UPC Evo

Introducing the UPC Evo

The multifunctional UPC Evo processes a variety of custom-fit premium designs for contact lenses, IOLs, and even molds with great accuracy and high productivity. It offers the highest flexibility in the market-place thanks to its modular design: a variety of options – based on your individual needs – working together in a single setup. It can be fitted with a fast scan-head-based CO2 laser engraving system or a milling spindle for haptics of any shape, with the highest precision. Even an integrated automation option is part of the extensive possibilities. The sophisticated design features all the key aspects to generate high form accuracy and superb polish-free results – a rigid base, fluidic bearings, smooth running motors, and high performance motion controllers. The on-board Fast Tool carries four tools of your choice and offers the ideal conditions for freeform lens generation. Dedicated CL and IOL Editors allow for smart and easy lens designing. Despite its versatility, the UPC Evo is remarkably compact thanks to its evolutionary design. The UPC Evo meets that sweet spot where high-quality and performance is complimented by an economic price.

Polish-free excellence meets productivity

Despite its economic pricing, all quality defining components in the UPC Evo are at the highest level: a rigid FEA optimized base provides the foundation for the high-quality linear axes and the spindle, driven by powerful motors. Optimized for lowest surface roughness, the UPC Evo’s air-bearing spindle guarantees the lowest rotational noise, while the hydrostatic X-axis provides extra high damping and dynamic stiffness required for high form accuracy and polish-free results.

The UPC Evo‘s high clock rate motion control system driving all axes guarantees low axis noise of up to +/-1 nm and ultimately the lowest surface roughness values available.

The on-board air-bearing Fast Tool processes custom-fit freeform geometries with high productivity rates and improved accuracy. It carries four tools of your choice – an example; 1x edge tool (RS or NRS), 1x roughing tool, 2x finishing tools. This allows for uninterrupted processing, as UPC Evo could automatically switch to the second finishing tool once the first tool is worn. The ultra-precision center’s special design in conjunction with the integrated Fast Tool allows for adjusting the tools in X, Y and Z direction with encoder resolution by using the CNC machine axes. Tool adjustments can be done much faster and more reliably. No need for time-consuming re-adjustments as the position remains stable over time.

Before a lens is cut, the tool path is pre-calculated and controlled to optimise speeds and prevent the risk of crashing or unexpected interruptions, offering unprecedented reliability. This guarantees continuous production even with very complex lenses. The pre-calculation of points clouds is carried out fully automatically parallel to machining, eliminating waiting times.

The UPC Evo’s enclosed operating chamber contains the swarf and directly extracts it to keep the work space clean. In addition, the full enclosure effectively reduces noise and safely shields the operator from potential harm.

Highly configurable – no compromises

The UPC Evo’s sophisticated modular design ideally supports contact lens and IOL production. A diverse range of options work harmoniously together. A configuration may comprise: a Fast Tool, a CO2 laser, an engraving spindle, radial and axial probes, a confocal-chromatic measuring unit and even automation – all in one machine setup. Specifically for IOL production, an air-bearing haptic milling spindle can be fitted also.

A variety of high-end options  The UPC Evo allows the integration of multiple options such as;

Drillmarker – for fenestrations, toric markings and blank index markings

CO2 laser – fast scan-head based engraving system for UDIs or other markings, eliminating the use of combined axis movements

IOL haptic milling spindle – for haptic generation with high precision and repeatability

Radial and axial probes – radial probe for detecting blank index and the axial probe for referencing the lens surface

Confocal-chromatic sensor – for surface measurement and evaluation, as well as supporting tool calibration

Automation – integrated handling unit for the automated transfer of the lenses in and  out of the machine that allows connection to either a conveyor belt, pallet storage or manufacturing cell High-speed air-bearing spindle – for high performance and accuracy

Highest-speed air-bearing spindle – for high performance and accuracy

Compact design, small footprint
Despite the ultra-precision center’s high performance and versatility, it has a remarkable small footprint. The alignment of all tools, probes, markers and measuring features enable fast axis transit times between the processes, saving cycle times.

Even the hydraulic power unit and water/water-chiller are integrated internally. The latter is a dual circuit heat exchanger for optimized temperature regulation and higher accuracy of spindle and axes.

Consequently, the footprint remains com-pact and the UPC Evo fits through conventional doorways, greatly reducing installation time.

Smart lens design software
The dedicated SCHNEIDER CL Editor and IOL Editor allow for smart and easy designing of simple or complex custom lens geometries, e.g. lenses with multi-curves or quadrant-specific lenses.