PPG, Flō-Optics Partner to Provide First Digitally Applied Optical Coatings

PPG has announced an exclusive supplier agreement with Flō-Optics for the application of PPG HI-GARD scratch-resistant coatings using Flō’s proprietary digital printing technology.
 
The agreement will enable the first-ever digitized lens coating solutions using additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, technology. The digitized process will enable ophthalmic labs to apply coatings to lenses with precision for a customizable production method that allows for lenses with unique performance capabilities. In addition to allowing lenses to be more functional, the process makes lens coating more efficient, reducing material consumption, lowering production energy requirements and offering faster turnaround times compared to traditional application methods.
 
“Since the inception of PPG Hi-Gard coatings, our approach has been to provide innovative, protective optical solutions,” said Zachary White, PPG global segment manager, new markets, Optical Monomers and Coatings. “PPG has a history of successfully collaborating with disruptive companies like Flō, leveraging technological and manufacturing know-how to introduce step-change advancements to the industry.”
 
Flō’s digital coatings technology is achieved through multimaterial and multilayering techniques that expand customization and automation options, reduce production complexity, increase scalability and deliver consistent quality.
 
PPG Hi-Gard lens coating solutions provide a durable, scratch-resistant coating on ophthalmic lenses made from plastic lens materials. The optical quality of plastic lenses is maintained, and lenses coated with Hi-Gard lens coating are four to six times more abrasion resistant than uncoated lenses.
 
“Pairing PPG’s coatings expertise with Flō’s breakthrough manufacturing technology opens the door to completely transform the way optical products are designed and developed into future-ready solutions,” White stated. “Flō’s technology has the potential to redefine the way optical lens products are created in prescription laboratories.”
 
“Flō shares PPG’s vision for a more sustainable future where lens coating stacks are created in a smarter, optimized and automated environment that expands flexibility, enhances quality and minimizes complexity,” Flō Chairman/CEO Jonathan Jaglom added. “Our path forward with PPG leverages untapped possibilities in the optical industry and draws upon our combined expertise.”
 
Flō-Optics provides digitized coating solutions for the ophthalmic industry through additive manufacturing (AM) technology via multi-material and multi-layering techniques. This approach allows ophthalmic labs enhanced possibilities regarding coating options that are both improved in terms of functionalities and cost. 
 
PPG develops and delivers paints, coatings and specialty materials. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, the company operates and innovates in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $17.7 billion in 2022.