SATISLOH: advancing precision optics for smaller laboratories
- By Editorial Team
SATISLOH provides complete solutions for lens manufacturing laboratories of all sizes with a special focus on surfacing and coating of ophthalmic lenses. Their technology services the needs of ECPs equipped with an in-house surfacing and/or coating laboratory, or those considering adding one to their operation. 20/20 Europe asked Andy Huthoefer, VP Product Management & Marketing, SATISLOH, to describe how innovations in ophthalmic lens processing can benefit ECPs seeking to streamline and enhance their production processes.
Q: Does the SATISLOH portfolio include blockers and related compo- nents for smaller laboratories, for example, those producing at a rate of up to 50 lenses per hour?
A: Traditionally, ophthalmic lenses are blocked using metal blocks and alloy (to bond the block to the lens) at the beginning of the surfacing process. Common alloy materials, however, contain lead and cadmium, which are toxic. SATISLOH has developed an alternative to this with ART (alloy replacement technology), which was launched in 2014 and won the German Ecodesign Award the same year.
Instead of alloy, a UV curable glue is used to attach a re-usable plastic block to the lens. In addition to being better for the operator’s health and the environment, ART blocks provide enhanced surface support and stability resulting in the highest quality lenses. ART-Blocker-M and ART-Deblocker-M are the manual versions of SATISLOH’s ART blocking equipment.
For the next step in the production process, SATISLOH’s VFT-macro generator is suited to small to mid-sized laboratories. It processes up to 50 lenses per hour using patented VFT fast tool technology for ultimate surface accuracy and smoothness enabling short “cut-to-polish” processes. VFT-macro processes spherical, torical and freeform surfaces with ease.
Q: In Autumn 2024, SATISLOH will be launching its newest digital soft tool polisher, the Multi-FLEX-M as a complement to VFT-macro. How is Multi-FLEX-M superior to existing polishing equipment?
A: Multi-FLEX-M matches the generator’s capacity. Where previous soft tool polishers required multiple tools that had to be exchanged based on the base curve of each job, Multi- FLEX-M covers almost the entire production range with just one soft polishing tool making it easy to operate and maintain.
Q: Does SATISLOH have any product offerings in the area of coating that will positively impact small to midsize laboratories?
A: Our smallest box coater, MC-280-X, is compact yet uses the same sophisticated technologies as our large, industrial AR coating machines and comes with a wide variety of process options from premium anti-reflective and protective coatings to mirrors. It can coat up to 30 lenses (70 mm diameter) in one batch.
Q: How do these products assist ECPs in their prac- tices in the areas of cost and labor savings?
A: In-sourcing surfacing and coating has many benefits for ECPs including the control of their service levels and quality. This also drastically reduces laboratory bills. With SATISLOH equipment ECPs gain access to the same technologies that the largest, most advanced laboratories in the world are using.
Q: We’re very interested in what SATISLOH will be exhi- biting at SILMO 2024, particularly new product de- velopments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
A: At SILMO, SATISLOH will be displaying the latest version of its VFT-orbit generator, VFT-orbit-2i. The machine is designed for high-volume laboratories and produces up to 120 lenses per hour (with an optional performance package). The “i” stands for intelligence as VFT-orbit-2i incorporates AI and machine learning for streamlined diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
Q: Can you explain how the AI and machine learning capabilities translate to streamlined diagnostics?
A: VFT-orbit-2i is equipped with new intelligence in the B-axis. With a new sensor that tracks the airflow and pressure inside the B-axis labyrinth, the machine can detect potential issues and prevent axis damage before it occurs. In addition, new software routines and data monitoring capabilities make it easier than ever to perform diagnostics and provide faster and more accurate resolutions when needed. During the machine burn-in at the factory we save diagnostic data for each axis. These values and characteristic lines are used as reference during machine operation. Based on a comparison with the target performance the machine can identify potential issues. By anticipating problems before they occur, VFT-orbit-2i stays in optimal condition for highest quality surfacing and minimizes unexpected downtime. I believe this approach is unique in our industry.
Q: Will you be announcing additional news at SILMO 2024?
A: Other new technologies we’ll be highlighting at SILMO include the above-mentioned Multi-FLEX-M, as well as our new Hydra-Brush-4 lens brush cleaning system which was introduced at MIDO 2024. Think of Hydra-Brush-4 as an automated car wash for lenses. It removes any production related contamination such as polish residue, ink, tape, glue, and fingerprints, leaving lenses perfectly clean and dry, ready for inspection.
Q: In which countries do the above-mentioned products sell the most?
A: Generally speaking, SATISLOH offers its products globally with the largest markets being North America and Europe. However, Asia and Latin America are catching up quickly.
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