Learn How We Manufacture Optical Products
The Electronic Progressive Identifier Catalog (EPIC) is the industry’s online guide for identifying lens designs based on their marked engraving. This electronic catalog contains graphics for more than 500 lens designs distributed in the United States and Canada, showing the markings that identify the lens supplier, lens name, lens material, filters and corridor lengths.
This is when the surfacing process can begin for a custom manufactured lens.
1. First, a protective tape is applied to the front surface of the lens.
2. Next, using a special metal alloy the lenses attach to a chuck on the proper axis in preparation for milling.
3. Then the lens moves onto the generator where all extra material is cut off and the lens it given a rough back curve. In the same machine, the lens is spun at high speeds against a diamond tool. This removes more material and gives the lens its final back curve.
4. Next, the lens is brought to the polisher where the lens is buffed using a special compound and tools to make the lens completely crisp and translucent.
5. From there the lens is complete and any necessary coatings are applied such as a hard coat for polycarbonate.
6. The lenses are now ready to be inspected for imperfections and correct power.
Once the custom lens is complete, it is ready for any extra add-on’s the customer ordered such as, but not limited to, AR, tints, mirrors, etc.

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