An exclusive supplier agreement between PPG and Flō-Optics will enable what are reported to be the first digitally applied optical coatings. (Image: Business Wire)
PITTSBURGH—PPG reported that it secured an exclusive supplier agreement with Flō-Optics for the application of PPG HI-GARD® scratch-resistant coatings, using Flō’s proprietary digital printing technology. Flō-Optics is a developer of digital manufacturing technology for the ophthalmic industry.
According to a release from PPG, the agreement will enable, for the first time, digitized lens coating using additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, technology. The digitized process will enable ophthalmic labs to apply coatings to lenses with precision—a customizable production method that will yield lenses with unique performance capabilities. In addition to allowing lenses to be more functional, the process makes lens coating more efficient by reducing material consumption, lowering production energy requirements and offering faster turnaround times compared to traditional application methods, the company said in the release.
“Since the inception of PPG Hi-Gard coatings, our approach has been to provide innovative, protective optical solutions that are on the cutting edge of technology,” said Zachary White, PPG global segment manager, new markets, optical monomers and coatings, in a statement. “PPG has a history of successfully collaborating with disruptive companies like Flō, leveraging technological and manufacturing know-how to introduce step-change advancements to the industry.”
PPG said Flō’s digital coatings technology is achieved through multi-material and multi-layering techniques that expand customization and automation options, reduce production complexity, increase scalability, and deliver consistent quality.
PPG Hi-Gard lens coating is reported to provide a durable, scratch-resistant coating on ophthalmic lenses made from plastic lens materials. The optical quality of plastic lenses is maintained, and lenses coated with Hi-Gard lens coating are four to six times more abrasion resistant than uncoated lenses, the company said.
“Pairing PPG’s coatings expertise with Flō’s breakthrough manufacturing technology opens the door to completely transform the way optical products are designed and developed into future-ready solutions,” White said. “Flō’s technology has the potential to redefine the way optical lens products are created in prescription laboratories.”
“Flō shares PPG’s vision for a more sustainable future where lens coating stacks are created in a smarter, optimized and automated environment that expands flexibility, enhances quality, and minimizes complexity,” said Flō Chairman and CEO Jonathan Jaglom, in the release. “Our path forward with PPG leverages untapped possibilities in the optical industry and draws upon our combined expertise.”