Alta XS, Briot
The Alta XS tracer and blocker features a lens shape library, shape modification capabilities, two shape recording methods, and a “top 20” library for the practice’s best-selling lenses. Illumination adjusts automatically according to both the shape of the lens and external lighting to improve the user’s lens centration accuracy. The Alta XS edging and drilling system increases throughput speed while edging and drilling standard or high-curvature lenses. It features drill hole recognition, lens shape modification and a lens shape library. Abilities include a safety bevel, “high-definition” drilling up to 30º and automatic angled groove positioning. The machine itself includes an ergonomic hand rest and self-adjusting lens illumination, and its processes may be adapted as needed to fit the daily schedule or operator’s preferences. The user interface includes a large touch screen. For more information, call 1-800-292-7468, or go to www.briot-usa.com.  

Continuum Edging System, AIT Industries
Continuum is designed specifically for those lab technicians who are new to in-office edging. Its intuitive interface, with 8.7” color LCD screen, is intended to simplify the steps required to process lenses, and, as a result, it aims to increase overall efficiency and significantly reduce training time. Continuum is ideally suited for low to medium volume optical dispensaries. The equipment features two grinding wheels that allow it to process all lens materials, as well as an automatic internal and external safety bevel. It also features continuous 3-D mapping; automatic, guided, manual or flat bevel programs; and specialized roughing processes for lenses with slick coatings. Its edging limits: 18.5mm drill mount, 19.5mm rimless groove, 20.5mm bevel, 19.5mm backside safety bevel; and 20mm front safety bevel. Continuum is 31.5” wide by 17.3” deep by 16.33” high. Call 1-800-729-1959, or go to www.aitindustries.com.      

Kappa CTD Edger and Drill, Gerber Coburn
The Kappa CTD edger and drill features automatic bevel selection, three groove widths, soft-pin beveling and a special cycle to accommodate fragile or anti-reflective lenses. The instrument keeps a record of 200 drill holes and diameters in a database for easy access. The Kappa CTD runs self-calibrations and self-diagnostics, and retains a history of test results. This piece of equipment coordinates with the Kappa CT tracer and blocker. For more information, call 1-800-843-1479, or go to www.gerbercoburn.com.  

7E HLP Edging System, National Optronics
The HLP Edging System takes the company’s 7E edger and expands it by including a drill configuration, a high-luster polish assembly and the company’s NuGroove grooving assembly, which provides clean grooves on any lens shape—especially sharp-cornered lenses or small-eye lenses. This patternless edger with drilling capability can drill six holes in each lens in widths from 1mm to 5mm. The dry-cutting accuracy and three-axis control features of the machine allow the operator to process CR-39, polycarbonate, high-index and Trivex lenses without coolants. A new feature of the 7E is its multi-fluted cutter. Also, the equipment features electric chucking, which will automatically adjust clamping pressure based on the lens material. The user interface features PC-based software on an adjustable 15-inch flat panel LCD screen. Software includes a “Help” screen and operating instructions for newer operators. For more information, call 1-800-247-9796, or go to www.nationaloptronics.com.  

Q-2100R and nanoCLEAR AR, Optical Dynamics
The nanoCLEAR AR system incorporates AR coatings, hard coatings and UV protection right into the lens. The system uses nanoparticle technology in which a chemical bond is formed between each layer of the AR stack, hard coat and substrate. Also, the equipment now features Rev 3.1 nanoAR chemistry, which incorporates an oleophobic/hydrophobic topcoat during the final stages of the coating process. The nanoCLEAR AR is designed for compatibility with Optical Dynamics’ Q-2100R in-office lens casting system. It can produce AR lenses in about one hour. The system requires a PC interface. This environmentally friendly equipment can produce lenses with sphere powers from +4.00D to -6.00D in 0.25D steps, cylinder from -0.25D to -2.50D in 0.25D steps, and add powers from +1.00D to +3.00D in 0.25D steps. For more information, call (502) 671-2020, or go to www.opticaldynamics.com.  

LEX-1000 Edger, Santinelli
The LEX-1000 edger includes a specific finishing wheel and patented process for edging lenses with high base curves, the Advanced Soft Grind mode for super-hydrophobic coated lenses and specific processing abilities for smaller lenses. The user interface features “Navigation Operation” technology and sensored status update and troubleshooting capabilities. New this year is the “Click Mode” feature, which allows users of the equipment to produce Chemistrie sunlens clips for any glasses made on the equipment. Designed and distributed by Eyenovate, Chemistrie lenses click directly onto the patient’s lenses, thanks to near-invisible magnets embedded in the periphery of each lens.

“Click Mode is an upgrade to the system—it allows the lab to make a clip for any eyewear,” says Barry Santini, of Long Island Opticians. “You take any frame, and with this system, you can create a clip for it.”

The LEX-1000 edger may be paired with one of five components to customize the machine to a practice’s needs: the LEX I includes the Ce9 manual blocker; the LEX II includes the Ice Mini Blocker; the LEX III features the Super Intelligent Blocker; the LEX IV incorporates both the Ice Mini Blocker and the Lex Drill; and the LEX V includes both the Ice 1000 Super Intelligent Blocker and the Lex Drill. For more information, cal 1-800-644-3343, or go to www.santinelli.com.  

Fast Grind 2200, Super Systems Optical Technologies
The upgraded Fast Grind 2200 uses a three-pad process to generate, finish and polish lenses using only tap water. This latest version of the equipment uses version 7.3 software that allows for faster lens processing. The operator can use the Fast Grind 2200 to make computer lenses from standard progressive lenses, the company says. The equipment can also produce regular progressive lenses, short-corridor progressive lenses, single-vision lenses and blended designs in photochromic, polarized or AR treatments. This surfacer has a 28-by-27-inch footprint, and the user interface is designed to be able to assist technicians who are still learning the process. For more information, go to www.superoptical.com, or call 1-800-543-7376.  

ALE-5100 Finishing System Series, Topcon
The ALE-5100C processes all lens materials and includes individual settings for plastic, polycarbonate, high-index, Trivex, acrylic, glass or photochromic lenses. And, the Windows-format operating system allows for ROM upgrades for new lens types. Onboard software memorizes sizing and bevel position for each material type, and the one-block solution accommodates all eye sizes, base curves and hydrophobic lens coatings. The ALE-5100SG features a multi-functional arm for grooving and beveling, the width and position of which are customizable. A 10.4” color screen allows for intuitive use and actual-size lens position verification. Each piece of equipment in the series can remember up to 2,000 jobs. The ALE 5100 Series is compatible with the FR-50 frame reader, the DS-5000 integrated blocker and the DS-7000 automatic lens analyzer/layout blocker. For more information, call 1-800-223-1130, or go to www.topconmedical.com.