SOUTH WINDSOR, CT -- As part of a focused effort to address customer needs, Gerber Coburn Optical Inc. has developed a mechanism that enables labs to process low cost, disposable laps. The new IQ Foam Lap Adapter, a chucking device, can be used with either the IQ Lensmaker XRTš or SL2 Expressš to cut disposable, foam LapMaster tools.

As explained by Kyle Costa, group product manager, Gerber Coburn, “our customers wanted an alternative way for processing non-typical curves without investing in new hard laps. When labs receive jobs requiring a non-stocked lap, they must order a new lap or produce a new hard tool themselves. The cost for a new lap can be anywhere from $6.00 to $9.00.”

“We have a proven lab tool with nearly a decade of experience,” he stated. “The LapMaster foam tool has been used with our SG8 and SGX generators for years. Customers have always liked the convenience, one-time use, and economics of the tool. Labs can cut a foam tool for a fraction of the cost of a hard lap - a foam lap costs about $.50 - that’s quite a savings over a new hard lap.”

Costa went on to say, “We knew we had a winner, we just needed to develop a device that enabled labs to use the foam tool with their existing generator. Through the combined efforts from our engineering, manufacturing, service and purchasing teams, we were able to design and manufacture an adapter for the IQ Lensmaker and SL2 Express generators. We’re excited about the autonomy this offers our customers.”

“But what’s even more appealing than the cost savings is that there are no hardware or software upgrades necessary,” he noted. “Labs can process the tools by initiating the XRL Plastic Lap mode on either generator. And to make the process even easier - until December 31, 2002 - with every LapMaster foam tool case order, customers receive an IQ Foam Lap Adapter at no charge.”

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. Gerber Scientific Inc. is an NYSE-listed company (symbol GRB) with approximately $503 million in annual revenue, and employs about 2,300 globally. It also is headquartered in South Windsor.