MC-COX - New Laser Engraving System for Free form lenses

Free form lenses (PAL) and even others require different engravings intensities for permanent engraving signs and/or branding logos from ‘semi visible’ to ‘strong’. For this need the new, patented MC-COX system engraves all kinds of plastic lenses from CR39 through 'High Index" to polycarbonate in a high quality and without heat-affected zone around the actual engraving. Intensity and engraving contrast can be set in a much broader range than for traditional methods.

COX – State of the Art

Until now, there were generally two kinds of ophthalmic laser engraving systems: Cost effective CO2 laser engravers and high-maintenance Excimer marking systems.

The obvious advantage of the CO2 systems is their low price. Their disadvantage is their 10,600 nm wavelength, which is due to physical reasons and results in infrared heat radiation, which only partially melts the material. In plastics such as CR39, this can lead to a memory effect. The only slightly engraved surface "remembers" the old state, and the engraving will vanish again. In case of so-called "high index" materials, the lens surface will burst open, which leads to cosmetic and quality problems, in particular in the heat-treated zone around the actual engraving.

In contrast, Excimer-based systems ablate the engraving points and lead to a very clean and high-quality engraving. However, the Excimer laser requires relatively high expenses both for purchasing and maintenance.

The COX Engraving System Alternative

The concept of the new MC-COX engraving systems directly targets the weaknesses of traditional systems: The low CO2 laser quality and the relative high Excimer system prices. The development is aimed at a cost-effective engraving system that comes close to the Excimer systems in terms of quality for marking ophthalmic plastic lenses in high quality.