau T + 49 (0) 6023 500-0, F + 49 (0) 6023 500-150 leyboldoptics@buhlergroup.com www.buhlergroup.com
optics@fisa.com
www.fisa.com
Hard coating ad:
Crystals Pub FISA - Optical World 88x40.indd 1
14/12/2021 16:49
World leaders in Lens Hard Coating Machines and process solutions Full range available for any production volume Expert advice on your application
contact us: (+44) 1462 49 16 16 sales@optimal-technologies.com
Cleaning ad:
optimal-technologies.com
HARD COATING CLEANING
HARD COAT LEADER
TINTING CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE
271 rue Laszlo Biro Archparc FR-74160 Archamps Phone : +33 (0) 450 820 720 Email : office1@scl-intl.com scl-intl.com
World leaders in Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines prior to lens coating
UV Curable Hard Coat Adhesion On All Lenses Tintable Non-Solvent Based AR Coating Compatible Sales, Distributors Wanted Shipping Worldwide www.hcoating.com sales@hcoating.com
QUALITY & SAVINGS FROM STOCK • Sensor Heads and Feedthroughs • INFICON Deposition Monitors and Controllers • Quality Crystals® • Vacuum Pump Fluids • Vacuum Measurement Gauges • Electron Beam Gun Parts • Ion Source Parts
www.filtech.com 617-227-1133 • 800-743-1743 paula@filtech.com
Full range available for any lens volume Expert advice on your application
Contact us for our full range: +44 (0) 1462 491 616 sales@optimal-technologies.com
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www.optimal-technologies.com
MAFO 6-23
06.11.23 09:35
Suppliers Guide
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
Lens surfacing machinery
Laser engraving & printing Premium-Quality Laser Engraving of Spectacle & Contact Lenses Industry approved since 2004
ing.com
www.ophthalmic-mark
X-Cube Lens Digi-speed Printer
OPTICAL MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS Satisloh AG Neuhofstrasse 12 CH - 6340 Baar / Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 41766 16 16 Email: info@satisloh.com satisloh.com
Enjoy, • unlimited designs • digi-speed process
C h o o s e y o u r f ra m e c o l o u r
www.tecofrance.com
White
Blue
Cyan
Green
Red
Purple
SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8–12 · 35112 Fronhausen · Germany
info@tecofrance.com
Phone: +49 (64 26) 96 96-0 · Fax: +49 (64 26) 96 96-100 www.schneider-om.com · info@schneider-om.com
Lenses
Lens surfacing machinery PUB_TECO-Juillet 2016.indd 1
25/07/16 17:59
Ophthalmic Equipment & Services for All Phases of Lens Production US ++-888-888-+8-- UK +88 (8) + 68--68888 ASIA/INDIA +6--6 -8-8--CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC@CCCCCCTCTTCCTCTTCC.TCC ....CCCCCCTCTTCCTCTTCC.TCC
!AZ.indd 9
30.11.20 12:42
Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging
Optical Machinery. Processing Technology.
OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH
!AZ.indd 2 Sandusweg 2-4 • 35435 Wettenberg/Germany Tel.: + 49 641/98203-0 eMail: info.de@optotech.net Web: www.optotech.net
MAFO 6-23
42_SG.indd 43
26.07.16 14:56
43
06.11.23 09:35
Suppliers Guide
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
Machinery - lens edging & industrial edging
Surfacing and finishing consumables
Combination of dynamic ideas and stable performance provides superb Lens Edging
www.nidek.com info@nidek.co.jp
Software YOUR ULTRA PRECISION
IOT is a premier provider of disruptive and customized innovations in the optical industry.
Diamond Tools Manufacturer
> Excellent service and quick turnaround > Compliant with any generator
kydiamond.ca sales @ kydiamond.ca
The Lab Management System Company LensWare International GmbH Robert-Bosch-Str. 32 63225 Langen - Germany
Phone : +49 6103 / 372 87 87 Email : info@lensware.de Web : www.lensware.de
Media TECHNOLOGY AT IT’S BEST – FOR OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
HOME OF YOUR BUSINESS
!AZ.indd 1
18.04.23 09:35
Surfacing and finishing consumables
E L P M
SG_Eyepress.indd 1
GENERATING POLISHING EDGING !AZ.indd 3
20 avenue Reille - 75014 PARIS - FRANCE THl. : +33 (0)1 45 89 84 44 - Fax : +33 (0)1 45 89 66 54 contact@agp-abrasifs.com - www.agp-abrasifs.com
44
42_SG.indd 44
SA
30.01.20 16:41
incl. presence in the MAFO online Suppliers Guide
1 module (88 x 40 mm) per year with company logo 4c = € 990 p.a. 29.11.22 12:19
Contact: constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com
MAFO 6-23
06.11.23 09:35
MAXGALLI + MIXER GROUP + SILVIA BADALOTTI + ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
The eyewear universe.
FEBRUARY 3-5, 2024 Fiera Milano, Rho
210X297 - MIDO - AZZURRO - MAFO.indd 1 !AZ.indd 3
06/10/23 16:43 09.10.23 17:55
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
VISIT THE NEW WEBSITE YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE IN OPHTHALMIC OPTICS
Welcome to MAFO-online your trusted source for ophthalmic optics industry updates. We are the leading international trade magazine for optical labs and the industry, providing the latest advancements and trends in ophthalmic optics.
Why Choose MAFO Expertise: Our team comprises ophthalmic optics specialists. Global Insights: We connect professionals worldwide. Comprehensive Coverage: From articles to market analysis. Timely Updates: Stay informed in a fast-paced industry.
VISIT US ONLINE NOW: WWW.MAFO-OPTICS.COM Webseite_2023.indd 1
08.11.23 12:10
CLOSING WORDS
Mark Mackenzie – an industry veteran retires The rubric Closing Words is named after the fact that it comes at the very end of every MAFO issue. In this case, however, the name Closing Words is apt in both senses. Because with these last words, a veteran of the industry is taking his well-deserved retirement. We are talking about Mark Mackenzie, Managing Partner at Strategy with Vision (SWV), a market research institute for eyecare and eyewear. Together with his wife Ingeborg Mackenzie, Mark had provided the global optical industry with valuable data on the market for more than 20 years now! His market analyses have significant value in the industry, even more so as there is little well comparable data on the global ophthalmic market and often the figures are difficult to compare. His analyses will surely be missed by many companies and organizations. However, Mark Mackenzie is also someone who is widely known and respected in the industry for his expertise but also his calm, level-headed manner and his honesty and ability to assess situations analytically. For this last interview in MAFO we want to learn more about the person behind the numbers.
When you look back on your professional career, what was
What is your favorite place in the world?
the most beautiful experience?
The North and the South of Saudi Arabia.
Being woken up at night by a bear during a Sola Optical Management Meeting.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
In your opinion, what is the most significant change that has
Make people respect one another and be not judgmental based on
taken place in ophthalmic optics in the last 20 years?
nationality, religion, age, culture, feelings and moods.
Social media has made it possible for companies with limited budgets to communicate with the end consumer.
What would you do differently in your next life? Do it all over again.
What innovation is still missing in ophthalmic optics? An affordable, good looking, ophthalmic lens which goes from clear
Starting in 2024, you will have time to enjoy life away from
to sunglass strength and back to clear in less than one second.
your job. What are you looking forward to the most? Taking care of my granddaughter.
Which thing is completely overrated? The extreme prices charged.
What else would you like to share with our readers? My concern that the health-related benefits of optical products in
You speak several languages fluently and have always had contact with people on all continents. How has that shaped you personally?
the market place can be overrated. Thank you so much for talking with us. ◆
It has made me into a chameleon.
MAFO 6-23
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47
06.11.23 09:48
OUTLOOK
Closing with good news! Damage to the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve usually leads to lifelong, irreparable damage. One example is blindness after optic nerve damage. To date, cures are not possible because the severed nerve fibers normally do not grow back. But the good news is: in an earlier work, researchers from Cologne were able to show that by using a so-called designer cytokine, nerve fibers in the completely injured optic nerve and spinal cord of mice can grow back over significant distances. Previously completely paraplegic mice were able to walk again a few weeks after treatment. In their new work, the scientists found the designer cytokine h IL-6 also exerted an inhibitory effect in the nerve cells. The scientists therefore used parthenolide, that specifically stimulates the dynamic processes in the fiber tips. The researchers were able to show that parthenolide administration significantly increased axonal regeneration and also daily administration of the ingredient alone showed a slight effect on regeneration in the injured optic nerve and spinal cord. This principle is also relevant for humans.
Special topics in MAFO 2024
MAFO 01
MAFO 03
MAFO 05
Future Lab
Lab Management
Go Digital!
Ophthalmic Optics around the World
Go Green!
Markets Worldwide
MAFO 02
MAFO 04
MAFO 06
Preview MAFO 01/2024 The special topic of the upcoming issue is “Future Lab!”. In this issue you will learn more about how digitalization and the internet of things will shape the lab of the future. Additionally, MAFO talks with the start-up flō about a disruptive technology: the additive manufacturing of optical coatings. And you will learn more about the use of prismatic lenses for eccentric fixation in the visually impaired.
48
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03.11.23 17:23
!AZ.indd 9
03.11.23 08:24
Missed an issue?
No problem, view the latest issues online: app.mafo-optics.com ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19
ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
Connect, discover, stay up-to-date
6/2023 ▶ Special topic: Go Digital! Lens production going digital
Connect, discover, stay up-to-date
TRULY SMART LENS GENERATING
▶ Special topic: Sustainable Processes
Chat GPT and other AI´s -‒ a new language for the industry ▶ Technology
Laser engraving systems
AI and machine learning algorithms
The ophthalmic market in a nutshell
“There is no waste at all‒, only raw materials!”
Highest level of lens personalization thanks to “big data” and recent scientific findings
Misconceptions about progressive lenses Consumer sentiment and market data in Europe
SLUGFest 2023 — first-hand information and visions for the future
▶ Technology Natural Accommodation Lens
Leica Eyecare — back to the roots
PFAS forever?
▶ Market Survey
VFT-ORBIT-2i MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE MEETS AI
AR-Coating machinery
▶ Market Survey Dip- and spin hard coating machines Unboxing any kind of box
Witness what happens when unmatched lens generator performance - ultra-fast milling, voice coil technology & auto-calibration - meets the power of AI in the new VFT-orbit-2i. With the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, we´re revolutionizing ease with advanced diagnostics and predictive maintenance. SMART
CONNECTED
INTEGRATED
Minimizes unexpected breakdowns due to AI powered predictive maintenance
Delivers diagnostic data to best analyze performance and identify issues
MES-360 Lite included to establish KPIs & track machine utilization, throughput, errors
▶ Market Survey Generators
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
06.09.2023 11:14:36 08.09.23 12:49
01_Titel.indd 1
Highest throughput
One auto blocker covering virtually all of a labs’ blocking requirements at highest speed. With CCU Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER introduces the only auto blocker today with automated block size exchange and achieves unprecedented efficiency in blocking. Time-consuming manual changes are a thing of the past. CCU Modulo ONE has multiple block sizes – a minimum of three and up to six – readily available. And the best part: The exchanges are carried out automatically and without increasing cycle time. With the added flexibility, CCU Modulo ONE solves a well-known problem: Inefficient block size distribution and poor machine utilization. For any lab size, a wider range of blocking requirements can be met with a smaller number of machines. The proprietary lens measuring unit guarantees perfectly oriented lenses. An intelligent fill control provides highly consistent and precise fillings – no under or over fillings. The alloy and block pieces can be refilled during operation. Non-stop uninterrupted blocking for highest throughput, at lowest cost per lens.
www.schneider-om.com
RZ_AZ_Modulo_Center_ONE_MAFO_06-2022_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1
Little to no downtime
CCU m dulo
Labs can now run larger scale productions even in small locations and under nonindustrial conditions. Little to no operator intervention is needed as the center works fully automated with all essential components on board. Simply put: Blank in, surfaced lens out.
www.schneider-om.com
3+
Highest flexibility
The dedicated Control Center (MES) informs at a glance about the current status of the machine, production parameters, and efficiency.
Ophthalmic lens production fully-automated and entirely hands-free.
RZ_AZ_DBX_modulo_ONE_2_MAFO_08-2023_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1
72
sq.ft.
The all-in-one surfacing center substantially saves time, running all processes simultaneously and perfectly synchronized – even milling and lathe turning. And with the chambers placed right next to one another, the smart automation transfers the lenses in virtually no time. There is no faster way to surface a lens.
DBX Modulo ONE follows SCHNEIDERs vision to provide the full solution for ophthalmic labs, from warehousing all the way to inline coating and beyond.
01_Titel.indd 1
1
in hour
Modulo Center ONE features highly advanced process technology, based on robust and reliable components proven in hundreds of installations across the globe.
All waste material is separated and collected individually to simplify recycling and further increase sustainability.
03.11.23 09:12
80
lenses
Imagine one single machine featuring all the technology to surface 80 lenses/hour, in just 72 sq. f t. (7m²). This is Modulo Center ONE. The compact all-in-one surfacing center is a full-fledged production line without limitations: a milling station // a lathe turning station // one or two 4-spindle polishing units // a CO₂ or excimer laser.
After swiftly identifying the type of box, DBX Modulo ONE opens it “naturally”: It unfolds, takes out and unwraps, entirely without touching the lens surface. SCHNEIDERs eco-friendly process avoids cutting or burning the material using sharp blades or high energy lasers – no cutting particles or dust and no fumes.
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
4
processes
M dulo Center
With DBX Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER debuts a powerful and fully automated new lens deboxer for high throughput, 24/7. The innovative technology unpacks all common kinds of boxes and materials – cardboard, blisters, even sleeves – damage-free with a clean process. It requires a minimum of energy and effort.
satisloh.com
01_Titel.indd 1
Environmentally friendly
DBX m dulo
Contact us for more details on VFT-orbit-2i! Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
BLOCKING PERFORMANCE AT A NEW LEVEL
▶ MAFO live on site
One drop and you regain the vision of a 20-year-old?
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Overcoming the gas age
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
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THE NATURAL WAY OF DEBOXING
5/2023
ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19
ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany 02.06.2022 14:51:27 06.07.23 14:48
www.schneider-om.com
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MASTHEAD PUBLISHERS ADDRESS
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151, D-45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr Tel.: +49-208-306683-00 Fax: +49-208-306683-99 Website: www.mafo-optics.com E-mail: info@mafo-optics.com CEO Petros Sioutis E-mail: p.sioutis@eyepress.de PUBLISHER Silke Sage, Petros Sioutis, Efstathios Efthimiadis FOUNDED 2003 by Jörg Spangemacher
BANK DETAILS
Bank account: Sparkasse Aachen Bank No.: 390 500 00, Acc. No.: 1073 3925 06 IBAN: DE21 3905 0000 1073 3925 06 SWIFT: AACSDE33XXX CHIEF-EDITOR Hanna Diewald E-mail: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com EDITORS Rebekka Nurkanovic E-mail: rebekka.nurkanovic@mafo-optics.com Britta Laupichler E-mail: britta@mafo-optics.com TRANSLATIONS John Saniter, Bopfingen
PRODUCTION & LAYOUT Efstathios Efthimiadis, Pascal Bruns E-mail: production@eyepress.de DISTRIBUTION PressUp GmbH, Postbox 70 13 11, D-22013 Hamburg Tel.: +49-40-386666-308, Fax: +49-40-386666-299 MEDIA CONSULTANT Constanze Classen Tel.: +49-208-306683-20 E-mail: constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com ADVERTISING AGENT GREAT CHINA Beijing FOCUS Optics Culture Communication Co. Ltd. Room 319, Building 2, Nr. 1, Northbank 1292, Nr. 15 Jianguo Eastroad, Beijing 100024 (Chaoyang), P.R. China Mrs. Jian Wang Tel.: +86-10-8537-6529 Email: jennywang_focus@126.com Skype: jennywang611 焦点视光（北京）文化传播有限公司 北京市朝阳区建国东路15号院甲一号北岸1292 二号楼319室 邮编：100024 电话：+86-10-8537-6529 jennywang_focus@126.com 电邮：jennywang_focus@126.com ADVERTISEMENT RATES Price list no. 19, valid from January 01, 2023 Publication schedule 6 issues 2023: January, March, May, July, September, November
SUBSCRIPTION COSTS PER YEAR European Union € 140,00 (plus VAT for German companies) Overseas Seamail € 160,00 Overseas Airmail € 195,00 United States Seamail € 170,00 United States Airmail € 225,00 Single issue € 20,00 (plus mailing costs) The Publisher requires three months written notice on cancellation. Subscribers please note that proof of notice may be required. PHOTO CREDITS P.10: Jason Leung, P.26: Lance /stock.adobe.com, /unsplash.com PRODUCTION & PRINT Kollin Medien GmbH, Neudrossenfeld, Germany The publisher takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Please note also that photographs submitted for use in MAFO cannot be returned. The publisher’s written permission is required for any reproduction, translation or recording of material published in MAFO, including extracts of such material. Permission will normally be given, subject to the usual acknowledgement. Copies made of published items must be limited in number and for personal use only.
EDITORIAL BOARD Jörg Spangemacher, Peter Baumbach, Mo Jalie
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FIRST FULLY-AUTOMATED COSMETIC INSPECTION DETECTED
Haze
DETECTED
Scratch
DETECTED
Center Dot
No Go
Rework
Go
CSI m dulo For the first time, a system sees what only experts see: CSI Modulo ONE reliably detects cosmetic defects fully automatically and absolutely dependably, at the highest level. The optical system screens the surface for irregularities, and characterizes and evaluates them with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). It detects any common defects such as scratches, pits, center dots, haze, chatter, cutting marks, spiral and fringes. The result is consistent, objective evaluation. Unbiased. 24/7. The smart system mimics individual decision making patterns to reflect a labs’ unique quality standard. All labs have to do is teach the system by feeding it decisions. This way, CSI Modulo ONE understands what kind of defects, in which combination, in what intensity and in which zones, is a go or no go. Labs can implement the same quality routines everywhere. Apart from this, labs can also opt to apply differing standards depending on the demands of the product or brand produced. The result: A system that makes decisions just like you would make them – because you taught it.
www.schneider-om.com
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