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Thread: Auto Blocker (with built in auto lensometer) and Freeform lenses.

  1. #1
    OptiBoard Novice
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    Auto Blocker (with built in auto lensometer) and Freeform lenses.

    Will an auto blocker that utilizes a built in lensometer work flawlessly with freeform progressive lenses?

    I understand that the reference points and markings are still on the lenses, but wanted to know if the function of then lensometer would be utilized or not?

    Any problem blocking freeform lenses with autoblockers?

    Thanks in advance for any assistance from forum members :)

  2. #2
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Barry Santini's Avatar
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    NO currently available lensmetere works "flawlessly" with POW compensated Free form lenses.

    FWIW

    Barry

  3. #3
    Underemployed Genius Jacqui's Avatar
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    I agree with Barry (surprising !!), forget the autoblocker and do it manually.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jacqui View Post
    I agree with Barry (surprising !!), forget the autoblocker and do it manually.

    Does that mean that that the auto blocker will not function just based on the lens markings? i.e., the auto blocker will not work?

    OR

    does it mean that the lensometry power reading cannot facilitate the auto blocker?

    Sorry for any redundancy in my question.

  5. #5
    Underemployed Genius Jacqui's Avatar
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    It will work with the markings, but then you're using it in basically manual mode anyway.

    Also reread Barry's answer.

  6. #6
    OptiBoardaholic
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    disagree these days. If you're doing higher volume then auto it the way to go. I you see something odd THEN kick it out and use the manual.

  7. #7
    Master OptiBoarder DanLiv's Avatar
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    The lens markings are the reference point for blocking progressives, freeform or otherwise. My autoblocker detects the markings only when blocking, ignoring lens power. There is nothing I could do blocking manually to improve over the auto.

    If your blocker is reading lens power and attempting to discern for itself where the MRP or PRP is, then it's going to be a problem. I don't know that any autoblockers do this, I've only used a few, but I think even in traditional grinders with prism thinning would make it impossible for the machines to figure out the PRP themselves.

  8. #8
    OptiBoardaholic OptiBoard Bronze Supporter
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    I always use manual mode for PAL's and go off the lens engravings. I NEVER use the inked lens markings, as they always seem to be crooked no matter which lab I get them from.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alex Camblor View Post
    I always use manual mode for PAL's and go off the lens engravings. I NEVER use the inked lens markings, as they always seem to be crooked no matter which lab I get them from.
    Me too. We never trust the markings on varifocals. Always look for the engraving and block them manually. You could trust old style progs to be right, but not freeform.

  10. #10
    OptiWizard
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    It seems everyone has confidence with the engravings in free form lenses. These engravings are put on by the lab and there is huge opportunity to misplace those engravings. If your lab does not have a mapper to validate the design parameters and engraving location look for another lab.

  11. #11
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    I use a "Mr Blue" edge system and the blocker in auto mode requires that the lens engravings be marked with a white ink pen dotting the engravings and additionally circled in the lower seg area referenced for top/bottom orientation purposes. The machine can be finicky and must be done in a specific way. If original makings exist we do manual blocking.

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