Is an intelligent blocker (like ICE 9000) much more efficient than manual blocker?

[ilanh]

We have been doing our blocking with an old manual AIT blocker. It takes a little time and there are a certain number of errors but it seems to work. Recently my optician has been asking about acquiring a Nidek ICE 9000 intelligent blocker. Is this far preferable to the manual blocker? Faster? More accurate? Most of our problems seems to come when we block bifocals (they don't always come out as straight as we wanted). Also, can these blockers be directly hooked up to Santinelli 7070 and 9000SX edgers? Does the direct hookup provide increased efficiency and accuracy?

[LENNY]

we have been doing our blocking with an old manual ait blocker. It takes a little time and there are a certain number of errors but it seems to work. Recently my optician has been asking about acquiring a nidek ice 9000 intelligent blocker. Is this far preferable to the manual blocker? Faster? More accurate? Most of our problems seems to come when we block bifocals (they don't always come out as straight as we wanted). Also, can these blockers be directly hooked up to santinelli 7070 and 9000sx edgers? Does the direct hookup provide increased efficiency and accuracy?

yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!

[Craig]

twisting is normally from roughing wheel.
I have an ICE 900 and it is great there is no need for the lensometer part.