MAFO 02/2024

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 20

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

2/2024 ▶ Special topic: Smart Technologies What labs need to be successful in the future

E-TICKET SYSTEM BETTER THAN PAPER!

Adaptive smart glasses for future?

AR and MR devices as the next computing platform ▶ Live on site Great atmosphere at this year's ­MAFO – The Conference Mido 2024 ‒ back in force Opti - a successful start to the new optical year

STEP INTO THE FUTURE WITH DIGITAL JOB TICKETS

▶ Market Surveys Industrial edger ▶ Business Risk management strategic and structured

This paperless and innovative digital solution converts traditional printed job tickets into a reusable and dynamic format allowing labs to update job information on the fly while retaining all the advantages of visual data.

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Risk-free, step-by-step implementation as your needs grow.

Reusing E-Ticket Tags, significantly reduces paper & ink waste.

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Contact us to learn how the E-Ticket System can streamline your operations!

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

01_Titel.indd 1

$

satisloh.com

$ 26.02.24 15:19

CHC200: The Choice of Leading Labs Worldwide.

Optimize your lab with the CHC200's cutting-edge dip coating capabilities, offering efficient cleaning and hard coating for up to 200 lenses per hour. Experience swift and flexible lens processing with two automated robotic systems. Achieve complete control and customization of the coating process through a user-friendly digital HMI for seamless operation.

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t: +44 (0) 1462 491616 e: sales@optimal-technologies.com www.optimal-technologies.com

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29/05/2020 10:32 13.02.24 10:32

LETTER

The euphoria is back

A

fter several years of disruptions

automatically. But these are just a couple of

to international trade shows,

individual examples. Things get really exciting

followed by a slow return to

when a lab introduces the latest technology at

n o r m a l i t y, t h i s y e a r t h e

multiple levels. You can find out more about

­E uropean trade fairs Mido and Opti are

what such a lab looks like and about the ad-

finally back. High visitor numbers, lots of

vantages that smart technologies have to offer,

exhibitors, but above all an excellent at-

starting at page 22.

mosphere, were all very impressive.

Hanna Diewald Chief editor Tell us your opinion, ideas and suggestions: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com

Mido reported record numbers with over

Another topic that is currently gaining traction

40,000 visitors in total, while the opti had

concerns lenses with variable refraction. The

21,500 visitors – a significant increase on

refractive index, for example, can be changed

last year when around 15,500 people came

at the press of a button, or even using autofocus,

to the event. After years of infighting and

and can thus correct distance or near vision

tussles about dates, locations and in some

as required. This technology is based on liquid

cases the absence of major exhibitors, the

crystal lenses (LCL).

Opti now seems to have overcome the

Back in 2011, PixelOptix demonstrated

troubles of the past.

glasses but was ultimately unsuccessful.

This time round, however, things could turn

Incidentally, this optimism also applied to

out differently, as at least two companies

‘MAFO – The Conference’ which MAFO itself

already have products on the market and

organizes one day before Mido every year.

others are soon to follow. You can find out

This meeting point for the industry, with its

more about this topic in the detailed article

insightful lectures on developments in the

starting on page 28.

spectacle lens industry, was also better at-

And for everyone who likes to think outside

tended than it has been in years, with 90

the box, or is already putting out feelers to find

participants – and most of them submittted

out more about Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed

extremely positive feedback.

Reality (MR) or Extended Reality (XR), turn to the article on page 34.

Visitors are obviously excited to come to trade

MAFO 2-24

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fairs and other events again, and are keen to

And finally – besides reading trade journals – be

discover new things. This maybe because there

sure not to miss the upcoming trade shows, so

are a lot of interesting developments to get to

you can experience the machines, processes

grips with right now. Blockless manufacturing

and products at first hand. In March, the Vision

is a much-discussed topic both for machine

Expo East is being held in New York for the

and lens manufacturers that many labs are

last time, before it moves to its new home in

watching closely.

Orlando as from 2025. Many visitors will

Other interesting new machines – especially

certainly visit this last fair in New York with

for larger labs – include automatic cosmetic

mixed feelings. But as the saying goes: When

inspection or machines for unpacking blanks

one door shuts, another opens. 

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06.12.23 23:05

MARCH / APRIL 2024

Content

Topics in this edition MAFO issue

March / April 2024 Page 34

Page 38

Page 10

At a glance

Technology

6

22

All about you

What labs need to be successful in the future

Opti - a successful start to the new optical year

By Sandra Stry and Kim Kathrin Leidig

By Daniel Groß and Frank Sonnenberg

News from the international ophthalmic industry

7

Live on site Special Topic

All about markets

28

Infographics

Adaptive smart glasses for future?

8

By Lena Petzold

All about products Innovations and products for your lab

54

34

Special Topic

Closing Words

Business

38 Special Topic

AR and MR devices as the next computing platform

Risk management - strategic and structured

By Russell Kenrick and Sidra Sammi

By Mandy Gebhardt and Matthias Nestler

Suppliers Guide

48

20

Surveys Live on site

Carla Moncunill Cabré

10

49

Great atmosphere at this year´s MAFO – The Conference

Outlook

By Hanna Diewald

42 Industrial edging

14 Mido 2024 ‒ - back in force

By Hanna Diewald

MAFO 2-24

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about you News from the international ophthalmic industry Steve Sutherlin to be honored posthumously with the 2024 Goodfellow Award

Landmark event: final NYC show

Steve Sutherlin will be honored posthumously with the 2024 Goodfellow Award during the Lab Leadership Forum on Thursday, April 11, and Friday, April 12, 2024, at t he Temecu la Creek In n ­(Temecula, California). The Goodfellow Award is designed to recognize an outstanding individual who actively contributes to the advancement of the optical industry. Steve’s contributions to the optical industry are vast. He died of a heart attack on December 28, 2023. Steve was 70 years old and

Vision Expo East 2024, co-hosted by The Vision Council and RX, is

lived in Overland Park, Kansas. The optical laboratory executive was

on track to be a landmark event for the eyecare and eyewear industry

instrumental in the success of his family’s business, Sutherlin Optical,

worldwide. Over 450 eyewear and eyecare companies gearing up to

and later played a key role in merging the Optical Laboratories Associa-

display their latest products and technologies across an expansive

tion (OLA) into The Vision Council.

150,000 square feet of exhibit space for one final show in New York City, taking place from March 14-17 at the iconic Javits Center. But

ANFAO introduces CSE (Certified Sustainable Eyewear)

this show is also the end of an era. From 2025, the Vision Expo East will take place in Orlando, Florida.

The first international sustainability certification, CSE (Certified Sustainable Eyewear) was presented at Mido

Zeiss Vision Care acquires IP portfolio for electronic eyewear from Mitusi Chemicals

2024. Created, registered, and pro-

Zeiss Vision Care announced the

moted by ANFAO, the Italian Associa-

successful acquisition of a comprehen-

tion of Optical Goods Manufacturers,

sive intellectual property (IP) portfolio,

in collaboration with CERTOTTICA,

including a suite of patents, from

this certificate is destined to become

Mitsui Chemicals. This strategic move

the new product sustainability standard for the eyewear industry,

solidif ies Zeiss’ commitment to

certifying glasses and their components: frame fronts, temples, lenses,

­advancing technology in the eyeglass

small metal and plastic parts. The certification identifies the most

lens industry and further opens new

sustainable products, it is voluntary and based on UNI EN ISO 14020

opportunities for the development of electro-active lenses and spectacle

and UNI EN ISO 14024 standards. It is open now to all eyewear

frames. Modern eyeglass lenses can protect the eyes from harmful UV

companies, both Italian and international, who will apply for the

radiation, reduce perceived glare when driving, or reduce digital eye

program. The CSE label, issued by the independent body, CERTOTTICA,

strain when working with computer screens. An innovative area for

will be issued by ANFAO based on a number of industry-specific as-

eye care will be the combination of electrically controlled functions

sessment criteria that take into account the entire life cycle of the

with lenses and spectacles. The acquired IP portfolio comprises a range

product (resource extraction, raw materials, production, distribution,

of groundbreaking patents that encompass various electric functionali-

use and disposal).

ties tailored for eyeglass lenses and frame electronics.

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

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about markets Graphical data

The global eyewear market size is expected to grow from USD 146.1 Billion in 2023 to USD 215 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of

3.9% during the projected period.

On average, in 2024, every person worldwide is expected to generate a revenue of

Source: Spherical Insights & Consulting

USD 19.17 in the Eyewear market.

Source: https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/ eyewear/worldwide

It is estimated that in 2024,

85% The most spoken languages: on the internet and in real life

of sales in the eyewear market will be attributed to non-Luxury.

Source: https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/ eyewear/worldwide

MAFO 2-24

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS Advertisement

All about products Innovations and working materials for your lab

MEI launches ClearXM ClearXM, the innovative integrated solution developed by MEI for cleaning and inspecting eyeglasses edged lenses. It’s a very compact system that combines a loading system able to accommodate any shape of edged and uncut eyeglass lens with a cleaning section made of sealed chambers designed to avoid contamination. With the incorporated imaging technology, ClearXM scans and recognizes the contours and dimensions of the lens, ensuring a secure and precise clamping mechanism. By understanding the specific shape and size of the lens, the system can optimize the cleaning process and apply the appropriate pressure and movement patterns needed to effectively remove dust, smudges, or other particles from the lens surface while avoiding the risk of scratching or other damages. Additionally, ClearXM has the option of the integrated cosmetic control, which learns from each lens and auto-improves its performance continuously, without impacting the working cycle time. Visit www.meisystem.com

Awarded for innovative power!

Newly crowned innovation champion: SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG from Germany has received the TOP 100 seal 2024. This German award is only given to particularly innovative medium-sized companies.

SCHNEIDER convinced a team of renowned jurors, among them is a leading innovation researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke (Vienna University of Economics and Business), in a scientific selection process. For the second time, SCHNEIDER has been selected as one of the top innovators (2014, 2024).

"Innovation is our corporate purpose," says Gunter Schneider, Managing Director and owner of the company. "Our vision was and still is to create a fully automated and intelligent 'Power Lab of the Next Decade' that increases efficiency and saves resources," says Schneider. Visit www.schneider-om.com

Horizons Optical Showcases Groundbreaking mimesys Office at MIDO 2024 Craft your workspace, Ensure your comfort

8

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Horizons Optical proudly announced its participation at MIDO 2024, held on February 3rd. The event served as the platform for the unveiling of mimesys Office, the latest innovation in lens creation technology. For the first time, users can craft their daily work environment to analyze gaze dynamics in their office setting. This breakthrough application allows for the creation of customized office lenses that not only address visual strategies but also study visual posture in front of screens, resulting in unparalleled visual comfort. With mimesys Office, users can expect a tailored approach to lens design that prioritizes both visual clarity and ergonomic comfort. This cutting-edge technology marks a significant milestone in the optical industry, offering users unprecedented control over their visual environments. Visit www.horizonsoptical.com or contact@horizonsoptical.com

MAFO 2-24

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BLOCKING PERFORMANCE AT A NEW LEVEL

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Little to no downtime

Highest throughput

CCU m dulo 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

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06.02.2024 08:41:07 13.02.24 11:16

Smart Technologies LIVE ON SITE

Great atmosphere at this year's MAFO – The Conference Exciting topics and many participants in Milan Smart Glasses, blockless manufacturing, myopia management and artificial intelligence – these were just some of the topics presented at this year's MAFO – The Conference. The varied program attracted visitors from all over the world, ensuring a record number of participants. B y Hanna Diewald

90

attended this year's MAFO – The Conference in

The meeting place for the ophthalmic optics industry in Europe

Milan. The number of participants was thus consider-

As usual, the unique meeting place for the spectacle lens industry took

ably higher than in previous years and many visitors

place the day before Mido, on Friday, February 2 in Milan. It brought

were enthusiastic about the exciting topics presented and the excellent

together people from labs from all over the world, as well as representa-

atmosphere at the venue.

tives from machine manufacturers, lens designers, software developers

participants from the global spectacle lens industry

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Smart Technologies LIVE ON SITE

and many other professionals involved in the development of ophthalmic

Much discussed: blockless generating

lenses or who simply wanted to be up to date with the latest develop-

The first blockless generator has been on the market for a few months

ments in the eyewear industry.

now, so it is no wonder that labs are wondering how well the new technology works and what advantages and disadvantages it has. So

The event started at 8.30 a.m. with a welcome breakfast before partici-

it was good that two speakers gave presentations on this topic, to shed

pants gathered in the conference hall to eagerly await the first

light on the topics from all sides.

presentation.

Stefano Sonzogni from MEI System began with the topic: “The block-free

This was introduced by long-term Chairman Peter Baumbach, who,

lens generation process – an effective step ahead in preserving the

as usual, led the audience through the program in an entertaining

environment”.

manner and – thanks to his wide experience in ophthalmic optics –

For Sonzogni, the advantages of the new technology are obvious:

repeatedly challenged the speakers with interesting questions.

Without a block, there is no need for tape, no block, no alloy, no glue

Baumbach is Professor of Ophthalmic Optics and Psychophysics at Aalen

and, of course, no taper and no blocker or de-blocker.

University in Germany and is a sought-after expert for the calculation

This is sustainable, too, as it saves space, energy and entire process

of spectacle lens designs, patent analyses and much more.

steps. Sonzogni also emphasized that thinner blanks could be used in the future, so that more than 60% residual material could be saved, as

Spectacle lens analyses in a driving simulator

it will no longer be necessary to use thick blanks to avoid deformation

The first lecture by Dr. Judith Ungewiss from Aalen University (Germany)

during the alloy-cooling and solidification process.

began very realistically with the topic: “Psychophysical evaluation of optical

Nevertheless, the head of the company made no secret of the fact that

lenses in the Aalen Mobility Perception and Exploration Lab (AMPEL).”

the current generator still has limitations, such as in curvature and

As spectacle-lens experts know, vision in a car at night poses particular

working range; these were also addressed at length in the Q&As.

challenges.

The risk factor for accidents increases significantly when driving at night – an

This lecture was followed by Dr. Michael Kreis from Satisloh on the topic

aspect that should not be neglected when developing lenses.

of: “Opportunities and challenges of blockless surfacing technology”,

Ungewiss presented the university's driving simulator, where vision

shedding light on the same subject from a different angle. Satisloh makes

while driving is simulated and analyzed in an Audi A4. The laboratory

no secret of the fact that they, too, are working on a blockless generator.

is also equipped with a steering and pedal unit, two projection units,

However, it is still in the development stage and has not yet been deemed

180° curved screen, a monitor behind the car and the SILAB simulator

as market-ready due to certain limitations which still exist.

software. There are also different sources of glare, and the system has

Dr. Kreis began his talk with explanations of what processes are

a CE certification.

currently available, and what tasks blocking in general fulfills. For

Ungewiss explained convincingly how psychophysical tests are carried

example, the accurate positioning of a semi-finished blank in six degrees

out under realistic conditions. For example, the assessment of halo

of freedom or holding the blank in position during processing is required;

areas (“halometry”), visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, with clinical

both to secure the position of the blank/lens in a tray when being

examination methods and driving (at night) with and without glare.

moved as well as to support it during each and every manufacturing

And, of course, there is no shortage of fun and experimentation in the

operation.

driving simulator: “We have found that people also enjoy trying out

The machine manufacturer also emphasized the ambitious goal that

things that are not allowed!” Ungewiss said with a grin at the end.

new blockless generators should eliminate the existing operations of

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Smart Technologies LIVE ON SITE

blocking etc. while still fitting 100% into an existing line. Thus the aim

every flaw could become a thing of the past – at least for large labs.

of the machine manufacturer is to offer the latest generator in a blockless

Thanks to machines that take over cosmetic inspection, defects should

version, and to adapt the polisher to suit the next operation.

become easier to detect, classified and subsequently even avoided

Nonetheless, there still remain certain limitations: reduced working

­a ltogether. In his talk, Mahner explained exactly how this works and

range, front and back curvature is restricted, limited range of materials,

what role artificial intelligence can play in the process.

reduced throughput, non-rotationally symmetric surfaces like front

Standardization is an important keyword here, too, as it enables labs

side progressives cannot be handled, and a poor balance of the overall

to be more objective and makes them less dependent on the subjective

production line. According to Kreis, the technology therefore has

assessment of a person, which may vary from day to day. For this

enormous potential – but whether it can ever be applied to the entire

purpose, the first step after measurement is to carry out lab-independent

range of ophthalmic lenses remains uncertain.

pattern recognition with the aid of artificial intelligence. In the second step, a lab-specific quality standard evaluation based on certain quality

New data: “Plug-and-produce and create benefits!”

criteria is carried out, which can be individualized. What kinds of

Data from machines is the basis for making Industry 4.0 possible in

often they occur, are all relevant to determining the individual situation

labs, but in order to really use and reuse it sensibly, common standards

in each lab.

defects occur, and whether these are specific to the location and how

for labs and machine manufacturers are needed too. This was the “Connectivity as enabler for Industry 4.0.”

Disruptive technologies: additive manufactured optical coatings

For the two experts, the motto for production is clear: “Plug-and-produce

The last presentation before the lunch break was about a completely

create benefits!” For this to work, however, some conditions have to be

new, unprecedented technology: “Going digital: How Additive Manu-

met: One keyword here is “connectivity.” This forms the basis for generat-

facturing (AM) will change the ophthalmic coating industry” by

ing value from data and can be achieved by standard machine interfaces,

Jonathan Jaglom from the start-up flō.

for example.

The company is working on machines for labs that can be used to create

One example is the standardized order-related data connectivity flow,

e.g. photochromic coatings or colors using 3D printing, for example.

compliant with the Vision Council’s Data Communication Standard

This is intended to increase flexibility, as almost any design can be

(DCS). Also relevant here is the Open Platform Communications Unified

printed, because everything is controlled at pixel level. And, acccording

Architecture (OPC UA) which offers potential for enhanced connectivity.

to Jaglom, it is more sustainable as only the area that is actually needed

It is the industrial communication protocol that has become the preferred

can be printed.

communication standard in modern industries.

Jaglom reported confidently that in the future, it should be possible to

subject of the talk by Dr. Jens Buergin and Heiko Schlump from Zeiss:

print as much of the lens as possible. He maintained: “We are very

Automatic cosmetic inspection

motivated to find a solution for AR coating and we have two directions

Dr. Marcel Mahner from Schneider continued with a slightly different

how to get there.” However, Jaglom was not permitted to reveal any

take on standardization in his presentation: “Empowering the

further details. The first three machines are due to be installed in US

­Ophthalmic Industry through Artificial Intelligence – new possibilities

labs at the end of 2024.

on the example of cosmetic inspection”.

Inspecting every single lens by hand at the end of production, holding

During the break, the guests then gathered in the adjoining room for

it up to the light to detect even the smallest defect and searching for

lunch and chat with others in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Smart Technologies LIVE ON SITE

After lunch, the event continued with two sessions focusing on lens

Step by step and accessible to everyone, Mo explained in his calm

design and smart glasses – the latter discussed from two completely

manner how to calculate the minimum thickness for a given prescription

different aspects.

so that the thinnest and lightest lens for a given strength can be made in the appropriate material.

A myopia management design for every lab José Miguel Cleva from IOT kicked off with an interesting talk

Electronic glasses with active optics

on myopia management design that has also been corroborated

Unfortunately the penultimate speaker, Varsenik Nersesyan from

by studies in the EU: “Revolutionizing Myopia Management – a

Morrow, was unable to attend the conference in person as she was

novel approach to treating myopia in children”. The design is

suffering from corona, so her presentation was transmitted via video

particularly exciting for labs, as there is no need to purchase

link. Nonetheless, this did not dampen participants’ interest in her

semi-finished products.

presentation, nor in the exciting topic itself: “Morrow Electronic glasses

After a brief introduction to the problem of myopia in general, Cleva

with active optics for vision correction.”

explained the theoretical background to the Asymmetric Peripheral

Her presentation was about electronic glasses that change their refractive

Defocus lens (MPDL) before going on to discuss the results of the study

power at the touch of a button, and can therefore be used for distance

in Europe. The effectiveness of this lens for the treatment of myopia

and/or reading correction. They correct sphere and cylinder and the

was investigated in the first randomized double-blind study conducted

possible addition value is 1dpt but the glasses are currently only available

specifically in a European population. After a follow-up period of 12

in Belgium. However, both availability and the amount of addition are

months, the study showed a remarkable 39% reduction in axial length

expected to change in the future. The company would also like to

progression, which distinguishes this solution from conventional

collaborate with the industry and labs in the future because, as Varsenik

single-vision lenses.

Nersesyan made clear: “We don't want to sell our glasses in MediaMarkt,

The special free-form technology distributes the positive progressive

we want to sell them at opticians!” (MediaMarkt is a German multi-

lens power at the periphery. The free-form technology enables produc-

national chain of stores selling consumer electronics). For more on this

tion using any material, so that no special semi-finished products

topic, see the detailed report about LCL lenses starting at page 28.

are required.

Artificial Intelligence for spectacle lens design

Smart glasses by laser cutting of high-index glass waveguides

The next lecture by Dr. Gaetano Volpe and Pasquale Fanelli from

In the final presentation, participants were able to immerse themselves

ProCrea Tech was also about lens design and how it can be improved

in the world of AR glasses and learn about the challenges involved in

with the aid of artificial intelligence: “AI and Neural Networks in

their production. This presentation by Arved Kampe from 3D-Micromac

Freeform Lens Design Software.”

brought the day to a very technical close. It was entitled: “Shaping the

After the experts had discussed the term “artificial intelligence”, and

Future of Eyewear: How to create AR glasses by laser cutting of high-

explained what neural networks and machine learning have to do with

index glass waveguides.”

the topic, the second part of their talk dealt with the integration of AI

After an introduction to AR glasses in general – how they work and

into software for spectacle lens designs.

what components they require – the focus moved specifically to the

In short: It is possible to create an AI algorithm that, thanks to a neural

processing of the waveguide combiner. In a joint project involving

network, guarantees the best performance of the progressive lens. The

Schott and 3D-Micromac, the experts are working on a promising

algorithm seeks to maximize output values (increasing customer

approach for scalable freeform glass cutting with high strength and

satisfaction). And generative-type AI can also be applied to the develop-

precision, based on ultrashort-pulsed lasers. The experts perfected a

ment of progressive freeform surfaces. Research is leading to continuous

laser-based separation process for achieving high and predictable

development in this area, and the frontier is interesting as new relation-

bending strength in order to guarantee high production yields. This

ships between variables could be discovered and further improve PALs.

was then integrated into a modular machine concept, scalable from lab to mass production.

Calculation: back to the roots

After being immersed in so much technology, new processes, innovations

After this excursion into the future, the next presentation was more

and much more input, the participants were finally given the chance

about going back to the roots. Because as great as the new technologies

to digest everything they had learned over a cocktail – or simply exchange

are, specialists still need to understand the basic principles that underpin

ideas with other participants and speakers in a relaxed atmosphere –

the calculation of lens designs.

before heading back to the hotel in anticipation of their first day at

Mo Jalie from the University of Ulster, who has participated in MAFO –

Mido the next day.

The Conference for decades, addressed the topic of “The Minimum

The next MAFO – The Conference will be held on Friday, February 7,

Thickness of Spectacle Lenses.”

2025, in Milan; as always one day before Mido. 

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Picture: MIDO

LIVE ON SITE

Giovanni Spreafico from MEI System in front of the ClearXM.

Laurence Vaudolon and Hajo Follert at the AGP booth.

Gunter Schneider from Schneider in front of the auto blocker CCU modulo ONE.

Mido 2024 - back in force 40,000 visitors in Milan The Mido seems to be back. There were seven halls again and more than 40,000 visitors. Over 1200 exhibitors in seven pavilions and overall a great atmosphere. In fact, the world's largest optical trade fair was at its best this year and there were many innovations for the industry and labs. Read more about the most important machinery trends, designs and industry news in this report. B y Hanna Diewald

T

he terms trade fair and trade show are often used inter-

After the event, the organizers proudly reported that there had been

changeably. However, in the case of Mido, the term “show”

11% more visitors than last year, with visitors coming from all over

clearly hits the spot, because this is about much more than

the world – from Asia to the United States and all over Europe. The

just exhibiting products. At Mido, everything is art.

figure of 40,000 visitors is impressive, even though Mido once hosted

Everything is creative. And everything is extraordinary.

59,500 visitors in pre-corona times. But, of course, as is so often the

So it is easy to imagine that one extravagant frame followed the next

case, quantity does not always have much to do with quality.

among the frame newcomers. But also the machine area here always

In addition, social channels reached 50% more people than last year

seems to be a little more exotic than that at comparable trade fairs.

and the media coverage is also worth mentioning: after all, 400

Anyway, it is one of the largest machine areas for ophthalmic optics

­a ccredited journalists attended the show, publishing reports

in the world. The attraction of Mido is therefore assured.

throughout the world. The Mido 2024 | Digital Edition, with nearly

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F.l.t.r.: Alex Incera, César Collazo (SDC) and Carla Moncunill Cabré at the Coburn Technologies and Cotec booth.

Steffen Runkel and Johanna Vistbacka at the Bühler booth.

Coburn Technologies celebrated their 70th anniversary.

At Comes visitors could see a whole range of m ­ achines for the production of spectacle lenses.

No lab functions without good software.

Bernd Freyermuth and Andreas Schmitt from LensWare were happy to inform interested visitors about their offerings.

12,000 subscribers, saw an increase in showcase pages, up from 650

processing and higher throughput, auto calibration and on-board

in 2023 to 845 this year, thus highlighting the extent to which exhibitors

engraving of semi-visible marks. The Nexus DP digital lens polisher

increasingly consider it advantageous to combine in-person participa-

is designed for high-volume production of freeform Rx lenses and can

tion with virtual activity.

process 80% of the product range using a single soft tool.

As usual, the focus of interest for MAFO was Hall 6 and 4. This is where

Also on display was the CrystalCrome, a photochromic spin coating

(almost) all the machine manufacturers, but also lens designers, software

system. A unique machine that enables the production of pho-

developers and many other companies associated with lens manufacturing

tochromic lenses on demand, rendering semi-finished photochromic

are located; and all the major names are to be found here.

blanks obsolete.

One trend in particular has recently become very apparent: the automation of every process step in the lab that was previously carried out manually.

Automated cosmetic inspection and deboxing

This applies to automatic cosmetic inspection, the automatic unpacking

Holding lenses up to the light in order to inspect them with eagle

of blanks, automated storage options for blanks and the seamless integration

eyes and scanning them for even the smallest defect may become

of cleaning machines into the line without lenses having to be touched.

a thing of the past. At least a number of machine manufacturers are currently working on this.

70th anniversary

One of Schneider's highlights was the CSI Module ONE, a machine

This year, Cotec, the thin-film coating technology company, and

for fully automated cosmetic inspection. The system uses AI-based

machine manufacturer Coburn Technologies shared a joint stand;

pattern recognition. On first step a pattern is recorded with a

both are part of SCL. Coburn Technologies has a special anniversary

camera. In step two, the system makes a cascaded defect-specific

this year: the company is celebrating its 70th birthday and it did so in

evaluation. In the final step, a lab-specific quality standard evaluation

style at Mido. Their stand was not only packed during the official

is carried out, based on specific quality criteria. This solution detects

celebration but also on the remaining days as well.

cosmetic defects fully automatically with absolute reliability.

Among other innovations, the machine manufacturer presented the

Also on show was the new deboxer DBX Modulo ONE, capable of

new Nexus DGT generator. The generator is characterized by faster

unpacking any common kind of box – cardbox, blisters, even sleeves – in

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a highly efficient and eco-friendly way. Unpacking is done by levering

now on the market and has already been successfully installed. It works

open the box ‒ without the need for a laser, etc.

with AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance.

Visitors were also able to see a further step on the way to more automa-

There was also a technology previous to be seen: ACI-Theia for automated

tion in the LCU Modulo ONE. The fully automated in-line unit is now

cosmetic inspection. The machine, sealed against dust, is designed for

equipped with automatic ticket transfer. This means that job tickets

automatic detection of defects and is expected to be able to process

can now be transferred fully automatically from the surfacing tray to

300 lenses an hour.

the coating, without the need to transfer the tickets by hand. And, of

Another technology previous was the NEO-edge, a next-generation

course, many more machines were on display for visitors to inspect.

industrial blockless edger for standard and complex shapes, characterized by extremely high processing speeds and unmatched versatility.

Rx-Bot-LUKE, a new brush cleaner and the latest generator

A strong partnership

This time, the Satisloh Group stand brought together Satisloh,

At Bühler Leybold Optics visitors to the Mido were the first to learn about

SCL International, DAC Vision and Ultra Optics, now all part of

the new partnership between the coating experts Bühler and the cleaning

the Satisloh Group.

experts FISA. Now customers can look forward to perfectly matched

Visitors to the stand saw the Rx-Bot-LUKE, for example. The system,

processes and an expansion of the Bühler product range in the future.

now on the market, unpacks semi-finished lenses. The robot takes the

In addition, Bühler is now offering the Boxer series in all sizes with

lens boxes, opens them, unpacks them and sorts them, putting the waste

more energy-efficient pumps.

into separate bins and placing the lenses back into the job tray for further processing – all without human intervention.

Automated cleaning

Visitors could also inspect the new Hydra-Brush-4, a fully automated

Automation all along the line that is the focus at FISA. Here, visitors

compact and water-efficient soft-brush cleaner for the fronts and backs of

saw the fully automated ultrasonic cleaning machine FISA Inline CS,

ophthalmic lenses as well as the new e-ticket system, which replaces paper

used for cleaning lenses after surfacing, polishing and deblocking. The

tickets and therefore has the potential to make labs completely paper-free.

machine is flexible and can meet all demands: tape, alloy or protective

The VFT-orbit-2i, the manufacturer's latest digital lens generator, is

coating residues, all indexes and more. Two collaborative robots, in

François-Charles Laberge and Hugh McAllister from K&Y Diamonds.

The company Ultra Optics presented their fully automated spin coating machine 54R.

The FISA-team at their booth f.l.t.r.: Matteo Rasi, Bernat Casaramona, Francesco Bertoja, Philippe Vaudeleau, Riccardo Strizzi

The Ocuco booth attracted many visitors.

Many visitors at the OptoTech stand party.

Jared Snow and Christian Tuss from Satisloh in front of NEO-edge.

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Advertisement

the beginning and the end of the machine for loading and

INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCT

unloading, allow the integration in the production flow. The machine is Industry 4.0 ready, contains Wifi, Power Line Communication (PLC) via low voltage, ethernet remote connection, camera and sensors that measure all data in the baskets such as temperature etc. The machine is also equipped with a user-friendly MCU (Machine Controller Unit) with Open Platform Communications (OPC).

Brush cleaning and cosmetic inspection MEI System proudly showcased a new technology that is

PHOTOCHROMIC SPIN COATING SYSTEM

expected to be available on the market as from next month.

The ClearXM combines automatic edged lens brush cleaning

• Best-in-class photochromic performance on all lens materials

and cosmetic lens inspection in one machine. The combination reduces the footprint, avoids contamination on the way to the next station and enables handling of both edged and uncut lenses. As the machine scans the contours, cleaning is par-

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ticularly efficient and the cosmetic inspection is carried out on a completely clean lens.

• Compatible with anti-reflective and metalizing treatments

Visitors were also able to see the final version of EasyBuddy, the robotic arm that feeds the EasyFit Trend lens edger. ­EasyBuddy can manage up to five trays at the entrance and five at the exit. It supports the option of adding an automatic stacker/

• Fast drying thermal cure

destacker system or connecting external conveyors, to further increase production autonomy. Orders can either be prepared

• Photochromic coatings suite from SDC Technologies

via the LMS, an offline station or directly at the machine.

And, of course, the blockless generator was also on display. The CoreTBA is a blockless freeform lens production system. For the first time ever, the blockless system allows laboratories to avoid the use of tapes, blocks, wax or alloy. Furthermore, the machine does not require a water filtration system thanks to its dry-cut technology. CoreTBA combines seven stages of the production process in a single device, e.g. digital generation, engraving, polishing and washing.

Lens inspection At Automation & Robotics, visitors could see inspection equipment for a wide range of applications. From the ProMapper table-top inspection device to the AutoMapper for larger laboratories, which performs automatic inspection for any type of lens, power measurement (ISO/ANSI compliant) and mapping inspection (error maps).

A particular highlight, however, was the presentation of the NeoMapper. A technology previous that is set to gain traction in the future, particularly thanks to its very small footprint and many interesting characteristics such as automatic inspection of every type of lens. This inspection feature includes precise and automatic positioning, inspection of geometric properties such as thickness, diameter, shape, optical power measurement, polarization axis measurement, power mapping of the entire

MAFO 2-24

!AZ.indd 3 14_MIDO_Nachbericht.indd 17

1-800-COBURN-1 See our full line of products at coburntechnologies.com

Vision Expo East Booth F2435

14.02.24 21:35 10:04 29.02.24

LIVE ON SITE

lens surface (error maps) and uploading of the measured data for preven-

on a European population, MyoLess offers a 39% reduction in axial length

tive maintenance and troubleshooting.

growth in children. Furthermore, IOT presented a comprehensive international campaign for Neochromes, its flagship line of photochromic lenses.

AR-coating and cosmetic inspection

Horizons Optical showcased mimesys Office. For the first time, users

Machine manufacturer OptoTech also held a stand party at the Mido

can now craft their daily work environment to analyze gaze dynamics

which proved very popular. The company presented its brand new

in their office setting. This application allows the creation of customized

OAC-90 AR-coating machine, which has a significantly reduced cycle

office lenses that not only address visual strategies but also study visual

time and a new ergonomic design. In addition, the pumping and cooling

posture in front of screens.

system ensures a lower cost per lens.

TECO presented its new X-Cube DECO to print permanent logos on the

The manufacturer has also recently added the VISTA to its range, a machine

lenses. The machine facilitates the printing of glossy, satin or matt multi-

for automated lens inspection that detects all known cosmetic defects with

colored logos, with impressive rendering and very good scratch resistance.

maximum precision and speed. Other machines that contribute to full

The company is now proud to offer two printers for decoration: the

automation in labs include the De-Boxer, a machine for automatically

X-Cube DECO to print permanent logos on lenses and the X-DTS

unpacking semi-finished blanks, as well as the IQ-Star intelligent storage

DECO (Direct-To-Shape Robot) for permanent printing of logos on

and distribution solution which enables automated job tray handling.

lenses and frames. Both models use fully ecological inks.

And EssilorLuxottica presented a preview of Nuance Audio, a product

Printing, new designs and much more

embedding hearing technology seamlessly into eyeglasses. It is expected

In addition to the many machine highlights, there was of course plenty

to launch in the second half of 2024.

else for visitors to discover: Innovative eyewear fashion, news from the lens manufacturers and much more. For example, Rodenstock is

There were also many exciting specialist presentations and news an-

positioning ColorMatic as an independent technology brand with a

nouncements at Mido. For example, the new Sustainability CSE cer-

specific brand design. This means that Rodenstock is now giving in-

tificate and the Empowering Optical Women Leadership Program and

dependent lab partners access to the ColorMatic technology and brand.

much more to experience. The next Mido will take place in Milan from

IOT presented MyoLess, an optical solution designed to effectively address

February 8 to 10, 2025. Thus, there will be just a few days between opti in

childhood myopia. Backed by advanced technology and a study conducted

Munich and Mido in Milan. 

The General Optics booth in Hall 6.

At the teco-booth visitors could experience the new X-CUBE DECO to print permanent logos.

The IOT team at its booth. F.l.t.r.: Jose Miguel Cleva, Alicia López, Ivan Sincek, Javier Trujillo, Carlos Muñoz and Eder Granado.

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14_MIDO_Nachbericht.indd 18

F.l.t.r.: Thomas Zangerle, Sandra Fonticoli and Laurent Provost in front of the automated lens inspection NeoMapper.

Rupert Katritzky from the RAX Group in front of a storage solution for spectacle lenses.

MAFO 2-24

29.02.24 21:35

Your lens design and innovation partner Visit us at Vision Expo East 2024 Stand F2625 and discover our groundbreaking portfolio of lens designs with a brand new suite of marketing materials.

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Discover how collaborating with us can revolutionize your operations. www.iotlenses.com

!AZ.indd 4

13.02.24 10:31

LIVE ON SITE

A successful start to the new optical year Opti in Munich 2024 For some it is an important order fair, for others a platform for personal contacts and customer communication vis-à-vis. It is also often referred to as the kick-off event right at the beginning of the new (optical) year. Whichever group you belong to: Opti 2024 in Munich (Germany) in mid-January once again attracted significantly more interested parties than in previous editions, and whetted the appetite for more. Why might that be? Let us take a look at it. By Daniel Groß and Frank Sonnenberg

N

ew Opti = new optical year. That is what we are used

are in the mood for trade fairs. A desire to see, touch and test. Over

to in Europe. And so this January in Munich (Germany)

the course of the day and especially on Saturday, the day with the most

it was once again a meeting with familiar faces, but

visitors, business was already in full swing. This is exactly how we

also new, promising players from the world of ophthal-

experienced the Opti this time, after somewhat quieter post-corona

mic optics. After all, a trade fair should also offer the opportunity to

editions recently.

look beyond the horizon. And it succeeded. So much in advance. It was packed at the entrances right from the start and many exhibitors

The „who is who“ of the industry

had plenty to do at their stands, especially during the core times

From the major frame suppliers to independent companies and

on Saturday.

hungry newcomers with new products and innovative processes,

Strolling through the four well-attended exhibition halls, however, it

the trade fair covered the entire spectrum. Shopfitters, equipment

was noticeable right from the start of the fair on the first day: people

and software manufacturers, ophthalmic lenses (trade fair comeback

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of industry giants Zeiss and Rodenstock in Hall C4), equipment

Meeting point: sustainability hub

suppliers, opticians' associations and contact lens companies etc.

What is happening in the optical industry when it comes to sustainabil-

all came to Munich.

ity? Over the three days of the trade fair, visitors to the sustainability

Only the machine manufacturers for industrial ophthalmic lens produc-

hub supported by FOCUS (MAFO's sister magazine) were able to see

tion were hardly represented – here only individual companies such

for themselves how industry representatives passionately discussed

as Schneider and MEI Systems held their own. However, the principle

topics such as the recycling of demo lenses and contact lens blisters,

of „see and be seen“ seems to apply again to Opti.

the avoidance of microplastics and the sustainability responsibility of

This positive trend is also reflected in the number of visitors: 21,500

the industry and opticians.

participants contributed to well-filled order books, new contacts and

Individual aspects were also explored in greater depth in presentations.

an optimistic mood at the start of the optical year. A veritable increase

One highlight was undoubtedly this year's Sustainability Award, which

compared to last year's trade fair, which attracted 15,500 visitors.

was presented for the first time at the Sustainability Hub for particularly

The number of exhibitors also made a big leap from 307 exhibitors in

sustainable ophthalmic optics companies.

2023 to 390 exhibitors from 28 countries at this year's edition.

Three finalists were selected from all the submissions, all of them medium-sized companies, who competed against each

Information and food for thought

other in a pitch lasting several minutes for the prize money of

Several „hubs“ also contributed to a lively, informative trade fair this

€ 5,000. They had to present their ideas on sustainability in the

time. These are areas that bundle important questions and trends from

three key areas of economy, ecology and social issues. In the

a specific subject area in order to impart specialist knowledge and give

end, the winner was Andreas Schmidt from Augenblick Brillen

the audience new impetus for their own work.

Kontaktlinsen GmbH.

Located next to the “Innovation Area“, Selin Olmsted, for example, took the audience on her journey through the optical trends for 2025

From the industry for the industry

(Trend Hub). Industry experts also provided new input in presentations

Universities and aid organizations are also represented at Opti with

and discussion rounds on myopia management and sustainability, and

their own areas. This is where members meet, make new contacts and

the topic of careers was not neglected either.

bump into old friends and supporters.

As part of the Career Hub, there was also a scavenger hunt (campaign

The organizer himself explains how it was possible for key industry

initiated by Oculus: „On the trail of knowledge“), in which invited master

players to pull together and, compared to previous years, to put their

students and students from universities and colleges of ophthalmic optics

own vanities aside, when he emphasizes that the discourse that took

visited exhibitor stands and tested their specialist knowledge.

place in the run-up to the event was crucial to its success.

A campaign that attracted a large audience, „Lens in focus“, which used iris photography to draw attention to the topic of contact lenses,

True to the „We are Opti“ motto. „The close cooperation and the de-

should also not go unmentioned here.

velopment of a joint concept with all trade fair stakeholders over the course of last year was crucial to the success. It's great to see how the Opti community loves its trade fair and believes in it – it was the sense of community that made this success possible!“ said Cathleen Kabashi, Exhibition Director of Opti.

Whether the Opti would have found its way back on track without this new approach after the inconsistencies and challenges of recent years, which in all fairness were not just home-grown, is something we will not and need not know. And that is a good thing.

The next Opti will take place in Munich from January 31 to February 2, 2025. However, Mido in Milan is just one week later, which is likely to be a challenge for many exhibitors and trade fair organizers in the coming year. But perhaps the

The Sustainability Award, which was presented for the first time at Opti 2024 and comes with prize money of € 5,000, attracted particular attention.

MAFO 2-24

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motto „competition stimulates business“ will also apply here - we will see in 2025. 

21

26.02.24 15:24

Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

What labs need to be successful in the future 8 points that constitute the power-lab of the next decade The economic trend in the ophthalmic industry is obvious: Due to demographic changes associated with rising demands and new markets, there is a continuing request for more. At the same time, labs are confronted with an immense cost pressure. Labs are trying to meet these demands for higher throughput and reduced costs per lens while striving for unique products. However, in the face of a shortage of people and rising costs, this is not easy. Labs’ spendings must be reasonable, and investments need to be future proof. But what constitutes a lab that will work for them in the future? Not just the implementation of automation and a continuous improvement of machines. A future lab requires smart solutions, artificial intelligence, and more. Simply put: a system that works for you. By Sandra Stry and Kim Kathrin Leidig

I

magine a power-lab, built on intelligent systems, that makes smart

integrated workflows made the whole production dependent on the

decisions on its own – an integrated system with the intellectual

expert’s constant action, observation and cutting out the errors.

power to work for you. What once was a vision, today sets the

Supervising the whole production process was hard, troubleshooting

benchmark for an ophthalmic lab 4.0. Intelligent machines and

often painful and time consuming. The overall processes: not as efficient

integrated solutions solve many problems of the past, when lab managers

as they could be. Needless to say, a lab manager’s workload was continually

and their teams still worked manually to keep the production running.

high, and it might have felt like always being behind, chasing the process.

Back then, all core elements like lab management systems and machines,

Fortunately, this has changed for the good. Integrated systems can now

production management and conveyor systems as well as quality inspec-

work for you and make the whole work shift easier to control. Once

tion were not integrated. Missing communication and insufficient

installed, a real future lab will streamline and simplify the lab managers’

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Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

life, and completely change his or her role in the lab towards more strategic decision taking. By boosting productiveness and efficiency of the overarching process, economic aims will become achievable. This future lab exists. So, what does it take to make smart lab management happen and benefit from this new production era?

1. Working smarter: Innovation for economic growth The first key aspect of a power-lab (editor's note: power-lab is a brand name of the Schneider company) remains high-end machines: To lower the production costs of each job, increased investment utilization is important, as well as reduced labor costs.

High-end machines tackle this need and can be seen as a vital investment to remain competitive today and in the future. “We understand that

Fig. 1: New technologies minimize non-productive times – e.g. HSE Modulo QS that is equipped with 4 work stations and performs multiple finishing steps simultaneously.

only best in class machinery will equip labs for rising demands and cost pressure by ensuring high throughput of lenses per hour, while saving resources,” says Stephan Huttenhuis, Vice President Technology at Schneider. “If you look at generating for example, the newest solution in the market achieves up to 50 percent higher throughput than previous generations – at the same footprint.”

This is important since smallest footprint becomes a major requirement because space is highly limited in many locations. Another example for improvements are the latest cleaning solutions with radically reduced equipment size that save precious production space. Many labs today also opt for centralized swarf management to save space.

Another opportunity to look for is time savings: smart machines that are more integrated and cover several steps in one, or run steps in parallel, improve lab productivity by saving precious time. In the best case, functionality even reduces the number of machines – which again

Fig. 2: System wide instead of individual optimization is the key for ­dramatically increased throughput, machine utilization and cost per lens.

saves space and money. This is possible with highly versatile blockers that can switch block rings or edging machines that work with four

This avoids inefficiencies between machines or processes, e.g. jobs

processing stations at the same time.

waiting to pass a production bottle neck, causing immense time delays

Huttenhuis: “Our new generations of machines are always designed

and ultimately production losses. “We observed very often that in many

to meet the major market needs; with the investment our customers

labs the machines worked nicely, and the process was good, but not

put in, they simply get more results – or save money.”

the overall workflow,” says Gunter Schneider, President at Schneider.

“That’s where we saw great potential: Tackling those inefficiencies

2. Holistic optimization: System wide

would definitely boost efficiency.”

Knowing that every second counts, to date machines have always been

One can say that this systematic approach was designed to leverage lab

optimized for speed. Faster. Faster. And once again faster. But can

work to a new level, leading to an overall balanced workflow and

simply improving the machines by their speed and performance be

workload. Today, it allows fluent processes e.g. from surfacing, to coating

enough progress?

to edging.

The company Schneider came to the crucial point that it requires more

New systems in the making will automate and integrate the coating

to cross the line of a new era; and instead of focusing on individual

process to streamline overall production. A potential alternative to

machines, they decided years ago to concentrate on more holistic and

batch coating, the current go to solution that causes a significant

systematic approaches: Their vision is to create a fully-automated

slowdown of the overall flow. “An integrated system accomplishes

lab – hands free with intelligent solutions.

smoother production and makes the most of all resources and capacities.

This strong vision has been realized with the Modulo system, which

The highest machine utilization possible means taking full advantage

combines machines, measurement systems, accessories, and conveyors

of what you have got. Still, maximizing productivity isn’t everything,

in one single, intelligently interlinked unit. The cognitive machines

instead we want to offer solutions that really help the people who work

manage the production flow fully self-sufficient.

with our system.” concludes Schneider.

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Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

3. Built-in intelligence and communication

troubleshooting can be streamlined and taken care of much faster. Lowest

The most modern systems are now equipped with top-notch intelligence.

harm for productivity equals lowest stress for the lab manager.

This helps a lab manager to become less dependent on having the right

Communication systems make sure that the overall workflow is clear and

people at the right time – one of the scarcest resources nowadays.

transparent at any time. Far beyond the processes within single machines,

This will be ensured through smart machines with cognitive features

a smart system always knows what is happening. To do so, every machine

utilizing the Internet Of Things (IOT) including sensors and software,

checks their jobs “in” before the process starts and checks them “out”

fluent communication between all core elements of the system and

when it is finished. The overarching systems scan all this data and condenses

throughout all processes as well as efficient and transparent data

it to become actionable information. It will process the data to support

analysis, reporting and visualization.

reasoned decision-making as it provides all relevant information at a

A smart machine knows its own condition at any time. Far beyond the

glance. No more time-consuming walks around the production hall

current process, it knows all the details e.g. the status, consumable

needed, just to check and see if things are running smoothly.

wear and lifetime, processing parameters etc. It knows every factor

All smart components combined realize the great vision to build a smart

that might have an impact on product quality, consumption of resources

organizing intelligent system, managing the production flow by itself, based

and ultimately lab performance. It will constantly report and can be

on smart algorithms. This supersedes an old, rigid system; with operators

benchmarked against goals.

telling machines what to do. The whole process changes from pre-planned

And most importantly, it will immediately provide information on critical

job routing to condition based, in-situ routing. Saying that, now the system

aspects. This helps the lab manager to intervene as quickly as possible to

works out the best flow by itself – better than any single person could.

tackle an occurring problem and prevent machine downtime. This way,

The result: No more bits and pieces, but a comprehensive network of machines exchanging information.

4. Utter transparency facilitates better decision making With all this data sourced, great new options come about. Future labs will want to make good use of this information giving rise to Management Execution Systems (MES), that provide lab managers with a transparency into their production as has never been seen before.

An MES like the Schneider Modulo Control Center is a key tool to help lab managers to supervise and control the production in real-time and handle all tasks and priorities. It provides insights into the overall lab performance 24/7.

“In fact, it serves all the key positions in the lab – lab manager, quality manager, line driver and service manager – with relevant information,” Fig. 3: Smart systems rely on built-in intelligence and communication to manage the production flow more efficiently than any pre-planned model..

says James Monaghan, Senior Director of Lab Operations at National Vision Inc. The MES seamlessly interacts with the intelligently interlinked machines, conveyors, and support systems to capture and analyze real-time data:

▶ Machine status ▶ Utilization factors like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) ▶ Quality/Breakage ▶ Tool lifetime ▶ Root cause analysis • Error recognition • Error prevention

▶ Statistical error analysis ▶ Routing options With this, the lab manager will receive a new role in the lab ‒ a much Fig. 4: Lab managers have all the information they need at their fingertips to make smart and strategic decisions with a modern MES system that monitors and controls the lab.

24

22_Future Lab.indd 24

more strategic one. He or she e.g. will be able to better determine when maintenance is due and how and when it is best carried out, decide about tools and lifetimes based on the operation results and assess

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!AZ.ind

Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

whether it is possible to take the next order or not – whole production shifts and ranges can be planned more thoroughly. Lab managers can even handle priority orders for their customers without hesitation.

On the digital management cockpit, the lab manager can keep track of all data to understand the current lab performance, the throughput of different machines, and how well the capacities of the machines were being used.

The operator can see – in real-time and well-structured– if there were any interruptions or failures that need to be controlled, adjusted or fixed. Data sourcing and advanced analysis provide deeper insights and feedback.

5. Trouble shooting at the next level Big data might be a buzzword that in some context overpromises advancement. However, the smart MES proves how data can really make a difference: Especially, the error recognition is a game changer for lab managers,

Fig. 5: Advanced modules like the cost tracking in Schneider’s Control Center allow for real-time cost control and production value offering unprecedented insights into financial aspects.

compared to how annoying troubleshooting used to be in the past. “Before the smart system, this equaled the

6. Self-Sustaining

work of detectives: sequentially tending from one error to the following,

When it comes to the organization of tasks, priorities and maintenance,

digging deeper to find its origin,” says Monaghan: Whereas the MES

a smart lab will help to establish new agile structures and adds remote

tackles the underlying big error straightaway. This prevents aftereffects,

solutions – easing daily business. Helpful tools like a Computerized

production losses and time-consuming analysis.

Maintenance Management System (CMMS), allows scheduling, the

Monaghan concludes: “In a nutshell: It delivers the shortcut to im-

procurement of parts and personnel planning.

mediately solving the problem at its roots, while the lab manager does

It provides a comprehensive picture of what needs to be done. It shares

not waste time on investigating and chasing one error after the other.

instruction manuals – video tutorials or PDF handbooks – or supports

Moreover, with trend recognition a MES system can initiate counter­

reactive maintenance to make sure that the user receives real time support

active measures before a severe problem arises.”

from the supplier. In interactive sessions, any specific questions or issues

Latest versions can even calculate the cost per lens – a valuable strategic

can be handled. Downtimes are being prevented with this software.

advantage for the economic and financial management.

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Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 6: A future-proof lab will increasingly rely on artificial intelligence solutions, e.g. fully-automated cosmetic inspection systems that reliable detect defects and assess overall quality.

Fig. 7: A high level of integration and smart communication is key to a holistic perspective that may boost overall lab performance and factors in every element of a lab’s daily business.

7. Modular system for continuous evolvement

labs to have the option to switch step by step, or let their dream-lab rise

Just like the bricks and stones of a Lego system, the modular Modulo

over time, following a systematic approach.“

system can be arranged easily in different ways, building a unique future lab. There is a standard arrangement, but with the easy extension

8. No future without sustainability

possibilities there are many possibilities and options that can be used

There is no denying – when it comes to climate protection things have

to arrange the lab exactly to the individual needs. It is possible to install

to change. Economic enterprises have huge potential to help form these

such a lab from zero or convert an existing lab. Important to mention

changings. As in any other producing sector, an ophthalmic power-lab

that it is conceived to be a lab that stays relevant in a given structure

has to reflect this need to save resources.

and can „grow“ and become better.

Modern state-of-the-art machinery can build the foundation for this value: Schneider shows efforts e.g. with innovative lens protection,

“As a very elaborated standardized system, with easy to install modular

where a small amount of UV-cured lacquer film protects the lens instead

options – that does not require widespread reconstructions – it is a

of conventional tapes and thus eliminates a high amount of plastic

highly flexible system that can be easily extended. A real high performing

waste. Also, the deboxer that supports recycling of lens boxes by separat-

power-lab is never a static condition, it means continuously optimizing

ing waste materials.

lab production for the future market, handling resources, and serving

More holistically, the implementation of a smart lab dramatically

the demands of the market,” Schneider says.

reduces breakage thanks to early error recognition. By preventing

New machines on the market, such as the automated deboxer or AI-based

breakage, resources for reproduction can be saved completely. In ad-

cosmetic inspection, can be added simply to the modular system. And

dition to waste reduction, also power consumption and resources such

if the lab-layout needs to change to meet higher production requirements,

as water in the washers are being minimized with every new generation

the modular loop allows rearrangement or the addition of the machines

of machines.

in any order.

A real power-lab continuously works towards that goal to have clean

Schneider summarizes: “Modulo can show its full potential as an in-

and resource saving production and low waste – for our future on

tegrated system – still, the machines also work individually. We wanted

this planet.

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The conclusion of a power-lab

communication as simple as possible evens the path for great achievements.

Many words to say what a future lab is since it has many faces. Most

No unneeded waste of energy – neither the energy of people who work

importantly, it is a smart and complex system that facilitates operating

there nor unnecessary energy of the machines in operation.

cycles and creates seamless workflows to improve lab work and serves

Digitization and remote services leverage lab management to a modern

the operators. An average lab can be run by one lab manager, who has

era with fast ability to react on new parameters and circumstances.

highest control over resource management, lab productivity and thus the

This changes labs in many more aspects than just higher cost-effec-

lab’s profitability.

tiveness. Lab managers can follow their own strategic vision to lead

A power-lab allows high productivity and reduces complexity where needed.

their lab to economic growth. The results: improved working conditions,

Fewer steps cause fewer errors, therefore creating machines, processes, and

best products, highest competitive advantages. ◆

Sandra Stry

Kim Kathrin Leidig

Sandra Stry holds a PhD study of physics from Heinrich-Heine

Kim Leidig has a master’s degree in literature & media studies. As

­Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany. She started her career as project

professional multimedia storyteller in a content marketing agency,

engineer at her alma mater and worked as head of R&D at Sacher

she made scientifical subjects more tangible for the public. As project

Lasertechnik, n-Sigma Microsystems and PHIcom before joining

manager and marketing consultant, she helped her customers in

Schneider in 2011 as senior project manager. Since 2019 she is the

developing unique strategies. In 2023, she joined Schneider as

head of project management at Schneider.

­marketing specialist and journalist.

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Adaptive smart glasses for future?

The innovation of liquid crystal technologies in spectacle lenses When your arm gets longer and longer after the age of 40 and the words in the newspaper seem to get smaller with every issue, it is time to take a look at the natural ageing process of the eye. With advancing age, changes in vision occur, particularly in the near vision range. Presbyopia affects everyone at some point and experts believe that more than one billion people worldwide have presbyopia and that the number will continue to rise in the future. Ground-breaking progress has been made in recent years, particularly in the field of spectacle lenses with liquid crystal lenses. The term smart glasses can be used for adaptive optics as well as for microcomputers integrated into spectacle frames, which can be used to communicate, take pictures or even navigate. This article, gives a brief insight into the developments of adaptive optics, the corresponding structure of liquid crystal lenses and the resulting benefits in practice. B y Lena Petzold

Presbyopia

objects can be recognized both close-up and in the intermediate range

But first the basics ‒ what is presbyopia? Presbyopia is a progressive

as well as at a distance. According to the latest findings, an alternative

loss of near vision. It is caused by the lens of the eye, which is part of

option is orthokeratology lenses, which can create a multifocal effect

the optical apparatus. Usually, the lens can change its curvature and

of the cornea when worn at night.

its refractive power due to its own elasticity, so that objects can be

Another group is (refractive) surgery, which includes intraocular

recognized sharply both at a distance and close up.

lenses, intracorneal rings or laser surgery. The disadvantage is that

Over the years, however, the natural ageing process of the eyes

precise centering is necessary during the operation, as the changes to

continues. In this context, the flexibility of the lens is reduced, and

the cornea are irreversible.

it becomes more rigid, which in turn leads to a reduced ability to

With the aim of reducing the disadvantages of previous correction

accommodate. Once this happens, a visual aid is required. However,

options, research is currently being carried out into drug therapy for

there are various types.

presbyopia using various eye drops.

But by far the best-known correction option for presbyopia are reading

Options of visual aids

glasses, which are available on the market in single vision, multifocal

Contact lenses are one option for correction. In addition to single vision

and progressive versions. The disadvantages of these spectacles are

and multifocal variants, these are also available as monovision so that

reduced visual acuity in the intermediate and very near ranges. In

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addition, very precise centering of the spectacles in relation to the

thermal effect or electrical voltage. The functional principle of liquid

optical axis of the eye is necessary. Progressive lenses in particular can

crystal lenses can be roughly divided into two different principles - the

lead to a severe limitation of the field of vision, while this can occur

two-phase lens and the single-phase lens. What both variations have

with reading glasses due to the spectacle frame.

in common is that there is liquid in the center of the lenses.

In this context, various companies are researching the development of liquid crystal lenses in order to minimize or eliminate the disadvantages

Two-phase (lyotropic) liquid crystals

through innovative lens designs. At least two companies already have

The first principle is based on two-phase (lyotropic) liquid crystals.

such glasses on the market and others are working on them.

Two immiscible liquid media, such as oil and water, are placed in a chamber. The liquids should have the same density, but different

History of liquid crystal lenses

­refractive indices and reactions to electrical impulses.

The liquid crystal was first described in 1888 by the Austrian botanist

The chamber can be created by a cavity within a spectacle lens. At rest,

Friedrich Reinitzer. He observed that cholesterol benzonate melted at

the two media are balanced next to each other. When an external

a heat of 145.5 °C (≈ 294 °F), but in a cloudy composition. If the tem-

stimulus (e.g. electrical voltage) is applied to the surface of the chamber,

perature was increased by 30°C (≈ 86 °F), its appearance changed

the electrical field within the chamber is modified. This changes the

abruptly to a clear melt. He thus recognized that the cholesterol

contact angle between the two media and the orientation of the liquid

­benzonate molecules in the cloudy phase had a certain arrangement

crystal molecules.

that was responsible for the light-scattering properties.

This results in a change in the curvature of both media in the chamber,

100 years later, C. W. Fowler and E. S. Pateras reported on the use of

which in turn leads to a change in the focal length of the lens. This

liquid crystals in spectacle lenses to change the refractive power of the

method can be modified by a deformable membrane so that liquids

corrective lens. Liquid crystals have undergone remarkable development,

that are miscible can be used.

particularly in recent years, for example in the (smartphone) camera and spectacle glass industries.

Single-phase (thermotropic) liquid lenses

In the early 2000s, a team led by American scientist Tom Krupenkin

The opposite principle involves single-phase (thermotropic) liquid

developed one of the first liquid lenses. Internationally, these are known

lenses. The structure of these lenses is based on liquid crystals, which

as liquid crystal lenses (LCL). Liquid crystals represent the mesophase

are enclosed in a thin layer between two transparent electrodes.

of a material in which the properties of both liquids and solids (crystals)

By applying an electrical voltage, the molecules can be aligned in a

are at work. For this reason, the state of order of these substances is

defined manner, thereby changing the refractive properties and thus

often referred to as a fourth state of aggregation.

also the focal length of the lens.

Beginning in 2009, the company PixelOptics became well-known in the industry as many trade journals reported on it. In 2011 the company

eProgressives by Morrow Eyewear

launched the product emPower! ‒ the first electronic focusing prescription

The Belgian company Morrow Eyewear describes its liquid crystal

eyewear. The patented technology was developed by PixelOptics and

lenses as “eProgressives”. This development won the 2023 Silmo

Panasonic Healthcare. However, the company filed for bankruptcy in

d'Or award in the field of vision. In 2023, the Silmo d'Or honored

2013 and the patents were later bought up by Mitsui Chemicals [1].

creative and innovative developments by companies in ten different categories with two additional jury prizes for the 30th time. The

In February 2024 Zeiss Vision Care announced the successful acquisition

categories deal with lens designs, frame designs adapted for children

of a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) portfolio, including a suite

or sporting activities and examination devices for measuring the

of patents, from Mitsui Chemicals. This strategic move should solidify

eyes.

Zeiss commitment to advancing technology in the eyeglass lens industry

The Belgian manufacturer's lens design is described as “proprietary

and further opens new opportunities for the development of electro-active

lens-in-foil technology”. The lens consists of electrically variable liquid

lenses and spectacle frames. In 2022 Zeiss Ventures has invested already

crystals, which in turn are based on Fresnel lenses. The refractive power

in Morrow, a high-tech start-up from Belgium developing autofocal

of the polarization independent lens is changed by applying a low

glasses (find out more about Morrow on the following sections).

power electric filed.

The eProgressives should be seen as an alternative to multifocal optics,

Adaptive lenses today

which impair their wearers due to insufficient visual ranges. Morrow's

Research to date has laid the foundation for today's goal of fast, uncomplicated

development was supported by imec, a Belgian research center for

and customized adaptation of visual acuity to environmental conditions

nano- and microelectronics, and the Belgian-Japanese lens manufacturer

without the occurrence of aberrations or the need to change glasses.

Tokai Optecs.

Adaptive lenses are spectacle lenses that can change their focal length

With the glasses' press-bottom control, a brief touch on the temple

under the influence of an external stimulus such as a magnetic field,

changes the focus setting of the lenses. Using the liquid crystal-based

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Furthermore, both the contrast and the precision of the lenses are increased by reducing aberrations. The area of the lens design for near vision extends to the center of the prescription lens. In the upper area, objects in the distance or in the intermediate range can still be recognized at the same time.

The effective range of the lenses is between -6.0 and +4.0 diopters with a maximum addition of +4.0 diopters. Astigmatism is also corrected in the prescription lens.

The average autonomy of the glasses is around two days, depending on the use of the different modes. In continuous OFF mode, the glasses' battery lasts for up to two weeks; in continuous ON mode, it only lasts for eight hours. The battery is fully recharged within 30 minutes. But Fig. 1: Progressive smart glasses by Morrow feature a user-friendly interface with simple touch-button control.

what happens if the battery is completely empty and no charging option is available? Then the system automatically goes into fail-safe mode, while the glasses are fully functional in OFF mode, according to the

lens an optical boost of 1.0 diopter is added to the passive progressive

manufacturer, as the optical boost is deactivated.

and meets the final prescription of the user.

The lenses have an anti-reflective coating and a hard coating. They also

32°N by DeepOptics

feature a CE certification and an IP68 water protection rating. IP68

A further development of liquid crystal lenses can be traced back to

certification means that the device is both dust- and waterproof. In

the Israeli start-up DeepOptics, which launched the 32°N liquid crystal

this context, waterproof means protection against continuous immersion

sunglasses with variable focus on the market in 2021 in cooperation

in water up to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for a maximum of 30

with Fielmann. In this context, the investment company Fielmann

minutes. However, the company primarily emphasizes resistance to

Ventures has acquired a 10 per cent stake in the start-up.

rain.

Deep Optics CEO Yariv Haddad emphasises the “advantages of the

The lens technology is divided into two setting options. In the OFF

joint development of the glasses”, as his company's employees contribute

state, a clear field of vision is provided in the distance and intermediate

in-depth technological know-how and product development expertise,

zones. This provides additional comfort for everyday activities such

while Fielmann contributes its far-reaching understanding of customer

as driving and shopping. So far, so familiar.

needs with ophthalmic expertise.

Improved vision in the intermediate range is a result of the elimination

The first innovation from the collaboration is a pair of sunglasses that

of the restricted focal channel in conventional progressive lenses or

can be converted into reading glasses at the touch of a button on the

the lack of sharp transitions between focal planes in bifocal lens designs.

temple. The 32°N glasses achieve dynamic focus via pixelated liquid

In this context, objects can be recognized in the intermediate area in the lower part of the lens - but almost across the entire width of the lens.

Another advantage of these lenses is the improved depth perception.

The well-known multifocal effect should be reduced by the lenses, as there are no demarcated areas of vision. In this context, there is also no need to search for the correct head position to recognize writing at the desired distance.

Moreover, reduced peripheral distortion of the special lens design is a great benefit compared to regular progressive lenses. This means that sharper images can also be achieved in the peripheral areas of the lens, resulting in a larger field of vision.

The ON state of the eProgressive lenses changes the focal point of the lenses from distance to near - within 0.6 seconds. The wide reading range of around 24 mm and the associated limitation of the aberration zone results in a high level of reading comfort and a lower risk of aberrations occurring. As a result, the eyes and the brain have to process fewer different image impressions, which in turn reduces susceptibility to dizziness.

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Fig. 2: The DeepOptics 32°N sunglass model is already on the market in the USA. Source: DeepOptics

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Fig. 3: Angle change of the microlenses in the spectacle lens for focussing on an object at different distances.

crystal lenses. Millions of pixels form the so-called liquid crystal layer.

As shown in figure 3 the liquid crystals for scene mode (distance) are

The orientation of the crystals in the layer can be varied, depending

all parallel to each other, without any tilting of the individual lenses.

on the distance at which a sharp image is to be generated.

The more the crystals are tilted in this case, the more the incident light

However, this alignment does not happen by itself, but by applying a

is refracted, so that the focal point moves closer to the lens. This shows

voltage. The voltage in turn is triggered by the wipe change or pressing

that the setting for reading mode includes both parallel lenses and

a button on the temple. This results in either a diffusing or focusing

lenses rotated by 90 degrees.

effect with regard to the optical power of the lenses. Based on the

The inter-pupillary distance (IPD) is also measured for these glasses

setting variants, a distinction can be made between “scene mode”,

to ensure an exact fit. The closer the object to the eyes, the lower the

which was developed for seeing at a distance, and “reading mode” for

IPD. In addition, the distance between the centers of the active lenses

close-up work, such as reading a menu.

is also checked.

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Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 4: (l) The lens can be tried out in a trial-frame to test the vision comfort provided by the autofocus lenses. (r) This is how the first glasses of Laclarée should look like in the future. Source: Laclarée

According to the manufacturer, the magnification range of the lens

of adaptive lenses. Laclarée develops autofocus eyeglasses. Presbyopic

can be individually varied between 0 and 2.5x. The lenses also have an

people will be able to retrieve a fluid, natural and always acute vision. This

anti-scratch coating, UV protection and polarization filters. The total

project combines knowledge and experience from the fields of physics,

weight of the sunglasses is said to be around 45 grams.

materials technology, optics (vision science) and business administration.

The aim of the start-up is to adjust the dioptric effect and control the

The first prototype was created after just two years of research.

glasses via an app that can be operated using a mobile phone. This

Based on this, 2019 the company received a seed funding in the total

should be available in both the Google Play Store and the App Store.

amount of 2 million euros to continue development. Two of the most

The plan so far is to offer a paid subscription in the app.

active seed capital investors, Kreaxi from France and High-Tech

The innovation was first presented at the Consumer Electronics Show

Gründerfonds (HTGF) from Germany, are involved in this funding.

(CES) in Las Vegas in 2022. In the same year, this development received

The first trials of the development were carried out on around 40

the “Best Innovation in Style” award from “Time Magazine”. On the

presbyopic subjects with the CHU St-Etienne (Dr Trone, Pr Gain, Dr

official website of the Israeli company, the glasses are available in the

Thuret, France) to check the relevance of the design. According to the

colors black, caramel, brown and a transparent version, in which the

company, the feedback was very good. Ophthalmic retailers, ophthal-

technology behind the glasses can be seen, for around 849 dollars.

mologists and experts from the optical industry also had the opportunity

32°N glasses are currently only available in the US. The glasses will be

to test the lenses for functionality. Once again, all those involved agreed

showcased at Vision Expo East in New York.

that the lenses should be used. But how do these spectacle lenses work?

On the one side, they differ from the designs from Israel. The lenses from

Laclarée

the French start-up consist of four different layers. The two outer, clear

The third company in this group is the French start-up Laclarée, launched

layers represent a regular unifocal lens design. These contain the dioptric

in 2016 by founder Bruno Berge, who started the technological development

correction values and have additional layers, such as a hard layer.

a) Plano configuration

b) Curved configuration

Add = +0D

Add > +0D

Add0 = +0D

Add1 = Add0

Add2 = Add1

Rest position

Pumping out

Pumping in

Rest position

Pumping out

Fig. 5: Lens adjustment modes for a) the flat mode and b) the curved mode.

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Advertisement

The two middle layers form a central doublet lens, which has a diameter of around 20 millimeters. These layers in turn comprise two liquids with different refractive indices. Both are separated from each other by a deformable membrane. The introduction of additional liquid leads to a change in the curvature of the lenses, allowing the focal length of the lenses to be varied. The higher the volume in the high-index layer, the more positive the effect (Jarosz et al., 2019).

The liquids of both layers can be pumped into or out of the center of the lens via two microfluidic actuators with a low power of a few mW. In addition to the opto-fluidic actuator, the glasses are completed by 2 ToF laser sensors on each side of the eyeglass pair. These sensors are evaluating the distance to the object being viewed. The result is then used to derive the required volume of the two liquids inside the lens.

The prototype takes around 1 second to change focus between the different distances. According to the company, all components of the glasses are compatible with a wide range of spectacle frames, meaning that the glasses can be customized to the wearer's individual needs. A detailed description of the lens prototypes can be found in the publication by Jarosz et al. from 2019 [2].

The product should be launched on the market by the end of 2025, at small scale with the seed funding. However, the company is still working on raising funds to accelerate the scale-up, with the goal of supplying to optical retailers in industrial quantities. The latest release of the company is a trial-frame for opticians. Their

Cutting of AR Waveguides

customers will be able to test the vision comfort provided by the autofocus lenses, and then sell the pairs. The final product will get commercialized in 2025.

There are currently several further companies researching and developing liquid crystal lens technology. The topic is also expanding to include intraocular- and contact lenses [3]. Whether certain existing designs will prevail or completely new developments will dominate the market remains to be seen in the future. So far, there is great potential around the topic presbyopia, paving the way for a wide range of innovations. ◆

References: [1] https://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/newly-formed-mitsui-subsidiary-to-revivepixeloptics-electronic-eyewear-1, current from 14.02.2024 [2] Jarosz J, Molliex N, Chenon G, Berge B. Adaptive Eyeglasses for Presbyopia Correction: An Original Variable-Focus Technology. Opt Express 2019;27:10533-52.

[3] Syed IM, Kaur S, Milton HE, et al. Novel Switching Mode in a Vertically Aligned Liquid Crystal Contact Lens. Opt Express 2015;23:9911-6.

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Contact us: Lena Petzold

+49 371 40043-222 sales@3d-micromac.com

Lena Petzold began her bachelor's degree in optometry at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena, graduating in October 2021 and immediately continuing with her master's degree. In 2024, she also completed her second degree: the Master of Science in Optometry, Ophthalmotechnology & Vision Science.

In 2022, she had the opportunity to present her bachelor thesis at the American Academy of Optometry. On the side, she has also been working at JenVis Research since 2021.

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Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

AR and MR devices as the next computing platform The current state of manufacturing technology Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR) have been on everyone's lips for some time. The first devices that came onto the market with AR or MR functions were mainly used in the industrial segment. Applications here were in online training, e-learning, and VR-supported maintenance ‒ but sales are still low due to the devices' bulky shape, heavyweight, and limited Field Of View (FOV). However, the next generation of devices is on the way. Those shall allow interaction between people and the digital universe – eyeglass-like with an integrated mini-computer. The strategic goal: AR and MR devices as the next computing platform. The expectations for the devices are high. Analysts compare the upcoming changes with those of the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007. By Mandy Gebhardt and Matthias Nestler

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The display - the core of each AR device Among the most significant technological challenges associated with AR is the optical design of the device. To allow users to see the natural world and the virtual image in parallel, displays are integrated into the eyeglasses. The so-called optical combiner, which combines the real-world image with the virtual image generated by the 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, especially their form.

Waveguide technology offers a potential solution: Flat substrates, made of optical grade glass, guide the image parallel to the waveguide's surface while simultaneously allowing light to pass through perpendicular to the waveguide's surface.

Thus, many performance-defining parameters depend on the waveguide material and its specifications, such as refractive index, specific density, transmittance, homogeneity, flatness, warpage, etc.

To fabricate lightweight near-eye displays, AR devices use optical waveguides with diffraction gratings to guide light from a display by Total Internal Reflection (TIR) into the human eye's view.

Figure 1 shows a scheme of the optical gratings used as light couplers.

The small input grating diffracts the light coming from a light engine (or projector) into the eyeglass, acting as a waveguide.

The light is diffracted in the viewer's direction at the out-coupler grating.

For uniform illumination of those out-coupling gratings, the structure depth increases with the traveled light distance in the waveguide, also named “leaky gratings.”

Different approaches exist for the design of coupling gratings. One

T

type is the so-called Surface Relief Grating (SRG). Within this group, the gratings are classified into blazed gratings, binary gratings, analog here is no question that it is not just technology companies

gratings, and slanted surface relief gratings. Slanted gratings suppress

and specialty glass manufacturers dealing with the issue.

higher diffraction orders and thus maximize the light yield. Variation

Leading eye optics experts are investing in researching

of the slant angle is desirable to achieve a high FOV, but a certain

and developing new intelligent glass products that mix

challenge. In the following, the fabrication process of slanted SRGs

AR with ophthalmic functionalities. Integrating Virtual Reality (VR)

will be shown.

and metaverse technologies sets a clear signal for the future: It is possible cessing certain information, understanding another language, or being

Manufacturing of slanted surface relief gratings as a crucial component of the waveguide

guided from A to B by a virtual navigation system.

Ion beam etching technologies are ideally suited for precise surface

The simultaneous correction of ametropia opens up further exciting

processing. All ion beam techniques are applied in a vacuum environment.

possibilities for many people to improve or recover the ability to see.

The ion beam process combines physical and chemical etching.

to interact with the environment via AR, such as quickly and easily ac-

However, before the successful market launch of AR devices, there are still a few hurdles to overcome. These arise from the technical challenges of AR/MR, the current state of manufacturing technology, and the increasing importance of the economic aspects.

Since AR and MR devices shall be produced in billions of units, the supply chain will be driven by cost efficiency. The threshold for market acceptance can only be overcome if the end product's price is affordable and attractive to the consumers. To achieve this, stable and cost-effective manufacturing processes with a high level of automation are required to guarantee a long service life and high reliability of the components.

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Fig. 1: Scheme of an optical grating that is used for coupling the light from the source into the waveguide glass and out of it towards the eye.

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Introducing reactive gases into the etching process makes it possible to control the selectivity of different surface materials and enhances the etch rate. The substrate can be tilted to etch slant angles as flat as 60 degrees (Fig. 2). On top of the substrate material is a chromium mask, wh ich def i nes t he g rat i ng ­structures (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2: Ion beam etching of gratings under different angles of incidence. Fig. 3: Scheme of an etched quartz grating.

Crucial parameters for the RIBE process are the selectivity between mask and substrate and

Physical etching uses the kinetic energy of fast inert ions bombarding

the geometry control of both the side wall and bottom angles. Using

the surface to sputter, releasing atoms from the target surface. That

different etching gases can control the degree of anisotropic etching

process is working on all materials facing the ion beam. Chemical

behavior, which finally defines the resulting geometry of the gratings

etching utilizes a chemical reaction between the reactive ions and the

(Fig. 4). Reactive gases can be introduced into the ion beam source.

target surface. The reaction products must, therefore, be volatile.

The ability to independently control ion energy and ion current is

The ion beam scans over the device surface. By varying the scan velocity,

additionally used to adjust slant geometry and selectivity.

thus the dwell time, and the angle of incidence, the material removal

Another advantage of the RIBE process for manufacturing surface

can be adjusted precisely at each substrate location to achieve a perfect

relief gratings is that a wide FOV is needed for the final AR product.

etching structure with superior homogeneity. It is possible to create

The critical angle for total internal reflection limits the shallowest angle

many different geometries in a large spectrum of processable materials,

under which light may travel within the waveguide. The critical angle

including glass, SiO2, SiC, TiO2, etc.

is smaller for high refractive index materials, and the FOV is bigger.

Furthermore, ion beam processing is a contactless process that does

That is why high-refractive materials with refractive indices >2 will

not create any mechanical stress on the surface of the substrate, thus

not be etched with standard gases like those used for quartz etching

avoiding sub-surface damage. That makes ion beam processing the

but with adapted mixtures and recipes.

method of choice for low damage, high precision, and high uniformity

These unique capabilities to control gas mixture, ion energy and ion

for optical engineering.

current, substrate angle, and even substrate temperature make RIBE

Different ion beam technologies are used to produce slanted surface

the preferred technology for etching slanted relief gratings.

gratings depending on whether a constant or varying angle is required.

Reactive ion beam etching for processing SRGs with a constant slant angle and etching depth

Reactive Ion Beam Trimming (RIBT) for ­processing SRGs with varying slant angle and etching depth

In the first step, a resin mask or pattern on a glass substrate is created

Variation of the slant angle is desirable yet somewhat challenging to

by photolithography. The mask will be used to structure an intermediate

achieve a high FOV. Ion Beam Trimming (IBT), a well-established

metal mask or the glass directly.

technique in the semiconductor industry to locally modify a given

A full substrate processing by Reactive Ion Beam Etching (RIBE) is ideally

substrate's thickness to achieve a desired target topography, is ideally

suited to create surface relief gratings with constant slant angles.

suited to create surface relief gratings with varying slant angles and

Fig. 4: REM pictures of slanted relief gratings with a high aspect ratio, etched with an angle of incidence of 40° and different process recipies..

Fig. 5: REM pictures of slanted relief gratings with a small aspect ratio, etched with an angle of incidence of 20°(left) and 40°(right).

36

34_AR Sciasystems.indd 36

MAFO 2-24

27.02.24 11:57

Smart Technologies TECHNOLOGY

by RIBE technology. Afterwards, the master stamp is pressed into a polymer spin-coated substrate to replicate the pattern.

However, polymers do not offer high-refractive indices as glass material can do, which has a disadvantage regarding the FOV of the final device. scia Systems offers industrial-approved solutions to meet customers' demand for high-quality waveguide or master stamp patterning.

The systems are used for coating, etching, and cleaning processes with nanometer resolution and have been successfully implemented in various high-tech industries worldwide, including microelectronics, MEMS, and precision optics industries. ◆

Fig. 6: scia Trim 200 – Ion beam trimming system for the production of slanted gratings on 200 mm wafers.

etch depths. IBT uses a focused broad beam of positively charged ions to etch material locally off the glass substrate by ion bombardment.

An ideal-shaped ion beam ensures a sufficient lateral resolution and a high throughput. The ion beam moves in a meander-shaped pattern across the substrate surface during trimming. It is possible to adjust the material removal precisely by altering the local dwell time.

Mandy Gebhardt

Reactive Ion Beam Trimming (RIBT) has been adapted to fabricate

Mandy Gebhardt holds a diploma degree in Economic Computer Science

surface relief gratings with varying slant angle and trench depth. The

from the University of Cooperative Education Glauchau. Since 2000, she

optically transparent substrate is covered with a hard mask providing

worked in marketing and public relations in various high-tech companies,

the basic grating geometry such as period and duty cycle. Then, localized ion beam etching is applied to etch the trenches.

Varying the ion irradiation dose using dwell time variations sets the trench depth locally. The angle of incidence of the ion beam directly transfers into the substrate as the slant angle. It can be varied inde-

and since 2010, as Team Leader of Marketing/PR. In October 2023, Mandy joined scia Systems as the Head of Marketing. scia Systems offers industrial-approved solutions for high-quality waveguide or master stamp patterning. The systems are used for coating, etching, and cleaning processes with nanometer resolution and have been successfully implemented in various high-tech industries worldwide.

pendently of the dwell time, providing the unique possibility of achieving a continuous variation of the slant angle across one die.

To avoid redeposition of the sputtered trench material to the grating side walls, additional reactive gases are added to the ion beam source. The plasma activation of the reactive gases leads to a chemical and physical etching of the substrate material, which helps to increase throughput, material selectivity, and trench angles of patterned surfaces.

The choice of the process parameters, e.g. process gas composition and ion energy, allows for tuning the selectivity between the hard mask and optical material such that high aspect ratio trenches are possible

Matthias Nestler

while keeping the hard mask thin. That avoids the shadowing of neighboring structural features.

Matthias Nestler holds a diploma degree in Physical Engineering from the West-Saxonian University of Applied Sciences Zwickau.

Direct structuring of waveguides vs. structuring of master stamps The slanted gratings can either be etched directly into the waveguide or into a master stamp (mold) that is used to produce the AR/MR display via nanoimprint lithography (NIL). For NIL, a master stamp is structured

MAFO 2-24

34_AR Sciasystems.indd 37

After graduating in 2000, he worked as a project manager in a company specializing in ion beam and plasma process technologies. In 2004, Matthias took the product manager position in this technology field.

After founding in 2013, he joined scia Systems as Director of Products and Technologies. Since then, he has been responsible for all product and process development activities.

37

27.02.24 11:57

Risk management – strategic and structured Smart investment in a crucial business competence In a rapidly changing world, risk management is playing an increasingly important role. The skillful handling of unforeseeable dangers has long since gone from being a nice-to-have to a have-to-have. Identifying risks of a strategic business – legal or financial nature – at an early stage, determines whether control mechanisms take effect in good time and whether negative developments can be steered in a positive direction.

By Russell Kenrick and Sidra Sammi

38

38_RisikoManagement.indd 38

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27.02.24 12:02

BUSINESS

W

e live in a VUCA world. The term was coined back

When it comes to measures, it is important to check which ones are

in 1990, following the collapse of the Soviet Union

planned, can be implemented on time or whether the measures taken

and a new world order in which the environment

have already contributed to minimizing risk.

had to be completely reassessed. VUCA was in-

tended to bring clarity and stands for:

The elementary hazards in the company The pandemic has taught us that everything can change from one

V = Volatility

day to the next. Nevertheless, this only has a limited impact on the

U = Uncertainty

topic. Legislation has long prescribed risk management in many

C = Complexity

areas. In addition to the obligation, however, there are companies

A = Ambiguity

that have shifted their focus on the topic as a result of their experiences with the pandemic. The shock is deep-seated and they want to be better

Today, more than 30 years later, these terms describe our modern (working)

prepared for possible future events of this kind.

world better than ever. For example, if we know where uncertainties exist,

Irrespective of this global problem, there are of course also smaller

we have the opportunity to consider what we can do about them in advance.

regional or industry-related incidents, including personal strokes of

And that brings us to the subject of risk management.

fate, which can be handled more easily and better with strategic risk management.

Attempt at a definition

Let us take a look at possible examples of corporate risks: The German

Risk management refers to the systematic recording and assessment

Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), for example, has listed

of risks to business operations. But that is by no means everything! It

47 elementary threats for IT companies. The individual risk areas are

is not enough to record and evaluate risks, because that would only

presented in a document, together with recommendations on how to

represent the current situation. Hence the second important point:

deal with them.

risk management helps companies to identify operational, legal and procedural risks and mitigate them through preventive measures.

In principle, risks can be divided into different areas. In the case of

But perhaps a risk can also be something positive, because it draws

external risks that affect the environment (laws, spatial conditions,

our attention to the fact that we can improve or increase something

etc.), we have little influence. We have to accept events as they happen

under certain conditions – provided the risk management process

and when they happen. Of course, we can prepare for laws in good

works.

time, for example, but we cannot prevent them.

Good risk management requires a systematic approach. The ­ISO 31000 :2018

In the case of internal risks, we normally have more influence on the

standard, for example, sets out guidelines that describe how to deal with

probability of occurrence and, above all, on what and when we can do

risks in an organization. The application of these guidelines can be

something about them.

adapted to each company in its specific environment. It always starts planning or are we at the operational level? The latter would be, for

Risk assessment = probability of occurrence + damage (+ time factor)

example, a power outage that means a company can no longer

Once we as a company have collected all the risks, classified them and

produce.

described the causes and effects, we can move on to risk assessment.

The first important step in risk assessment is risk identification, followed

Two criteria are relevant here: firstly, the probability of occurrence and

by risk analysis (describing causes and effects) and finally risk evaluation.

secondly, the extent of damage.

In addition to databases that incorporate empirical values from other

Finally, we have a third point that is sometimes neglected because it

companies, also internal risk identification workshops – in which creative

is not necessarily relevant for the assessment, but conversely is very

techniques such as brainstorming/writing are used to find out what

important for the planning of measures: the proximity of occurrence,

could happen – are particularly helpful for risk identification. Once we

i.e. the time factor.

have identified and classified the risks, we have to decide what dangers

How we plan measures ultimately depends on whether we expect a

they pose for our company.

risk to occur next week or a year from now. For the evaluation, however,

This assessment gradually results in clear criteria for certain risks, including

we first stick to the combination of probability of occurrence and

possible strategies and specific measures. At the same time, risk identifica-

impact, which figure 1 (page 40) demonstrates wonderfully. Based on

tion makes it possible to classify which risks we still have or permanently

this, a risk matrix can be created/the risk value can be calculated.

have, which have been newly added or have possibly even disappeared.

When dealing with and handling risks, it always makes sense to consider

Monitoring and reviewing risks always means making comparisons: is

how we as a company can use our strengths to avoid dangers or seize

the assessment from last week or last month still correct? Or have certain

opportunities. If, on the other hand, weaknesses meet risks, this is

parameters changed, which also changes the assessment?

usually far more challenging for companies.

with the question: are we more concerned with projects or strategic

MAFO 2-24

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39

27.02.24 12:02

Existencethreatening

BUSINESS

High

Medium

Very high

Considerable

Medium

Limited

Effects/amount of damage

Transfer

Risk reduction: To lower the probability of the risk occurring or to reduce the scope (the damage) if the risk occurs.

Avoidance

Medium

Low

Low

High

Very high

High

Medium

Acceptance Negligible

Very high

Risk avoidance: Avoiding risks completely. The hazard can no longer take effect.

Risk transfer: Not to bear the risk itself, but to transfer it to a participant Risk acceptance: Do nothing! At least for the moment. Take a look at the risks from time to time!

Reduction

Low

Low

Low

Low

Rare

Medium

Frequently

Very often

Frequency of occurrence Fig.1: Risk matrix

Four strategies emerge from the created risk matrix. Risk avoidance

injury. A preventative measure would be to minimize the likelihood

is about avoiding the risk completely, if possible. Risk reduction is

of slipping by waiting at the top of the stairs until they are dry.

about lowering the probability of the risk occurring or reducing the scope (of the loss). In risk transfer, we do not bear the risk ourselves,

Risk management is a very comprehensive topic and accordingly has

but transfer it to a third party (example: factoring). The last option is

a broad field of possible assessments and treatments of hazards in the

risk acceptance, in which we – precisely – do nothing! At least for the

company. The more experts you ask, the more opinions there are. A

moment.

strategic and structured approach is always important in risk manage-

Of course, it is also worth taking a look at the risks from time to time.

ment. This requires awareness and well-trained employees.

We can then derive measures from these strategies – concrete activities

If companies strengthen their risk management expertise, the investment

that are planned and can be preventive or corrective. One example: If

usually pays for itself more quickly than expected. Human error or

I know that the stairs in the stairwell have been wiped, they are slippery

machine failure, the VUCA world or many small everyday hazards – all

and I could slip and fall, I could place a mattress at the foot of the stairs

of these can be mastered. With identify, assess, measure, unforeseeable

as a corrective measure and fall on it, thus minimizing the risk of

risks are now a thing of the past! 

Russell Kenrick

Sidra Sammi

Russell Kenrick, CEO of TSG Training and ILX Group, has worked in

Sidra Sammi is responsible for business development DACH at ILX

L&D for 15 years. His passion lies in the areas of personal development,

Group. Her strength lies in identifying specific challenges in organizations

data-driven decision making and learning technology, which are playing

and presenting tailor-made solutions. In her previous role as Territory

an increasingly important role in the transformation of organizations

Manager for the European markets at Axelos, she acted as a single

and workplaces. In addition to business growth, he is responsible for

point of contact for organizations using best practice methodologies

the training portfolio and career development of ILX employees.

such as PRINCE2, ITIL and PRINCE2 Agile.

40

38_RisikoManagement.indd 40

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27.02.24 12:02

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

VISIT THE NEW WEBSITE YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE 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 2

27.02.24 12:08

MARKET SURVEYS

Coburn Technologies www.coburntechnologies.com

MEI System www.meisystem.com

Industrial Edging

Technical data

Application

Application field Lens materials Lens diameter minimum [mm] Lens diameter maximum [mm]

4Racer TBA Swift

Bisphera TBA Phoenix

Small and medium size labs

Medium sized labs, mass production labs

Small labs, medium sized labs mass production labs

CR39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, Tribrid, High Index 18,5 90 8

Productivity [Ø lenses per hour]

26

up to 200

up to 160

661 x 711 x 661 26 x 28 x 26

With automatic loading 1400 x 2555 x 2380 / 55.1 x 100.6 x 93.7

With automatic loading 1900 x 2400 x 2350(h) / 81 x 107 x 93(h)

Dimensions [w x d x h] (mm / inch) (Machine without conveyor)

Grinding Milling Dry edging Automatic lens loading/ unloading Fully automated On-the-block Blockless

55 / 120 x / / / / x /

Drilling Grooving Polishing

Features

Bevelling options

/ x x Bevelled, grooved, and flat-edge

V-Bevel angle Hybrid finishing (e.g. groove on bevel) Design finishing Engraving

/ / / /

Lens inspection (E.g. Shapes detection, power, axis ….)

/

Automatic laser engravings detection

/

Special features

Further information

With automatic loading 1500 / 3307 / x x x x / x Total Quality Control, Final Inspection 4QC, 4 working & 4 inspection stations, Glide Meter, Silver Polishing, Automatic Calibration, Double Drive system

Special features - machine

Info

CR39, Hi-Index, Polycarbonate, CR39, Hi-Index, Polycarbonate, Trivex, Tribrid Trivex, Tribrid 20 20 85 85 Standard: up to 09 – Special: up to Standard: up to 09 – Special: up to 16 (possible limitations based on real 16 (possible limitations based on front radius, thickness , shape and real front radius, thickness , shape decentration. ) and decentration. )

Maximum base curve [dpt]

Weight [kg / lbs]

Process

Perfecto Lens Edger

Wit

/ x x x x / x Process 4 lenses at the same time, Total Quality Control, 2 Independent Edging stations with 2 spindle each, high versatility with the tool changing system, automatic calibration, Double Drive system, Ionizers to help the scraps evacuation

42_SurveysEdging.indd 42

Ma

x x x x x x Step bevelling / T-bevelling/ Bevelling according to a specific curve / Safety bevel 115° standard (100° optional) Partial bevelling / double grooving / partial step back x x / o Power & axis inspection, Polarization, Gradient, Blank Cut-Out Auto Correction Progressives, single vision FF, Edge Process Engravings Remote access, data supervision, Remote access, data supervision, productivity analysis, calibration productivity analysis, temperature free design to save time when ­stabilizer, central thickness verification changing components

Advanced 3D digital technology, automatic polishing of beveled, grooved, and flat-edged lenses, automatic front and rear safety beveling, four grinding wheels for multiple lens materials.

x = yes; / = no; o = option

42

Stan

MAFO 2-24

22.02.24 13:15

Pow

MARKET SURVEYS

MEI System www.meisystem.com

MEI 641 TBA

bs

EzFit TBA

ime, ndndle tool caliIonation

ve /

to

ion, ion en

EasyFit Trend

Small labs, medium sized labs, mass production labs

te,

p to on ape

Nidek www.nidek.com

Small and medium-sized labs

CR39, Hi-Index, Polycarbonate, Trivex, Tribrid 18 90

20 90

SE-9090 Supra

20 90

Standard: up to 09 – Special: up to 16 (possible limitations based on real front radius, thickness, shape and decentration)

CR39, Polycarbonat, Trivex, Tribrid, High Index Plastic, Acrylic Resin 18 100 10

up to 58

up to 50

up to 55

CR-39, High Index Plastic: 44 Polycarbonat, Trivex, Tribrid, Acrylic Resin: 22

With automatic loading 1665 x 1405 x 2020 / 65.5 x 55.3 x 79.5

With automatic loading 987 x 1484 x 2208 / 38.8 x 58.4 x 86.9

With manual loading 770 x 1000 x 1775(h) / 31 x 39 x 70(h)

600 x 517 x 611

With automatic loading 975 / 2150

With automatic loading 650 / 1433

With manual loading 450 / 992

118 / 260

/ x x x x / x

/ x x x x / x

/ x x Fully automated with EasyBuddy accessory / x

x / / o o / /

Manage two jobs per time, quality control, automatic calibration, Double Drive system

x x x

x x x

Automatic calibration, Double Drive system, Immediate lens placement with the integrated lensometer, load right and left lenses at once and wait for the complete process, Total Quality Control x x x

Compact automation system with optional robot unit

o x x

Step bevelling / T-bevelling / Bevelling according to a specific curve/ Safety bevel

Step bevelling, Safety bevelling

115° standard (100° optional) Partial bevelling / double grooving / partial step back x x x o o o Power & axis inspection, Shapes and Power & axis inspection, Polarization, Gradient, Blank Cut-Out Auto Correction holes detection, Gradient, Blank CutOut Auto Correction Progressives, single vision FF, Edge Process Engravings

110° / o /

Remote access, data supervision, productivity analysis

o /

Remote access, data supervision, High quality polish and polish safety user-friendly interface, active carbon bevelling filter Faster grinding with dual spindle system.

No need for a large capacity air compressor and vacuum unit

MAFO 2-24

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43

22.02.24 13:15

MARKET SURVEYS

Nidek

Schneider

www.nidek.com

www.schneider-om.com

Technical data

Application

Industrial Edging

SE-9090 Supra L

HSE Modulo

HSE Modulo QS

Application field

Small and medium-sized labs

Medium sized labs

Medium sized labs, mass production

Lens materials

Mineral, CR39, Polycarbonat, Trivex, Tribrid, High Index Plastic, Acrylic Resin

Lens diameter minimum [mm]

18

24

24

Lens diameter maximum [mm]

100

100

100

Maximum base curve [dpt]

10

up to 120

up to 220

600 x 517 x 611

2055 x 1610 x 2110

1650 x 2950 x 2225

118 / 260

1650 / 3638

2750 / 6063

Grinding

x

/

/

Milling

/

x

x

Dry edging

/

x

x

Automatic lens loading/ unloading

o

x

x

Fully automated

o

x

x

On-the-block

/

o

/

Blockless

/

o

x

Productivity [Ø lenses per hour] Dimensions [w x d x h] (mm / inch) (Machine without conveyor)

Process

Special features - machine

Compact automation system with 2 independent edging stations. High- 4 independent processing stations optional robot unit est flexibility for complex shapes for highest throughput

Drilling

o

x

x

Grooving

o

x

x

Polishing

x

x

x

Bevelling options

Features

up to 16

CR-39, High Index Plastic: 44 Polycarbonat, Trivex, Tribrid, Acrylic Resin: 22 Mineral: 20

Weight [kg / lbs]

Info

CR39, Polycarbonat, Trivex, Tribrid, High Index, Acrylic

Safety bevelling

Vertical and inclined bevels (w or w/o polish) groove, rimless (w or w/o polish) safety bevel, t-bevel, step back, design cuts, combinations of bevel types

V-Bevel angle

110°

100° - 120°

100° - 120°

Hybrid finishing (e.g. groove on bevel)

/

x

x

Design finishing

o

x

x

Engraving

/

/

/

Lens inspection (E.g. Shapes detection, power, axis ….)

Built-in quality control - Rx power, axis, prism, polar axis, cutout check, power map (full lens inspection)

o

Automatic laser engravings detection

/

x

x

Special features

Possible to grind mineral lens (Dependend on wheel type)

Full lens inspection incl. power map; modulo system integrable; control center ready

Full lens inspection incl. power map; post edging check; modulo system integrable; control center ready

Further information

Faster grinding with dual spindle system.

No need for a large capacity air compressor and vacuum unit

x = yes; / = no; o = option

44

42_SurveysEdging.indd 44

MAFO 2-24

22.02.24 13:15

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

MAFO 2-24

45_SG.indd 45

www.optimal-technologies.com

45

26.02.24 16:03

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

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Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging Lens Quality Control Automation Process Control Services & Solutions 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

46

45_SG.indd 46

26.07.16 14:56 BELGIUM - THAILAND - USA - LATIN AMERICA

www.ar.be

MAFO 2-24

26.02.24 16:03

Suppliers Guide Machinery - lens edging & industrial edging

Surfacing and finishing consumables YOUR ULTRA PRECISION Diamond Tools Manufacturer

Combination of dynamic ideas and stable performance provides superb Lens Edging

> Excellent service and quick turnaround > Compliant with any generator

kydiamond.ca

www.nidek.com info@nidek.co.jp

sales @ kydiamond.ca

Software Your lens design and innovation experts IOT exists to empower independent labs and ECPs to create the best lenses in the world.

Media TECHNOLOGY AT IT’S BEST – FOR OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

The Lab Management System Company LensWare International GmbH Robert-Bosch-Str. 32 63225 Langen - Germany

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

HOME OF YOUR BUSINESS

Phone : +49 6103 / 372 87 87 Email : info@lensware.de Web : www.lensware.de

E L P M

SG_Eyepress.indd 1

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.

!AZ.indd 3

18.04.23 09:35

Contact: constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com

Surfacing and finishing consumables

GENERATING POLISHING EDGING !AZ.indd 6

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

MAFO 2-24

45_SG.indd 47

Find out more: mafo-optics.com 47

26.02.24 16:03

CLOSING WORDS

Carla Moncunill Cabré A sports enthusiast with technical know-how Carla Moncunill Cabré is Group Sales Responsible at Coburn Technologies for the south Europe area. She is based in Montserrat a region near Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain. Carla is a commercial responsible with a deep technical expertise, as she was graduated in mechanical engineering and she has a master in industrial plants direction and lean manufacturing. Both degrees are from the Polytechnic university of Barcelona (UPC). Previously to her current position she worked as quality manager in the automotive industry and in the project management in architectural projects involving metal meshes.

But the 32-years-old is also a very passionate mountaineer and sports enthusiast with a love for running, skiing, climbing, and cycling. Furthermore, the all-round talent loves reading novels and traveling around the world.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?

What is the best thing about your job?

If I could change one thing in the world, it would be to foster greater

from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and contributing to the

environmental consciousness and action to preserve our planet's natural

­advancement of optical technology.

The best thing about my job is the opportunity to connect with people

beauty and resources for future generations.

In your opinion, which movie/book should everyone have seen/read?

When was the last time you were fed up with your job?

I can't recall a specific instance of being fed up with my job recently.

In my opinion, everyone should experience the profound storytelling and

Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning,

thought-provoking themes of “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. It's a captivat-

which keeps me motivated and engaged.

ing exploration of self-discovery and the allure of the wilderness.

What does a new customer mean to you?

Which celebrity – past or present – would you most like to meet personally, and why?

A new customer represents a new relation, an exciting opportunity to grow and learn together.

Marie Curie. Her contributions to science have had a profound impact on our understanding of the natural world. Meeting her would offer a unique

What has annoyed you today?

opportunity to gain insights into her scientific discoveries and the challenges

The typical telephone answering machine where a robot speaks and

she faced as a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field.

then they play the music while you are waiting. I hate them!

What is your favorite place in the world?

In your opinion: which thing is completely overrated?

I think the earth is a very beautiful place to choose just one place! But for

The relentless pursuit of material possessions.

me, Montserrat is my daily place of tranquillity, special and magic.

What was the last event that deeply moved you?

What was the most significant innovation of the last fifty years?

The death of a loved one.

Internet of course! Revolutionizing communication, access to ­information, and virtually every aspect of modern life.

Which profession did your parents have in mind for you?

My parents have always told me: “Whatever you do, do it with passion.

What would you do differently in your next life?

If you don't live something, you won't be able to do it well.”

Play an instrument. And I would choose the piano. 

If you didn´t do your current job, what else would you do?

Maybe I would likely pursue a career in environmental conservation or helping others.

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OUTLOOK

Closing with good news!

Contact lens detects changes in intraocular pressure Scientists from United Kingdom and Turkey have developed a contact lens that can detect changes in intraocular pressure and can therefore provide an indication of whether there is a risk of glaucoma. Around 70 million people worldwide are affected by glaucoma, which can lead to irreversible loss of vision if left untreated ‒ and unfortunately around half of those affected are unaware of it.

The new contact lenses contain microsensors that monitor changes in intraocular pressure over a period of several hours. The data collected can be transmitted wirelessly so that it can be analyzed and diagnosed by an ophthalmologist.

The research was conducted by Prof. Hamdi Torun from Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Prof. Günhan Dündar and Prof. Arda D. Yalcinkaya from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey. The results of the first pilot study with six participants were published in the British Contact Lens Association journal “Contact Lens and Anterior Eye”.

Now that the scientists have established that the technology works successfully, they are planning a further study with a larger group of participants. The lenses will then be made commercially available through their spin-off company GlakoLens.

Special topics in MAFO 2024 Preview MAFO 03/2024

MAFO 2-24

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MAFO 01

MAFO 03

MAFO 05

Future Lab

Lab Management

Go Digital!

Smart Technologies

Go Green!

Markets Worldwide

MAFO 02

MAFO 04

MAFO 06

The special topic of the upcoming issue is ­ “Lab ­Management”.

You will learn more about leadership skills, ­working conditions but also about current debates like the status on the subject of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated chemicals).

Further topics of this issue are the design of myopia management lenses, tested in Europe, data and the market survey Generators.

49

26.02.24 15:37

Missed an issue?

No problem, view the latest issues online: app.mafo-optics.com ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 20

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

6/2023 ▶ Special topic: Go Digital!

Digitalization and the Internet of Things

Lens production going digital

Additive manufactured optical coatings

TRULY SMART LENS GENERATING

▶ Special topic: Sustainable Processes

▶ Market Survey Lens printing Laser engraving systems Unboxing any kind of box

▶ MAFO live on site SLUGFest 2023 — first-hand information and visions for the future Leica Eyecare — back to its roots

▶ 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.

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.

Cleaning machinery

Highest level of lens personalization thanks to “big data” and recent scientific findings

Environmentally friendly

DBX m dulo

▶ Market Survey

“There is no waste at all‒, only raw materials!”

One drop and you regain the vision of a 20-year-old?

Silmo Paris 2023

▶ Spotlight

AI and machine learning algorithms

Thickness and weight of ophthalmic lenses

A breath of future at VEW 2023

Mido 2024: “We feel responsible to make culture!”

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.

SCHNEIDER‘s 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 separated and collected individually to simplify recycling and further increase sustainability.

DBX Modulo ONE follows SCHNEIDER‘s vision to provide the full solution for ophthalmic labs, from warehousing all the way to inline coating and beyond.

▶ Special topic: Data Handling & Security

A broad vision of sustainability

Anti-reflex coating and process control

▶ Live on site

Smart Glasses: a visit to the open house at Bühler ▶ Interview

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

Environmentally friendly

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.

01_Titel.indd 1

www.schneider-om.com

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The dedicated Control Center (MES) informs at a glance about the current status of the machine, production parameters, and efficiency.

DBX Modulo ONE follows SCHNEIDERs vision to provide the full solution for ophthalmic labs, from warehousing all the way to inline coating and beyond.

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.

Ophthalmic lens production fully-automated and entirely hands-free.

03.11.23 09:12

01_Titel.indd 1

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

www.schneider-om.com

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.

All waste material is separated and collected individually to simplify recycling and further increase sustainability.

satisloh.com

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.

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

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.

SEE IT LIVE AT MIDO // 03. – 05. February 2024 // Hall 6 // Booth T32 Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

4

processes

M dulo Center

DBX m dulo

Contact us for more details on VFT-orbit-2i!

Ophthalmic lens production fully-automated and entirely hands-free.

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

ALL-IN-

4/2023

▶ Technology

Overcoming the gas age

▶ Live on site

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY We help you to stay in contact

THE NATURAL WAY OF DEBOXING

5/2023

▶ Technology

Prismatic lenses for visually impaired people

Ray-Ban Meta glasses: What can they do, and what not?

Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

Chat GPT and other AI´s -‒ a new language for the industry

▶ Technology

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

THE NATURAL WAY OF DEBOXING

1/2024 ▶ Special topic: Future Lab

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19

06.09.2023 11:14:36 08.09.23 12:49

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02.06.2022 14:51:27 07.07.23 15:15

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. 20, valid from January 01, 2024 Publication schedule 6 issues 2024: 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.28: Finde Zukunft, P.34: dragonstock, P.38: Tröbi, P.49: jd-photodesign, zinkevych /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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