As described by Kyle Costa, group product manager, Gerber Coburn, the IQ SL2 Express decreases the amount of time required to surface CR39 and high-index lenses by more than 33 percent, depending on product mix.
“The Express version represents the second generation of the IQ SL2™, a high-performance surface lathe introduced in 1995. However, it’s not just an SL2 running faster,” he advised. “It’s an SL2 running with an advanced tool path software. This new technology optimizes the rates and depths at which the machine cuts.
“This was accomplished by altering lens geometry calculations to increase the throughput of the machine on a lens per man-hour basis. The result is reduced labor cost per lens and increased lab capacity… improvements that go straight to the bottom line.” Costa went on to note that labs with the software installed are reporting immediate and significant increases in productivity.
“We’re hearing comments like, ‘The SL2 Express has made an incredible difference in job throughput.’; ‘We felt the impact on our business almost overnight.’; ‘The low cost of the upgrade and the instant returns make buying the SL2 Express a no brainer.’ and ‘Clearly, it makes sense for anyone with an SL2 today to upgrade to the Express.’,” he stated. According to Costa, the SL2 Express is available in two formats: as a software upgrade package to the SL2 that customers can order and easily install themselves, or as a new machine. “Either way, labs gain the benefit of higher throughput instantly,” he said, “while continuing to enjoy the outstanding intelligence and performance of the SL2. Which means they get the same award-wining precision turning technology, long-life polycrystalline diamond cutter, automatic cribbing and safety beveling features, cool lathe processing, and built-in diagnostic programs.
“In other words, anyone investing in the SL2 Express can expect the same superior quality, accuracy and easy operation that characterize our highly popular SL2.”
Gerber Coburn is the world’s largest provider of computer integrated optical lens processing systems. The company designs, produces, markets and supports equipment, software and supplies used in surfacing prescriptions in lens blanks, coating lenses, and machining lenses to fit patient frames. Based in South Windsor, Conn., Gerber Coburn operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Gerber Scientific Inc.
Gerber Scientific is the world’s leading supplier of high technology systems and solutions that enable mass customization in diverse markets - sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible materials, and optical lens processing. Gerber Scientific serves these industries through four wholly owned subsidiaries: Gerber Scientific Products, South Windsor, Conn.; Spandex PLC, Bristol, England; Gerber Technology, Tolland, Conn.; and Gerber Coburn Optical Inc., South Windsor, Conn. In addition, the company is building a presence in the global packaging and commercial printing industries through its Gerber Innovations group, Manchester, Conn., and is currently bringing a new concept in point-of-sales merchandising to U.S. retailers via SignStorey Inc., Tolland, Conn. Gerber Scientific Inc. is an NYSE-listed company (symbol GRB) with approximately $590 million in annual revenue, and employs about 2,300 globally. It also is headquartered in South Windsor.