BUSINESS: Labs Augen Optics Updates Easyform FF-V3 Free-Form Generator By Andrew Karp Monday, April 15, 2013 12:00 AM SAN DIEGO—Designed to make free-form production easy, high-performance Augen EasyForm FF-V3 Digital Surfacing Generator has been updated by Augen Optics with extra-sturdy construction, providing maximum productivity through simplified operation, an intuitive easy-to-understand touch screen, and calibration-free tooling that eliminates unnecessary downtime. According to Augen Optics, EasyForm FF-V3 delivers consistently high quality output with exceptionally clear, smooth lens surfaces, and offers unsurpassed design precision with outstanding sub-micron surface quality based on NURBS technology. The unit is easy to load, unload and access, EasyForm FF-V3 processes free-form and conventional spheric and atoric surfaces, the company said. The FF-V3’s features and benefits include: Outstanding sub-micron surface quality based on NURBS technology. Smooth, exact pivot oscillating movements ensure complete accuracy of curves to 1/100 of a diopter. Robust diamond tools provide accuracy over 20D curves with no tool change. Proprietary cutting geometry eradicates vibration and machine movement during cutting, eliminating the need for daily tool calibration and subsequent downtime. Quiet, efficient unit fits any laboratory with compact 4-foot-square dimensions. Processes free-form (NURBS) and conventional spheric and atoric surfaces Easy to load, unload and access, increasing general productivity. Easy Touch Screen is simple to see and understand with large buttons and clear instructions. Easy-to-learn functionality; no need to increase staff with advanced technicians. Minimal waste. Lubricant recycled during processing for reduced lens waste, easy waste removal, and cleaner laboratory environment. According to Augen Optics, the generator’s average throughput for conventional lenses: 30 jobs/hour; free-form surfaces (non-progressives): 16 jobs/hour; free-form surfaces (progressives): 12 jobs/hour. Lens materials: hard resin, Trivex, mid-index, MR10 1.67, polycarbonate, photochromic and polarized. ■ akarp@jobson.com