Efficient lathe integration is at the core of precision contact lens production. FocalPoints ensures smooth communication between software and hardware, minimizing errors, enhancing automation, and improving production speed.
FocalPoints uniquely integrates with leading lathes, ensuring seamless compatibility and streamlining the manufacturing process. This integration reduces the learning curve and minimizes operator error. Our platform also supports advanced features such as lathe-mounted Autoloaders and Laser Engravers for select brands.
| Compatible Lathes | Autoloader | Laser Engr |
|---|---|---|
| Ametek | ⚑ | ⚑ |
| DAC | ⚑ | ⚑ |
| Rem VT | Tba | ⚑ |
| Schneider OM | Tba | ⚑ |
FocalPoints’ lathe integration is built on a design data-driven approach, where all design geometry information is stored and managed directly within the system. By centralizing design data, FocalPoints eliminates the need for lathe-specific adjustments, allowing seamless production with consistent precision. This approach not only simplifies workflows but also maximizes efficiency across diverse lathe equipment.
FocalPoints employs a single-input architecture that streamlines communication with lathe control software. Using just one barcode, it instructs the lathe on which lens to cut, significantly reducing data entry errors and boosting efficiency. This architecture ensures precise tracking of lenses produced, including rejects and re-cuts, providing labs with detailed insights into production performance.
FocalPoints seamlessly integrates advanced tools like laser engravers and autoloaders to enhance automation and efficiency. Laser engravers ensure precise and consistent markings, improving product traceability and customization, while autoloaders streamline lens handling, reducing manual intervention and production time. By incorporating these features, labs can automate repetitive tasks, increase efficiency and minimize errors.
Lathe integration is central to FocalPoints’ ability to provide complete job history and lens traceability. By centralizing all manufacturing data, including lathe-specific production details, FocalPoints ensures every step—from ordering to lens inspection—is fully documented and easily accessible. This centralized approach streamlines operations, enabling seamless communication between departments, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.
FocalPoints’ design-driven lathe integration is exemplified by our Live Manufacturing Dashboard, a powerful tool that centralizes real-time data by integrating directly with lathes, the dashboard provides instant access to KPIs such as lenses produced, surfaces cut per lathe, and rejection trends. This centralized system ensures seamless operations from design to inspection, enabling labs to monitor performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions from a single interface.
FocalPoints allows labs to connect an unlimited number of lathes, even from multiple brands, enabling flexible and scalable operations. As the only MES in the industry with direct integration to major lathe manufacturers, FocalPoints ensures that any design can be manufactured on any lathe using the same standardized process. This removes dependency on a single vendor, ensures consistent production across equipment, and opens up opportunities for design licensing with other labs.
Supported lathes are actively maintained by their manufacturer, offering updates, repairs, and technical assistance. Compatible lathes work seamlessly with FocalPoints but may no longer receive manufacturer support. While compatible lathes can still perform effectively, the lack of support might pose challenges for maintenance and troubleshooting.
FocalPoints maintains compatibility with legacy lathes running on DOS, ensuring that labs with older equipment can still benefit from modern manufacturing capabilities. However, while these lathes may integrate with FocalPoints, their outdated operating systems can pose challenges, such as limited support from manufacturers and increased maintenance requirements. For labs using such equipment, we recommend consulting with us to address specific needs and potential limitations.
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