FRONHAUSEN, Germany—Schneider Optical Machines presented its latest innovations in ophthalmic surfacing, finishing, cleaning and coating and analyzed trends in lens processing technology at the Digicon Europe 2015.

The conference organized by Schneider and held at its headquarters here from June 17 to June 20, drew just over 100 international guests. During two days filled with lectures and workshops about new productions lines, machinery and technology, attendees had the opportunity to learn about Schneider’s next steps forward.

“The Digicon is a fantastic opportunity to share the Schneider vision with customers from all around the world,” Gunter Schneider, the company’s founder and CEO, told VM. “We were thrilled with the great attendance from every world market.

“At our first Digicon in 2012, we only demonstrated the future of lab manufacturing with the Modulo Line, the first truly integrated system following the unique self-organizing philosophy,” Schneider continued. “This year, we showed the reality at various locations that have fully realized the Modulo system in action. Now all the new technologies, including the CCU modulo autoblocker, HSC modulo XT generator, CCP modulo polisher, CCL modulo laser, and the automated deblocking and lens cleaning systems are in full production and making great lenses. Furthermore, all the technologies are fully integrated with the silent and intelligent Modulo conveyor system—each step perfectly controlled by the first supervision system: the Modulo Control Center. Concept became reality.

“We also focused on Schneider as a total system provider, including complete coating solutions, swarf handling, and the new HSE double spindle edger. Another highlight was the introduction of the extra small and cost-effective Nano Line,” added Schneider.

Attendees had ample opportunity to socialize and enjoy local food and drinks, including a dinner at a picturesque barn near the city of Marburg. Schneider also hosted a kart racing competition and a day-trip to Frankfurt, complete with a visit to a famous apple wine press house and a boat ride on the Main river.

“A favorite part of Digicon for me is spending so many hours one-on-one with customers of all lab types from around the world in a relaxed setting. It is truly a two-way learning experience,” Schneider remarked.

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(L to R) Digicon attendees gather in Marburg’s old town before the opening night’s reception. (L to R) Dr. Sandra Stry of Schneider, Georg Mayer of Rodenstock, and Kurt Atchison and Mario Sanger of Schneider enjoying the reception. CEO Gunter Schneider greets attendees. (L to R) Paul Ponder of Maui Jim relaxes during a break with Robert White of Encore Optical and Mike Vitale of The Vision Council.

Schneider engineers demonstrate a new coater. (L to R) Gadi Libman, Dan Sadovsky and Ed Karapetyan of K-Mars Optical raise a toast with John Haigh of Schneider. The group visits the famed Possman apple winery in Frankfurt.