South Windsor, Conn.-Gerber Coburn announces the addition of an alloy AcuBlock version to its Eclipse Surface Blocker comprehensive line of digital lens layout blocking systems.

This new model was developed as a result of the market's interest in alloy blocking and the successful response to the Eclipse Surface Blocker's user-friendly features and performance, indicated Randy Baldwin, group product manager, Gerber Coburn.

"Due to the recent growth of A/R coated lenses over the past couple of years there has been a resurgence in alloy blocking. Gerber Coburn's AcuBlock blocking system is an alternative to pin-style lens surfacing blocks. The Acublock block's design conforms to the lab's existing generator, finer, polisher, or robotic loading system," noted Baldwin.

Baldwin went on to say, "When you combine the new features of the Eclipse Surface Blocker, such as an automatic material refill indicator, a turbo chilling chamber, and an automatic block and lens detection system, with alloy and AcuBlock blocking, the end result is a niche product targeted to a highly automated optical lab that prefers to work with alloy. We’re pleased to be able to offer this all new version that meets the current needs.”

"Because our Eclipse Surface Blocker models represent the latest, state-of-the-art layout and blocking technology, we are offering to take back our customers’ older Step One™ blockers and provide a trade-in allowance towards the purchase of a new Eclipse Surface Blocker. The offer is available two ways - $4,000 allowance for single trade-ins and $3,500 each for multiple trade-ins - and the offer is available until the end of the year,” Baldwin stated.

Gerber Coburn is the world's leading provider of computer integrated optical lens processing systems. The company designs, produces, markets, and supports equipment software and supplies used in surfacing prescripitons 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 (www.gerberscientific.com) is the world's leading supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible goods, and optical lens processing. Headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, the company operates through four wholly owned subsidiaries: Gerber Scientific Products and Spandex PLC, Gerber Technology, and Gerber Coburn.