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.
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.
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.
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
nstitute for product development and construction technology
(TH Köln)
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
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