PPG and Flō-Optics Enter Exclusive Supplier Agreement

PPG announced an exclusive supplier agreement with Flō-Optics for the application of PPG HI-GARD scratch-resistant coating on Flō’s 3D printing technology. This will enable the first ever digitized lens coating using 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), technology. 
 
Using the digitized process, ophthalmic labs will be able to precisely apply coatings to lenses for a customizable production method, creating lenses with unique performance capabilities. The process makes lenses more functional and makes the coating process more efficient, reduces material consumption, lowers production energy requirements, and offers faster turnaround times. 
 
“Since the inception of PPG Ho-Gard coatings, our approach has been to provide innovative, protective optical solutions that are the cutting edge of technology. PPG has a history of successfully collaborating with disruptive companies like Flō, leveraging technological and manufacturing know-how to introduce step-change advancements in the industry,” said PPG global segment manager of new markets, Zachary White. 
 
Made from plastic lens materials, Hi-Gard lens coating solutions provides a durable, scratch-resistant coating on ophthalmic lenses. Lenses coated with Hi-Gard as four to six times more abrasion resistant, maintaining optical quality of plastic lenses. 
 
Through multi-material and multi-layering techniques, Flō’s digital coatings technology achieved expanded customization and automation options, increased scalability, delivered consistent quality, and reduced production complexity. 
 
“Parring PPG’s coating expertise with Flō’s breakthrough manufacturing technology opens the door to completely transform the way optical products are designed and developed in the future-ready solutions. Flō’s technology has the potential to redefine the way optical lens product are created in prescription laboratories,” White added. 
 
Flō chairman and CEO Jonathan Jaglom commented, “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. Our path forward with PPG leverages untapped possibilities in the optical industry and draws upon our combined expertise.”
 
Flō-Optics is a developer of digital manufacturing technology for the ophthalmic industry that uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology via multi-material and multi-layering techniques.