Optical Lab Products May 2017

OPTICAL L AB P R O D UC T S PRODUCTS AND IDEAS FOR THE LABORATORY PROFESSIONAL

MAY 2017 OpticalLabProducts.com

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MAY 2017 CONTENTS

Contents OPINIONS 02 Rollins on Marketing 03 In the Lab 04 One-to-One with Steve Schneider, VP, Aftermarket, Satisloh North America

FEATURES 08 Easy on the Environment?

10 Alloy Alternatives 12 Poised for Growth: MEI Opens New Factory RUNDOWN 14 Lab News 15 New for the Lab

The Key to Customer Service

BY JIM GROOTEGOED I’m on a crusade to encourage the

Don’t try to win the war and lose

You should ask yourselves “Why

the battle.

do my customers continue to do

3. Be a great listener. We tend

business with me?” Where you

to listen to issues or problems

differentiate yourself is in how

with: “But let me...” response

you approach and provide

formulating in our heads. If

customer service. I suggest you

we’re thinking about a reply, we

find out why they do business

can’t understand the complaint.

with you by asking them. Here

Listening skills may be the single

are some pointers to consider:

most important aspect of

1. Embrace that you work for

EDITORIAL STAFF

2. Be willing to apologize.

promotion of customer service.

relationships.

your customers: The customer is

There are so many consider-

the real boss. It is because of them

ations that are important to real

We developed a report to identify profitable customers as well as those abusing good business practices.

VP, EDITORIAL • John Sailer • JS@VisionCareProducts.com PROFESSIONAL EDITOR • Jim Grootegoed • JG@VisionCareProducts.com

that you have a business. Cus-

customer service. Why not

VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN • Jane Kaplan • JK@VisionCareProducts.com

tomer service folks are human,

assemble your key people in a

ASSISTANT EDITOR • Cara Aidone Huzinec • CH@VisionCareProducts.com

and loyal, and occasionally make

room with a recorder and ask

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR • Bruce Kenselaar • BK@VisionCareProducts.com

a decision in the company’s favor

them this: “Take yourselves away

(denying a return for whatever

from our business and think of

reason). Our most successful

yourselves as normal consumers.

branch manager had a rule: to

Tell us what you recall as really

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT • Shawn Mery • SM@VisionCareProducts.com

always decide in the customer’s

good customer service experienc-

DIRECTOR OF SALES • Janet Cunningham • JC@VisionCareProducts.com

favor at the time of a complaint.

es and really bad. Please use

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING • Debby Corriveau • DC@VisionCareProducts.com

If you have a concern or ques-

stories you’ve heard as well.”

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS • Sharon O’Hanlon • SO@VisionCareProducts.com

tion, take it to your supervisor for

PRODUCTION AND WEB MANAGER • Anthony Floreno • AF@VisionCareProducts.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER • Eric Rollins • EricRollins@Comcast.net

BUSINESS STAFF PRESIDENT/CEO • Frank Giammanco • FG@VisionCareProducts.com

guidance on how to handle it or

company needs to address. And,

for them to follow up. That said,

I’m guessing you’ll hear many

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK https://www.Facebook.com/OpticalLabProducts

it’s perfectly honorable to fire a

more negative responses than good

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @OLP_Magazine

customer. When I worked at

ones. That alone is a lesson.

Walman, we developed a report

FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN https://www.LinkedIn.com/Company/Optical-Lab-Products Throughout this magazine, trademark names are used. Instead of placing a trademark or registration symbol at every occurrence, we are using the names editorially only with no intention of infringement of the trademark.

(your LMS system can help) to identify profitable customers as well as those abusing good business practices. Define your expectations.

OpticalLabProducts.com

May OLP.indd 1

These are the issues your

Jim Grootegoed is professional editor of OLP. March 2017 1

4/25/17 4:55 PM

OPINIONS ROLLINS ON MARKETING

Environmental Can Be Half Mental

BY ERIC ROLLINS

W

e’re living in the days when most citizens are being more

the optical precision of the lenses.

There are also a number of negatives with alloy. The most

environmentally friendly. We’re

obvious one is that the lead can es-

more conscious of the natural

cape into the environment. Spills

world that surrounds us, and we

of alloy, alloy adhering to blocks

want our children and grandchil-

which are then handled by lab em-

dren to inherit a world where the

ployees, and traces of lead making

air and water are clean and our

it into the water waste are just a

surroundings are not toxic.

few of the potential issues. The

On the other hand, we are also

problem with lead getting into our

living in the days where some-

environment is that it remains an

times people (and especially the

exposure risk for a long time.

government) want to take things

The most serious risk is to

too far. A clear example of this is

our employees who work with

a few years ago, the EPA looked

the substances in our labs every

There are now better ways to protect our employees than ever before with new products and systems that reduce exposure to contaminants. to ban lead in glass prescription

day. There are now better ways

lenses. While lead in the environ-

to protect our employees than

ment is a serious concern (all of

ever before with new products

us have heard of Flint, Michigan’s

and systems that reduce exposure

water problems), sometimes the

to contaminants. Take a look at

EPA goes a little overboard. In

this month’s issue to check out

the case of lenses, they would be

some of the options that not only

safe to place in your mouth and

protect your environment and

suck on all day long because the

employees…but might also save

lead is sealed in the glass.

you some money.

We’ve used lead in our manufacturing processes for decades with alloy blocking. Alloy has much to commend it; it gives our lenses very solid support during surfacing, so the lenses tend to be more resistant to flexing, which can cause waves and defects in 2 May 2017

May OLP.indd 2

Eric Rollins is a veteran of the optical retail, frame and lab industries. His firm, Rollins Consulting, LLC, consults with the three Os to improve profitability. Email him at EricRollins@Comcast.net.

OpticalLabProducts.com

4/25/17 4:55 PM

IN THE LAB OPINIONS

Green Must Be Green

BY JOHN SAILER

W

hile covering the

Satisloh’s ART-deblocker, part of

Italy, mentions the fact that the

footage to accommodate that

various processing

its technology that eliminates the

building is powered by solar

equipment.” More square footage

techniques optical

use of alloy when blocking,

panels on its roof. Assuredly, there

equals greater expense.

“Separating by water jet eliminates

will come a day when the

labs are implementing in order to be more environmentally conscious it became clear after

Still, Bowers summed up how going green should be a part of

When you start being green you’re actually saving cash.

every labs’ decisions when attempt-

owners and managers that unless

the shock of manual deblocking,

company will have realized the

bottom line when he concluded

there is a financial benefit to any

reducing spoilage and labor cost,”

return on investment of the cost of

that “when you start being green

particular eco-friendly practice

one article in this issue states.

those panels.

you’re actually saving cash.”

then it is unlikely to be instituted.

Coburn’s OnyxBond, when used

In order to go green (environ-

with the E2G Blocker, “reduces

costs more, some are reluctant to

mentally considerate) then

lens breakage,” thereby also saving

do so. Walman Optical’s Chris

specific practices must also be

money.

Bowers said, “Alloy-free technolo-

speaking with a number of lab

green (financially beneficial).

For example, when labs use

OpticalLabProducts.com

May OLP.indd 3

This month’s profile of MEI’s new headquarters in Bergamo,

ing to generate more green for their

Alternatively, when going green

gy takes up more space, so we would definitely need more square

John Sailer is VP, editorial of First Vision Media Group.

JS@VisionCareProducts.com.

May 2017 3

4/25/17 4:55 PM

OPINIONS ONE-T0-ONE

OLP interviews Steve Schneider, vice president, aftermarket, Satisloh North America.

How does Satisloh’s aftermarket consultants team work?

They cover many

of their standard jobs tradi-

ity is to travel throughout their

different aspects.

tionally because they invested

region to visit primarily Satisloh

After machines have

in conventional equipment

customers, but we also have

been installed and production has

that continues to work. It’s

customers that have invested in

started, what comes next? If, for

definitely an educational point

multiple companies’ equipment

example, a customer is changing

to train the labs to fully

and that we consult with.

from traditional to digital

transition into digital surfac-

surfacing, the lab needs time to

ing. Plus, even with digital

and really see how things flow. A

adjust and learn a new process.

processing, labs can still

lab manager’s goal is usually

The goal of the Satisloh aftermar-

experience many of the same

moving the work quickly

issues: an off power lens, or an

through, and they don’t have the

aberration, or a coating pit.

chance to step back and look at

These are challenges that need

where potential bottlenecks are

process, everything is completed

to be addressed no matter if

or to look into where they’re

to the customer’s satisfaction and

you’re doing traditional or if

having a problem.

ket consultant is first and foremost to make sure that the equipment, the installation, the

STEVE SCHNEIDER is vice president, aftermarket, Satisloh North America.

they understand how it works

OLP: You mentioned going

and how to maintain it.

from traditional to digital. Is

Then we look at productivity.

that still happening a lot?

Is the machine providing what

you’re doing digital surfacing.

A key role is to observe the lab

Our aftermarket consultants will come in and determine

OLP: Does the aftermarket

where the lab is running

consultants team usually

effectively and efficiently but

the customer anticipated, from

STEVE: Oh sure, especially in the

get involved when the lab

then also look for areas of

the quality of the lens to the

North American market. When

has a problem and asks for

opportunity. The goal is to help

throughput of the machine?

you look at this industry on a

assistance, or do they work

improve quality or throughput

Obviously, no matter the process,

global basis, the U.S. market is by

proactively with the lab to

based on changes in the process

the goal is always to turn the raw

far the largest. Digital surfacing,

prevent problems from

or in the flow of the lab.

blanks into a pair of high quality

the new way of creating the lens,

happening?

ophthalmic lenses ready to be

has only been around for about

dispensed to a patient.

10 to 12 years. The majority of

STEVE: We’re definitely

the laboratories have transitioned

proactive. For 2017, we’ve split

only focus on their equipment

into some type of digital, but

North America into four

investment but also on their

there’s still a lot of production

quadrants, northeastern,

entire process. And we educate

being done conventionally with a

southeastern, northwest and

them on the support programs

fining pad and a polish pad. It’s

southwest, and we have an

that we offer to maintain their

probably a 60/40 split, about 60%

individual aftermarket consul-

machines and ensure maximum

digital and 40% traditional.

tant located within each of

We want the customer to not

productivity.

4 May 2017

May OLP.indd 4

Many labs still run quite a bit

The team, including myself, has about 120 years of combined

those regions. Their responsibilOpticalLabProducts.com

4/25/17 4:55 PM

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OPINIONS ONE-T0-ONE

per surface. So, if they buy a

on, most likely we’re going to

start to see poly lenses coming

diamond tool for their genera-

speed up the machine. But

out hazy or with surface scratch-

customer is having a challenge, they

tor, how many cuts do they get

sometimes customers change

es, most likely it’s the polish.

either contact our team directly or

out of it before it has to be

things on their own and create a

That’s what led Satisloh to

through our main office.

replaced or re-sharpened, and

problem. In these cases we might

start working on the chemistry

what did they pay?

have to bring the machine back

of polish, not only the liquid

to its original settings.

portion but also the particulate,

experience in the industry.

If there’s a situation where a

In today’s world, we can do a lot over the phone, at least to get

If they pay $500 and get 5,000

an understanding of the problem,

cuts, the cost per surface is 10

define the challenge, and see how

cents. But if they pay $1,000 and

OLP: What specific problems

shapes and unique hardnesses

long it has been happening.

get 15,000 cuts, the cost is now 7

have labs encountered that

that work much more effectively

the solids, and to develop unique

cents per surface. The cheapest

the aftermarket team

with substrates like polycarbon-

some recommendations that

tool is not always the most cost

corrected?

ate, Trivex and other materials.

could get them going in the right

effective one. All costs, including

direction. If it’s a critical

broken lenses and additional labor

STEVE: Take polishing for

OLP: So what was the result?

scenario, we travel to the lab and

need to be taken into consider-

instance. Polishing seems to be

spend a few days to study in

ation to really understand the final

one of the forgotten areas. We

STEVE: Digi-Pro Digital Polish

depth what the challenge is and

cost per surface. We help our

put polish into a tank and the

was released at Vision Expo

where it came from.

customers to do just that.

digital machine continues to

West. We’ve been implementing

We try to give our customers

the new polish in labs for the last

We look for the root cause to

A lab manager’s goal is usually moving the work quickly through, and they don’t have the chance to step back and look at where potential bottlenecks are.

six months. Our customer base

OLP: You mentioned diag-

push lenses through. We don’t

This means less labor. And you

nosing over the phone. Do

see the problems until we get to

can finish more lenses per gallon

OLP: What specific challeng-

you use any other remote

final inspection.

which translates into a lower cost

es are you seeing?

diagnostic tools?

STEVE: One key challenge is with

STEVE: We can investigate

chemistry. Customers were

generating and proper diamond

various issues by logging into the

trying to push the number of

ables and the process are just as

tooling. Laboratories look at

machine. Today’s machines have

lenses they could get through

important as the piece of

every expense, and cost per

macros and different speeds and

one tank of polish higher before

equipment itself. If you have a

surface has become a major focal

feeds that can be adjusted. If we

completing a polish change. But

half million dollar piece of

point. Everybody is defining

suspect macros and settings to

when you run as much polycar-

equipment, but you don’t have

their process based on the cost

be the root cause of a problem,

bonate as we do in the U.S., this

the right diamond or coolant or

we can log into the machine to

depletes the capabilities of the

calibration, you’re still going to

review the macros. For a lot of

polish much quicker when

make bad lenses.

those machines we have backup

compared to running just

files that we can look at to

CR-39. The poly material,

OLP: What other consum-

compare current settings to the

because it’s sticky, encapsulates

ables does Satisloh provide?

way the machine was set up

the particulate within the polish

originally.

and it gets to a point where it

STEVE: Satisloh offers consum-

starts to scratch.

ables for every process, from

the problem and avoid putting a band-aid on issues just to get by.

We want to go all the way back to the root cause, understand it and correct it to prevent the problem from happening again.

This is something that drove us to developing the new polish

If the customer is running a substrate that we can go faster 6 May 2017

May OLP.indd 6

In the world of digital, if you

has been asking for a longer life polish. Instead of changing their tank out every four weeks, they want to change out every six.

per surface. Digi-Pro accomplishes this for our customers.

With Satisloh, the consum-

blocking to finishing to AR. OpticalLabProducts.com

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TECHNOLOGY ECO-FRIENDLY LAB

Easy on the Environment?

Being an eco-friendly lab may be less daunting than it seems.

BLOCKING AND DEBLOCKING

mid-2000s and in the last

Cherry said the cleaning process

couple of years has taken steps

espite the potential for

prior to anti-reflective coating

to remove low temperature

manager at Walman Optical,

increased environmental

requires a large amount of

alloy that contains cadmium

said most of Walman’s plants

regulations, some in the

water, and while he said water

and lead. In its Fayetteville, AR,

are sized for the equipment

lab industry say adopting more

consumption isn’t a big concern

lab, Walmart removed all alloy

currently used.

sustainable practices isn’t only

in Wisconsin, it is in other parts

and converted to Satisloh’s

about removing alloy and

of the country like California

ART (Alloy-Replacement

up more space so we would

recycling swarf. It’s the little

and the Southwest. Cherry

Technology) blocking system, a

definitely need more square

things that can add up to big

Optical, Inc. uses Cad-Con 1000

process that required an entire

footage to accommodate that

returns.

from Practical Systems, Inc. for

equipment change that took 16

equipment,” he said.

alloy reclamation as well as

months to complete.

different requirements and

Schneider Optical Machine’s

At its Crawfords-

regulations, and I think a lot of

DBA Modulo and TSA Modulo

ville, IN, lab,

BY CARA AIDONE HUZINEC

D

“Each area of the country has

cost and waste,” he said.

Chris Bowers, operations

“Alloy-free technology takes

Cherry Optical, Inc. separates swarf during the production process.

Walmart converted

“It’s the right thing to do and we can’t wait until environmental legislation. When you start being green you’re actually saving cash.”

—Chris Bowers, Walman Optical

from low temperature to high temperature alloy that melts at 138°⁰F and doesn’t contain any lead or cadmium.

what we’re seeing in our

automated deblocking and

industry is coming from

detaping systems, which Cherry

commitment to our

California,” said Adam Cherry,

said keeps the deblocking

customers,” he said.

president of Green Bay,

enclosed so “it’s much cleaner,

“They want to buy

WI-based Cherry Optical, Inc.

and the handling of it is a lot

from businesses that

“There’s not a ton we can do,

easier.” Cherry Optical, Inc.

care about the way

but being conscious of what we

also recently purchased the LRS

items are made and

do with water and utilizing

- Lead Removal System from

shipped and sold.”

filters to get rid of contaminants

Universal Photonics.

[is one thing].”

Cherry said that because alloy

May OLP.indd 8

Yet there’s no non-alloy equip-

can be used over and over

ment at FEA

again, “there’s an environmen-

Industries, said Bill

tal advantage to that.”

Heffner, director of

Scott Pickering, senior

8 May 2017

“Sustainability is a

IT, marketing and

director of optical manufactur-

sales, because “we

ing at Walmart Optical, said

would be swapping

Walmart first began investigat-

alloy for plastic, so

ing more environmentally

at that point you

friendly practices in the

end up with more OpticalLabProducts.com

4/25/17 4:56 PM

ECO-FRIENDLY LAB TECHNOLOGY

SUSTAINABLE LENS OPTIONS Two biofriendly choices available for labs are Mitsui Chemical’s DoGreen monomer and OKIA Optical’s Bio Lens.

All of Mitsui’s 1.74 monomer is made with DoGreen, a USDA-certified, plant-based material that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 14%, according to the company.

“Any lens caster selling lenses from our monomer are DoGreen, some just do not promote this.

This would mean that essentially half of all 1.74 lenses sold in the world are DoGreen,” according to the company.

OKIA’s 100% biodegradable sample Bio Lens, introduced at MIDO, can be broken down into carbon dioxide and water within 120 days.

Peoria, IL, lab in 2007, it

people want to

designed a waste evacuation

recycle,” he

system with a closed loop that

said, adding,

pumps swarf to a separate room.

“It’s hard to be

Paul Ponder, senior Rx director

environmen-

of manufacturing, said liquids

tally conscious

enter a remote pump that goes

in the lab.”

up to and across the ceiling.

Solids are rejected and fluids go

OTHER

into a micro-separator that

INITIATIVES

filters microscopic contaminants

At both Cherry

so fluids can be reused. Solid

Optical, Inc.

waste enters a briquetter where

and Walmart,

it’s compressed and shipped to

converting

different recyclers.

lighting to

Ponder also said Maui Jim

LED bulbs has

recycles all lens and frame waste

saved money

generated from its repairs and

and increased energy efficiency.

cals, Inc. and utilizes dry edging

returns departments.

Pickering said Walmart also

systems to cut down on edging

added motion sensors in areas

filings going through sewer

are recycled,” he said. “We

where associates work, ensuring

treatments.

wanted to be responsible, and we

lights aren’t always on.

“All products in the building

OKIA Optical’s Bio Lens is a 100% biodegradable sample lens.

built this lab as a showcase.

“It [being environmentally

to be a good corporate citizen,”

There are 500 people in this

conscious] doesn’t always need

Bowers said. “It’s the right thing

building with many different

to be about getting rid of

to do and we can’t wait until

departments, and it generates a

alloy,” Cherry said. “Replacing

environmental legislation. When

lot of cardboard and paper

lighting and making sure

you start being green you’re

products.”

heating and cooling systems

actually saving cash.”

Pickering declined to be specific, but he did say that

are modern and efficient are other ways.”

RECYCLING / SUSTAINABILITY

Walmart is currently testing

Last year California added

swarf recycling initiatives. “The

efficiency lighting is always

bisphenol A (BpA),―a compo-

communities that we operate in

installed whenever a lab is

nent of polycarbonate swarf,―to

are proud of the things we do,”

renovated and when equipment

its list of carcinogenic materials

he said. “We’re a great provider

needs new motors, they are

in Proposition 65, requiring

of jobs, and we need to be a good

replaced with high-efficiency

warning labels on goods that

neighbor and take care of our

ones that emit less heat and use

contain it and putting pressure

resources.”

less energy. Walman also uses

on labs to efficiently and safely recycle the toxic shavings.

When Maui Jim built its

“I don’t need to be legislated

But the problem with swarf,

At Walman, Bowers said high

Cara Aidone Huzinec is assistant editor of Optical Lab Products.

the DoGreen lens, a plant-based,

said Heffner, is “no one wants it.

biodegradable, high-index 1.74

We don’t have pure material that

lens material by Mitsui Chemi-

WHERE TO FIND IT: Mitsui Chemicals America 914.253.0777 • MistuiOptical.com • R.Rogers@MitsuiChem.com. • OKIA Optical Co., Ltd. +852 2371 3889 • Okia. com • HD@Okia.com Practical Systems, Inc. 800.237.8154 • LooktoPSI.com • Info@LooktoPSI.com • Satisloh North America, Inc. 800.866.5640 • Satisloh.com • Info.USA@Satisloh.com • Schneider Optical Machines 972.247.4000 • Schneider-om.com • Info-USA@Schneider-om.com • Universal Photonics 800.645.7173 • UniversalPhotonics.com OpticalLabProducts.com

May OLP.indd 9

May 2017 9

4/25/17 4:56 PM

TECHNOLOGY ALLOY-FREE BLOCKING

ALLOY ALTERNATIVES Dispensing with the use of alloy when blocking lenses or eliminating blocking altogether is one step toward a more environmentally friendly optical lab.

BY JAIMEE PALKOVICZ

Replacement Technology) uses a

is measured and bonded to the

adhesive and lens using a water

W

universal, reusable organic

plastic block-piece with an

jet and then dries both sides of

hen people think of

block-piece and UV-curable

optimized dosage of adhesive

the lens, leaving it ready for

optical labs and the

adhesive, rather than alloy and

using Satisloh’s patented spatial

inspection. After separation and

optical industry in

tape. Using this combination of

blocking technique. This

cleaning, block-pieces are sorted

general, they probably don’t

organic materials eliminates

technique is what enables ART

by curvature and diameter for

associate the business with

hazardous substances such as

to block prism using a non-alloy

efficient reuse. Separating by

being environmentally friendly.

heavy metals, preventing their

blocking system.

water jet eliminates the shock of

But, with advances in technolo-

discharge into the water cycle

gy, many companies now have

and helping to protect the

with a matching, automated

equipment that requires no

environment.

deblocking system, the ART-de-

blocking or promotes low alloy

The ART-Blocker is paired

manual deblocking, reducing spoilage and labor cost.

blocker, enabling a lab to fully

ALLOY-FREE OPTIONS

cally unloads the lens blanks and

automate its surfacing operation.

Given the growing trend of

plastic block-piece from the job

Integrated into the lab’s

regulatory agency concern over

tray using an advanced optical

manufacturing flow, it automati-

the use of alloy, Coburn

ART—ALLOY REPLACEMENT

imaging system. Next, the

cally loads generated and

Technologies looked to develop

TECHNOLOGY

block-piece selection is verified;

polished lenses and returns

something new. The result was

Satisloh’s environmentally

each has its own unique data

deblocked lenses to the job tray.

OnyxBond, a surface blocking

friendly alternative to traditional

matrix code stamped on the side.

The deblocking system

alloy blocking, ART (Alloy

Lastly, the front curve of the lens

separates the block-piece,

usage as a result of environmental awareness.

The ART-Blocker automati-

material proprietary to the company that works in con-

Satisloh’s ART (Alloy Replacement Technology) uses a reusable organic block-piece and UV-curable adhesive.

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ALLOY-FREE BLOCKING TECHNOLOGY

junction with the E2G Blocker.

blocking applications. This

prism work, all while

OnyxBond is environmentally

surface blocker dispenses the

eliminating the

friendly and far stronger than

patented Free-Bond blocking

constraints and

other thermal plastic products

material, a proprietary blocking

limitations of

Coburn has worked with,

compound designed to be

previous non-alloy

according to the company.

environmentally friendly. As

technologies.

OnyxBond provides an ex-

with OnyxBond, Free-Bond

Combined with its

tremely rigid surface, while the

eliminates the concerns

smooth DTS modulo

E2G offers accurate lens

associated with alloy blocking.

deblocking system, Schneider’s CCB Modulo now offers labs a total system solution to go non-alloy without limitations.

ECO-EDGING The EZfit Edger was developed by MEI Systems using milling technology. Environmentally friendly benefits of the EZfit Edger include the elimination of the use of water during the cutting

The E2G Blocker uses OnyxBond, an environmentally friendly surfacing blocking material proprietary to Coburn.

MEI’s EZfit Edger uses no water while cutting.

processes, a very small amount of

prevent damage to the machin-

water required for polishing, and

ery. The small amount of waste

its waste does not need to be

that is produced is collected in a

treated or disposed of separately,

vacuum bag.

making this edger an ecologically

Thanks to the environmental-

friendly choice. (In addition,

ly aware, the optical industry

alignment, which reduces lens

Using its automatic one-touch

MEI’s new headquarters in

continues to make strides in

breakage. Plus, like alloy,

blocking feature, operators can

Bergamo, Italy, is solar powered,

becoming increasingly eco-con-

OnyxBond is compatible with

block and chill the lens in one

eliminating the need to burn

scious. As the world becomes

anti-reflective coating processes.

simple step, consolidating the

fossil fuel when designing and

more concerned with the

E2G and OnyxBond offer a fast

surface blocking process while

manufacturing new optical

environment, there is steady

and inexpensive reclaim and

increasing throughput.

equipment. See page 12.)

movement toward eco-friendly

cleanup process, according to

CCB Modulo from Schneider

The 7Ex Edger from National

machinery. These companies

the company, and after use, the

Optical Machines offers a

Optronics is environmentally

that offer no-alloy or low-alloy

OnyxBond material is placed

complete solution to the

friendly because it employs

blocking are taking steps to

back into the blocker where it is

increasing need for economical

dry-cut edging, eliminating the

reduce theirs and their custom-

melted and reused.

and environmentally friendly

need for messy chemicals and

er’s carbon footprint.

automated blocking technology.

allowing for the easy disposal of

LX surface blocking system with

With its powerful Eco-Fuse

waste. In addition, because it does

Jaimee Palkovicz is marketing

standard layout and blocking

Technology (EFT), it handles

not expose the equipment to

coordinator of i-see Optical Lab in

features along with advanced

any lens type, including high

harmful chemicals it helps

Blackwood, NJ.

Coburn also offers the Eclipse

OpticalLabProducts.com

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TECHNOLOGY MEI

Poised for Growth: MEI Opens New Factory Known for edgers that can mill even the most complex shapes, this machinery manufacturer in Bergamo, Italy, recently built a new factory with the potential for further doubling its size.

BY JOHN SAILER

facilities and larger manufactur-

ness” of the building, which is

smaller operations. The first

ing areas, aiming at better service

fully powered by solar panels on

block-free version of the EZfit

In business for 20 years and in

and faster delivery time,” the

the roof.

edger shipped in December.

optical for the last ten, MEI S.r.l.

company’s founder and

moved into newly built facilities

president, Stefano Sonzogni, told

factory that is most impressive.

the world in Hong Kong, Sao

at the end of last year. At about

OLP during a recent tour of the

There, about 120 employees

Paulo and Chicago (and another

86,000 square feet, the building

new building.

run the company, designing

U.S. branch opening in Ontario,

and constructing optical

California), the company’s global

is three times larger than its

One’s first impression upon

But it’s what’s inside the

With satellite offices throughout

previous space and includes

entering the building is of a

equipment for distribution

expansion continues. “We are

enough contiguous land to

living wall covered in moss that

throughout the world. And

looking for distributors and agents

accommodate further doubling

serves as a backdrop to the

while the company made a

all over the world,” Fabio Verzeri,

in size when necessary.

reception desk and a one-story-

name for itself with industri-

senior director global operations,

tall television screen that was

al-sized automated edgers

told OLP during the visit.

headquarters is to allow the

showing a time lapse video of the

capable of cutting lenses to fit

expansion of the overall MEI

building’s construction during

even the highest base curve

company’s offices throughout

organization, including larger

OLP’s visit. The green of the

frames, most recently MEI

the world are not just for sales

service, training and R&D

lobby’s wall reflects the “green-

introduced the EZfit edger for

and distribution but for training

“The main focus of the new

He explained that the

MEI opened a new 86,000-square-foot headquarters in Bergamo, Italy, for “the expansion of the overall organization,” according to founder and president Stefano Sonzogni.

A two-story living wall greets visitors and reflects the “greenness” of the solar-powered factory.

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MEI TECHNOLOGY

Stefano Sonzogni, president and founder of MEI, said expansion is the focus of the new headquarters.

and spare parts as well.

For example, installation of the EZfit edger along with training takes about one week in the lab.

methods. Optical wholesale labs

While most satellite offices can

agreed and started investing in

handle the training for their

the first edgers MEI introduced

respective markets, some

to the market.

machines require specialized

While the EZfit edger has now

training for which lab managers

opened the retail optical market

may need to travel to the new

to the company, Sonzogni hints

building in Bergamo.

that MEI will also be introducing

Involved in the production of

other technologies for wholesale

automated machinery for a

optical labs as well. If they are

variety of industries during the

met with the same success, the

ten years prior to the company’s

company might need that

entry into the optical market,

additional space for expansion

Sonzogni explained that he

sooner rather than later.

decided to build his first edger when he realized that using a

John Sailer is vice president,

drill to edge lenses would be far

editorial of First Vision Media

more effective than traditional

Group, publisher of OLP.

MEI recently entered the retail optical market with the introduction of EZfit edgers last year.

Bisphera industrial-sized edgers are manufactured in MEI’s new factory for worldwide distribution.

OpticalLabProducts.com

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RUNDOWN NEWS

TRANSITIONS OPTICAL UPDATES

NATIONAL OPTRONICS NAMES

AVAILABILITY GUIDE

DAC VISION DISTRIBUTOR

The 2017 Transitions Lenses Prod-

Equipment from National

uct Availability Guide outlines the

Optronics is now also distrib-

company’s photochromic technolo-

uted by DAC Vision, in addition

gy by design, material and lens caster

to Satisloh North America. According to

partner. The Product Availability Guide includes information

DAC Vision president David Meisenheimer, dis-

on the Transitions family of brands, including Transitions

tributing National Optronics equipment “expands and com-

Signature VII lenses, Transitions XTRActive lenses, Tran-

plements our existing product portfolio with a known and

sitions Vantage lenses and Transitions Drivewear lenses.

trusted tabletop equipment brand.” Technical service for all

The guide features information on usage, color options,

customers will continue to be provided by National Optron-

behind-the-windshield activation, polarization, protection

ics and by field technicians as well. All National Optronics

and more. It also gives an overview of Transitions Adaptive

equipment is built in the U.S. “Both Satisloh and DAC have

Sunwear products, including sport sunglasses for running and

large, loyal customer bases,” said Pete Lothes, president and

cycling, Transitions adaptive goggles for skiing and Transi-

CEO, Satisloh North America. “This new arrangement pro-

tions adaptive shields for motorcycle riding. The guide can be

vides labs and ECPs throughout the U.S. with easier access to

downloaded online by visiting TransitionsPRO.com.

National Optronics products.”

THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR DIGITAL LENSES • STM640 Digital Coolant • Aspire Lens Polish • Sentry Lens Tape

AS RED!

CONTACT US TODAY

CALIFORNIA 800.445.6339

NORTH CAROLINA 800.234.1982

CANADA 844.858.7444

www.salemdist.com

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NEW FOR THE LAB RUNDOWN

FIL-TECH COPPER SENSOR HEADS Fil-Tech’s sensor head hardware in copper offers superior cooling compared to stainless steel. Sensor heads are removable from water lines and can be supplied with internal oscillators for 5MHz and 6MHz measurement. For more information, contact Fil-Tech at 800.743.1743 or FilTech.com.

TWO NEW FROM COBURN Designed for processing all indexes of lenses (1.498 to 1.74), the Cobalt NX offers auto calibration for faster and more efficient processing and interrupted cut available on both the x-and v-axis, eliminating the need for a granulator. The Cobalt NX also includes on-board engraving and a cold mist/ dry cut. Duality, Coburn’s new fully automated, all-in-one lens detaper and cleaner, removes surface saver tape without the need for manual labor. A mechanical brush action provides two-sided lens cleaning with a high pressure wash in detergent. For more information, contact Coburn Technologies at 800.262.8761 or CoburnTechnologies.com.

LUXEXCEL 3D PRINTED LENSES Belgian company Luxexcel offers the technology and equipment necessary for labs to 3D print specialty lenses such as monofocals, bifocals and trifocals with cylinders and prisms.

Lenses are compatible with all existing coatings, tinting and edging, have passed the ISO 8980-1:2004 Focal Power test and are FDA drop ball compliant. For more information, contact Luxexcell at +32.14.49.82.96 or Luxexcel.com.

Stay up-to-date with the latest in lab news and new products— subscribe to LABmail at OpticalLabProducts.com

OpticalLabProducts.com

May 2017 15 LabMail_square.indd 1

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4/26/17 10:17 AM

RUNDOWN NEW FOR THE LAB

DAC VISION GREEN PRO SW This liner-free lens tape is made to DAC Vision’s specifications for digital and traditional processing. Its green film allows for great contrast in all blocking systems TRANSITIONS SIGNATURE VII NOW INCLUDES

and works on most manual, automatic and

SEGMENTED MULTIFOCALS

robotic tapers. Green Pro SW offers heat shielded thermal

Available from Younger Optics, Transitions VII Signature

protection and conformability on all lens materials and cur-

polycarbonate lenses now include FT35 bifocal and 7 x 28

vatures along with easy deblocking properties for alloy and

trifocal lenses in both brown and gray. This composite lens

wax blocking. For more information, contact DAC Vision at

incorporates a thin photochromic front surface bifocal or

800.800.1550 or DACVision.com.

trifocal layer composed of Trivex lens material. For more information, contact Younger Optics at 800.366.5367 or YoungerOptics.com.

LENS PRO TRACTION CONTROL FROM DYNAMIC LABS

NON-ALLOY BLOCKING

Eliminate blocking pad

SYSTEM FROM SCHNEIDER

slippage on super hydrophobic

CCB Modulo by Schneider Optical Machines is a total

lenses with Lens Pro Traction

solution for environmentally friendly automated blocking.

Control from Dynamic Labs. Apply one to two sprays to

The CCB Modulo utilizes Eco-Fuse Technology (EFT) and

coated lenses, allow to dry for 30 to 60 seconds, and lenses are

can handle all lens types, including high-prism lenses. When

ready to block and edge. The product can easily be removed

combined with the DTS Modulo smooth deblocking system,

by spraying with Eliminator and wiping with a lens cloth.

the CCB Modulo allows labs “to go ‘non-alloy’ without

Lens Pro is available in two sizes: 25 ml and 100 ml. For more

limitations,” according to the company. For more informa-

information, contact Dynamic Labs at 888.339.6264 or

tion, contact Schneider Optical Machines at 877.702.5655 or

DynamicLabs.net.

Schneider-OM.com.

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Announcing a year-long series of continuing education dinner meetings brought to you by First Vision Media Group, Inc. in conjunction with Quantum Optical

FIRST VISION FACE-TO-FACE 12 Total Meetings Scheduled for 2017 CE Credits for both Opticians and Optometrists

Attendance is Free (Limited Seating) and Includes Dinner Supported by Many of the Industry’s Leading Suppliers

OFFERING THREE EDUCATIONAL TRACKS REVELANT TO TODAY’S VISION CARE PROFESSIONALS:

• Gearing Your Practice to Sun, Sport and Safety (4 total meetings nationwide) • Millennials vs. Baby Boomers—Serving These Unique Patients (4 total meetings nationwide)

• Mapping Out a Blue Light Game Plan (4 total meetings nationwide) All educational content developed and presented by Michael Della Pesca, ABOM, of Quantum Optical and a select group of leading lecturers

Attendance is free...Seating is limited For dates, cities and registration information go to: www.FaceToFaceCE.com

25 East Spring Valley Ave., Suite 290, Maywood, NJ 07607 | tel 201.587.9460 | fax 201.587.9464 | visioncareproducts.com

FirstVisionMediaGroupINC

FTF_House_Ad_Apr17.indd 1

3/13/17 11:10 AM

Little Space. Big Business.

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The nano way of lens manufacturing The Nano Line – Extremely low investment costs combined with minimal space requirements are the reasons the Nano Line is the perfect choice to produce high quality freeform lenses virtually anywhere.

Due to minimum environmental requirements, onboard lens design software and smallest footprint, customers can immediately start their own lens production. SCHNEIDER’s Nano Line covers the full range of generating and polishing solutions as well as very effective hard coating machines and fast and powerful anti-reflective coating systems.

From surfacing to coating the Nano Line is the perfect high quality and fast response solution for startups and partner labs that want to produce freeform lenses anywhere.

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Untitled-2 1

SCHNEIDER Optical Machines Inc. 6644 All Stars Avenue, Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75033, USA Phone: +1 (972) 247-4000 info-us@schneider-om.com

2/16/17 6:43 PM