PPG Optical Material First to Achieve Excellent Optics, Safety in Thin Lens
26 October 2000
PPG Optical Material First to Achieve Excellent Optics, Safety in Thin Lens
PITTSBURGH--Oct. 26, 2000--PPG Industries has developed the world's first optical lens material described as combining optical performance and safety in a thin, light lens.PPG's Trivex lens material will be introduced to the eyewear industry at the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) meeting in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 4.
PPG partnered with two lens manufacturers -- Hoya Corporation Vision Care Co. and Younger Optics, Inc. -- to refine and commercialize the new material. Younger and Hoya plan spring launches of new lines using Trivex material.
"PPG's goal was to provide the best comprehensive lens material that delivers excellent optics, light and thin lenses, and impact resistance to satisfy the industry's highest standards. Trivex lens material meets all three performance requirements," said Susan Kreh, PPG general manager of optical monomers and coatings.
"The attributes we targeted have been the most desired since glass was introduced," said Michael Okoroafor, Ph.D., associate director, PPG research and development, optical monomers and coatings. "Trivex lens material is a completely new optical monomer and the result of breakthrough chemistry adapted from the defense industry. It is not a refinement of existing optical products."
Focus groups of optometrists have received the material with great interest. "Many of the doctors said lenses made with Trivex material could become their primary choice," said Jerry Dooley, PPG commercial development manager.
Younger and Hoya played critical roles in PPG's product development. "Our strong relationship with each company is built on the desire to bring consumers a revolutionary, new lens through advanced materials technology," said Kreh.
Hoya, a leading worldwide manufacturer in the vision care field, is planning to launch a new line of lenses made with Trivex material in all of its single-vision and progressive designs. "Of all the materials we have tested over the years, PPG's Trivex material certainly offers added benefits that others do not," said Hiroshi Yukawa, Hoya's general manager, strategic planning. "A thin and lightweight lens with this kind of toughness and optics is what meets Hoya's standards of quality without compromise."
David Rips, president of Younger Optics, sees the material as a significant development in the industry. "Younger's new product line, named Trilogy, offers lens performance without compromise," Rips said. "The Trilogy line will initially be available in aspheric semi-finished, single-vision lenses in nine base curves. It will also be available in Image progressives and lenses from Transitions Optical," Rips noted.
PPG is the world's leading maker of optical resins and developed the first hard resin material, CR-39 monomer, in 1947. It is majority owner of Transitions Optical which produces Transitions photochromic lenses.
PPG recently introduced electrochromic io Eyewear, a complete lens and frame package that allows wearers to electronically select the darkness of their lenses with the touch of a button.
In addition to optical coatings and monomers, PPG is a leading global supplier of specialty and industrial chemicals, coatings, flat and fabricated glass, and fiber glass. With about 120 manufacturing locations in 23 countries, sales in 1999 were US$7.8 billion.
Internet: www.ppg.com