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UK-based materials handling supplier AB Systems has recently announced that a major international soft lens manufacturer has taken delivery of a new materials handling set-up at its UK plant.
The lens manufacturer makes hundreds of thousands of contact lenses each week, a process that involves the injection of a polymerisable feed material into a mould, which is then oven-cured.
It is the manufacture of the plastic mould assembly – which in reality comprises a male convex and female concave mould surface – for which AB Systems designed and installed the material handling system.
The new installation uses equipment from SB Plastics, for whom AB Systems is UK distributor. It includes three material loaders, a desiccant dryer, an insulated drying hopper, a vacuum pump, and a central system vacuum filter to remove debris. AB Systems also designed and installed a bespoke touch screen panel, which, the group says, enables operators to quickly and easily pre-program and control processes such as conveying times and filter cleaning.
During the production of lenses, formation of surface voids can render the cast object unsuitable as a lens. “We have installed several materials handling systems at this particular UK facility and continue to be counted as a trusted supplier. It is fantastic to work with a client that is so active in ensuring that the highest standards of manufacturing are achieved,” said Jeff Day, Managing Director of AB Systems.