#minusfifty
Our vision for the future of lens manufacturing - using 50% fewer resources.
The manufacturing of modern ophthalmic lenses has seen no major innovation in over 20 years. While significant progress has been made in production speed and efficiency, two key issues remain unsolved: the widespread use of alloy for holding and fixing lens blanks, and the high polymer loss caused by oversized blanks in pre-processing. Energy consumption of modern machines has also received little attention so far.
This is where #minusfifty comes in. Our approach: a simple holding technology that requires no alloys or adhesives, optimized blanks to reduce waste and shorten processing times, and lower energy consumption through fewer machines and lean processes. Our vision: to reduce resource consumption in ophthalmic lens manufacturing by 50%.
01
Starting point
Challenge
The mass production of ophthalmic lenses continues to use alloy for holding and fixing the blanks – a resource- and cost-intensive standard. In addition, there is significant polymer wastage due to oversized blanks in pre-processing. The energy consumption of modern machines has also barely been considered as an optimisation lever until now.
02
OUR APPROACH
Solution
A new clamping technology holds the blanks firmly in place – without any alloys or adhesives. A reduced range of blank radii and an optimized blank geometry cut polymer use and material waste by up to 50%. Three production steps and simple machine technology result in a leaner workflow with lower energy consumption.
03
Added value
Advantages
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50% less material used per lens
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No alloy, no adhesive — cleaner and safer manufacturing
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Reduced energy consumption through lean processes
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Just 3 work steps instead of the previous process chain
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Manageable investment – also for small laboratories
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Better coating results through standard form
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Optimal handling and marking by carrier edge