Products & ideas for the laboratory professional.
Issue link: https://opticallabproducts.epubxp.com/i/538327
opticallabproducts.com july 2015 7 ONE-TO-ONE OPINIONS knew needed to change once I took on my new role was "service," as specifc to wholesale labs. It is indeed more in-depth and dynamic when dealing with labs and much different than dealing with ECPs. All labs have a high level of technical wherewithal and skill sets, typically assigned to key maintenance personnel. This allows for more expedited resolutions and often easier communications than at the ECP level where more novice understandings usually prevail. We changed our service approach in a fairly complete manner by having lab-dedicated technical engineers put in place who have developed close working relationships with our lab clients nationwide. JIM: IS THE LAB BUSINESS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF SANTI- NELLI? STEVE: We consider it to be, and we expect it to remain, a key focus for the foreseeable future. With our continued leadership position at the ECP level for edging, it is equally fortuitous to have fnishing technologies that are regarded as the highest quality by the wholesale lab side of the industry. JIM: FROM YOUR PERSPEC- TIVE, HOW HAVE THE NEEDS OF THE LABS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? STEVE: Much has changed due to all business sectors of optical improving its products and tech- nologies, while also having to develop the interactivity of those products, especially in wholesale labs. While high-wrap frame styles (and the Rx lens-processing demands therein) have become a "norm," the advancements made by all the lens companies in digital lens production and individual visual corridor acuity have present- ed both challenges and opportuni- ties to the equipment, consumable, and software suppliers. JIM: WHAT INFLUENCE DOES THAT HAVE ON YOUR BUSI- NESS AND YOUR RELATIONS WITH YOUR MANUFACTUR- ING PARTNER, NIDEK? STEVE: Nidek has continually paid attention to the industry's changing needs. We have been blessed with having a partner that understands how edging, tracing, and blocking have to be equally advanced in order to produce a singular, glistening, frst-time ft. JIM: WHAT DO YOU ANTICI- PATE IS THE FUTURE FOR OPTICAL LABORTORIES? STEVE: Labs have usually had to adapt after the fact to new lens and frame designs. Fortunately, there's more of a front-end understanding now of these variables, so that both Santinelli and Nidek are vigilant in seeking to keep labs of all sizes relevant with regard to daily production changes and challenges, both now and in the future. JIM: WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SANTINELLI PROD- UCTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT? STEVE: Our newest entrant, of course, has been the 5-axis Xtrimer SE-1 Dry Cut Milling Edger, which is available as both a stand-alone unit and as a robotic system. We are pleased to have seen orders and installations for both versions. Nidek's tradition has been to constantly improve model numbers, not just to change them. For example, our SE-9090 Supra is the "fourth" generation model. The SE-1 will follow the same tradition as it moves forward. Our tracers have advanced from our most successful to date, the Nidek Satellite Tracer LT-1000, to the recently introduced Xtreme-D LT-1200 Tracer with fulcrum- based stylus engineering. While there are several advances under development for both retail and wholesale markets, Nidek generally melds the best of both areas into fnishing technologies that can be mutually successful in both categories. Santinelli and Nidek are vigilant in seeking to keep labs of all sizes relevant with regard to daily production changes and challenges, both now and in the future. A single AES-2200 automatic lab system unit combines two SE-9090 Supra edgers to boost effciency with the NICS (NIDEK Intelligent Conveyor System) and a double arm lens-setting mecha- nism. Over 1,600 jobs can be pro- cessed in 14 hours when linking four AES-2200 units together. The SE-9090 Supra edger features simul- taneous dual-side lens measurement.