search.noResults

search.searching

dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRY FOCUS The levels of automation vary widely for


lens mould manufacturers. Some purely specialise in making the lens moulds, which are then shipped globally and the lenses are made closer to the local market. Others batch mould the lenses and then store them before they are put through the next phase of production. Right now only one Sumitomo (SHI)


Demag customer has opted to automate the entire lens production process. Here, the IntElect injection moulding machine forms just one small part of a huge production line whereby raw material is put in and, when it comes out the other end, the final product is packed and ready to ship. There are obvious advantages and


disadvantages to both approaches, with expenditure and downtime issues being two concerns. The investment cost for the ‘all-in-one’ solution is higher because the level of complexity involved is huge. Also, if there is a problem anywhere in the machine, the entire production line stops and no lenses are produced at all, which is a main downside. With a batch approach, there is more flexibility and operators have the ability to stop the injection moulding machine and compensate somewhere else in the system. “Continuous production might be


more effective and efficient, but the risks are higher,” notes Flowers. “In both instances preventative maintenance and management of downtime has to be well managed. It can be less disruptive to set aside a window every month to switch the machines off and action all the maintenance. This way you can pre-book your engineers. Alternatively, schedule checks for when you are switching moulding tools before production for another type of lens mould commences.” Using the most state-of-the-art systems available is also a key consideration. For this reason production machines are typically upgraded every five years with new drive systems, controllers and other key components, emphasises Flowers. “As well as reducing the risk of unscheduled downtime, these upgrades also ensure production rates are maximised – and, sometimes, improved – and costs are controlled.” With contact lens demand continuing to increase, machine manufacturers are constantly facing challenges of how ensure their hardware can stay one step ahead. In Asia specifically, the emergence of a market for cosmetic solutions, including coloured lenses, is part of the reason that this region is expected to experience the fastest


Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s activeFlowBalance technology stops the screw in the right place, allowing the mould to fill naturally


growth between 2017 and 2024*. “The preference of disposable lenses – and relatively lower cost – makes them a much more appealing solution to resolving short or long sightedness than glasses,” ends Flowers.


Sumitomo (SHI) Demag T: 01296 739500 http://uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu


* http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/contact-lens-market---global-industry- analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016---2024-300348841.html


/AUTOMATION


AUTOMATION | JUNE 2018 15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60