Elastic Vision


HYBRID MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF OPHTHALMIC LENSES

Unlike current manufacturing practices for spectacles, in which lens blanks are only processed using milling or grinding technologies, the developed manufacturing process of Shape Engineering is based on a hybrid production method consisting of material removal and application.

After the edge of the optical lens blank has been prepared by milling (plan shape of the edge), a thin polymer strand is applied to the edge of the lens, which cures under the use of UV radiation in seconds and subsequently replaces the conventional manufactured bevel. This bevel is special due to its elastic behaviour which allows an optimum adaptation to the notch in the spectacle frame.

Comparison of tension (left: conventional manufacturing, right: patented technology)

By using the patented technology, current pass rates (depending on the frame type) can be increased up to 100%. This results in a simplification of the assembly of the spectacles and a reduction in production costs, as well as an improved glazing quality and production capacity. The combined advantages are so substantial and crucial that today’s manufacturing methods can be entirely replaced.

History


Shape Engineering’s lead in knowledge and technology is the result of several years of research and development work in close collaboration with the technical university of Cologne and repeated support from the government.

  • Research Project “New Edging Technology”

    Project duration: 2011/11 –2014/08

    Institute for product development and construction technology
    (TH Köln)
    Supported by BMBF- Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) “Ingenieur Nachwuchs”
    Proof-of-principle in laboratory scale

  • Maschinensystem

    Concept Development for an Industrially Usable Experimental Machine as well as Application of EXIST – Research Transfer

    Project duration: 2014/09 – 2015/07

    nstitute for product development and construction technology
    (TH Köln)

  • maschine

    Research Project „ElasticVision I“

    Project duration: 2015/08 – 2017/04

    Institute for product development and construction technology
    (TH Köln)
    Supported by BMWi: Funded by German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) – Funding line “EXIST Research transfer I”
    Development and construction of an industrially usable experimental machine

  • Research Project “ElasticVision II”

    Project duration: 2017/05– 2018/10

    Company: Shape Engineering GmbH
    Company: Shape Engineering GmbH Supported by BMWi: Funded by German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) – Funding line “EXIST Research transfer II”
    Further development of the experimental machine / Verification of proof-of-concept and derivation of a serial product

PROFESSIONAL ARTICLES


New Edging Technology

Neue Wege Glas und Fassung zu verbinden, DOZ 07|2014

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NET – THE NEW EDGING TECHNOLOGY

MAFO 02|2017

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