Freeform generating

[rsandr]

I have a rough idea how these things work, but was wondering about the following...

Can PAL's be produced from any lens blank?

Will it become possible to only need to hold a range of SV lenses in a variety of indexes (indices?) and be able to produce a range of PAL's?

Do the 'big boys' sell the rights to produce their designs? How does this work?

Is it likely that the most popular lens forms will be copied so that anyone can produce a similar lens for next to nothing?

How much are machines (I haven't seen one for less that 6 figures) and does it look likely that these prices will fall as they become more popular?

Can they do bifocals? I expect D segs would prove difficult but what about round?

Rick

[Pete Hanlin]

Generating by freeform is an emerging technology. While the capability to produce lenses via freeform certainly exists, due to the equipment costs, relatively low production numbers, consumables, and relatively low demand for freeform-only products, it is currently far more profitable to fabricate lenses using the classical surfacing methods.

The situation is similar to home video equipment in 1979. Back then, you had to choose between Sony's (a reputable company, for sure) Betamax or Panasonic's VHS. If you chose "incorrectly," you ended up with worthless equipment- since the Betamax did not end up being the standard. Even if you chose VHS, you paid $1,500.00 for a machine in 1979.

Regarding the process itself, its not quite as easy as procuring equipment and CNC toolpath data. Each lens manufacturer is going to have its own proprietary method of communicating the CNC data, and the equipment will have to be set up for both the data and the process necessary for the manufacturer's calculations. In other words, you can't simply purchase a Schneider HSC101 and start popping out Sola, Essilor, Seiko, etc. products- you'll probably have to choose one particular product and partner with the lens manufacturer. Also, you'll have to procure laser engraving equipment- which is necessary to create the engravings common to all PALs (this is currently one of the more challenging steps- blocking the lens, engraving, and verifying the marking locations).

Next, you can expect pretty low output. After all, it takes about a minute for each lens toolpath to be calculated and communicated to the generator. It takes a few minutes to grind each lens (compared to the <1 minute required by a machine like the LOH V-Pro). The polishing really slows down the process, as it takes 7+ minutes per lens. Finally, you have to calibrate the equipment before each run to ensure the toolpath and polishing is accurately rendering your design.

In short, will freeform become a mainstream method of producing PALs? Sure, but probably not in 2005-2006. Even once you are freeforming, will you be cranking out designs from all manufacturers? Not a chance- at least anytime soon. Is it currently cost-effective to switch over production from classic surfacing to freeform? Not currently, but eventually.

These are just my observations based on my knowledge of the technology as it exists today. I would note that I'm an employee of Essilor- so there may be a bias in my opinions.

[mahmoud.hamza]

Dear Peter Hanline
we planifie to introduce freeform machine ASM 80 TC from optotech in our company but we don't have big knowlage in freeform surfacing and we heared that to calibrate the machine it will be very hard .!
have you please some documents or can you please give me some web site which speek about free form technologye.?
thanks

[LENNY]

Funny!

Not even in 2006-2007
How about 2007-2008?

[mahmoud.hamza]

can some one tell me what is the difference between a freeform progressive lens and a convensional progressive lens :idea: in use!!!!

[Fezz]

can some one tell me what is the difference between a freeform progressive lens and a convensional progressive lens :idea: in use!!!!

About $100+

[Jacqui]

About $100+

And a extra week waiting for them

[HarryChiling]

And a extra week waiting for them

Longer beacuse the lenses can only hold premium AR's the rest of the AR's seem to fall off.:D

[mahmoud.hamza]

Fezz
thank you for the informations, but I want to know the difference in optical caracteristics

[AWTECH]

Fezz
thank you for the informations, but I want to know the difference in optical caracteristics

A good freeform designed progressive lens will produce a lens with a wider corridor, a wider far vision field of view and almost eleminate any skew distortion.

It is not as simple as buying a generator and start producing these lenses.

If you would e-mail or private message me I can give you some more information that may be helpful.

[Jacqui]

It is not as simple as buying a generator and start producing these lenses.

Yes, don't try without knowing what you're doing before hand.

[mahmoud.hamza]

A good freeform designed progressive lens will produce a lens with a wider corridor, a wider far vision field of view and almost eleminate any skew distortion.

It is not as simple as buying a generator and start producing these lenses.

If you would e-mail or private message me I can give you some more information that may be helpful.

Thank you AWTECH
we are going to start freeform process in our lab and I am not very informed about this new technologie
can you please give me more information about it??
mail: mahmoud.hamza@optygros.com
:)