CrystalChrome

Photochromic Spin Coating System

Photochromic lenses on demand. The CrystalChrome® Photochromic Spin Coating System allows optical labs the ability to transform any clear semi-finished blank or surfaced lens into a high-quality photochromic lens. Reduce costs of delivering premium photochromic lenses and eliminate inventory of semi-finished blanks while still allowing for quick turn-around.

  • LEADING PHOTOCHROMIC PERFORMANCE
  • SPACE SAVING DESIGN
  • SMALL UPFRONT INVESTMENT
  • COMPATIBLE WITH ANTI-REFLECTIVE AND METALIZING TREATMENTS
  • PHOTOCHROMIC COATINGS SUITE FROM SDC TECHNOLOGIES

Image of four women wearing photochromic lenses during various phases of activation, from an indoor environment to an outdoor environment.

CrystalChrome is designed for applying photochromic coatings to ophthalmic lenses. It is equipped with a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) and a user-friendly touch screen interface. The machine maintains infrared air cleanliness with a Hepa filter system, utilizes 8 independent spin motors, and a 2-axis motion system for coating lenses. These motors are mounted on a rotating carousel, each with a suction cup to hold and spin ophthalmic lenses at precise speeds. This system consists of two layers: CrystalChrome GY or BN for photochromic functionality and CrystalChrome HC for scratch resistance.

PHOTOCHROMIC SPIN COATING FEATURES

  • Fast darkening and fading speeds
  • Exceptional optical clarity
  • Excellent product durability and stability
  • Fast drying thermal cure
  • Superior abrasion and chemical resistance

RESOURCES

Being able to spin-coat photochromic coatings on demand is a game changer!

I highly recommend the CrystalChrome® machine from Coburn Technologies to anyone who is looking for a superior photochromic coating system. Coburn Technologies is a trusted and reputable company that makes great machines. SDC Technologies is a leader in the coating industry, and their photochromic coatings produce high-quality results in the CrystalChrome. This is a smart investment for any sized lab.

William "Bill" Heffner, III
FEA Industries, Inc.
Flow chart showing the process of CrystalChrome® Photochromic Spin Coating System.

Critical to Success

  • Maintaining % solids in all coatings
  • Immediate placement in staging environment after unloading from CrystalChrome
  • Proper pre-cleaning of lenses
  • Storage temperature of coatings

Gray

Brown

Hard Coating

Optical labs can expect best-in-class performance through SDC Technologies' patented proprietary coatings that are tailored for front-side spin coating. Available in CrystalChrome GY for gray color and CrystalChrome BN for brown color tint versions.

DIMENSIONS
83.2cm (32.75”) Width
100cm (39.4”) Depth
191.8cm (75.5”) Height

WEIGHT
230kg (507lb)

POWER
240VAC, 50/60Hz,
20A single phase

AIR
80psi (5.5bar) (551kPa)

WATER
Deionized (2 mega ohm or better)
or distilled water

WATER CONSUMPTION
30-50g per lens (depending on
wash water settings)

Do I need to A/R coat the photochromic lenses?

Yes. All photochromic coated lenses must be A/R coated after the reflow oven curing step.

How do I switch coatings from Brown to Grey or Grey to Brown?

CrystalChrome BN (Brown) and CrystalChrome GY (Grey) should have separate tanks. To switch colors, simply switch the tank and follow the start up process. Upon switching colors, replace CrystalChrome HC hard coating as well. Hard coating should not be shared between the different photochromic coatings.

Are the coatings solvent based and are they considered hazardous goods for shipment purposes?

Yes, these coatings are solvent based and should be stored in accordance with local and federal guidelines, which may include storage in explosion proof, corrosive proof, temperature controlled environments.

How should I store these coatings?

CrystalChrome coatings must be stored in an explosion proof, corrosion proof, temperature controlled environment. The recommended storage temperature for CrystalChrome BN and CrystalChrome GY is 20 – 25 °C (68 – 77 °F). When stored at this temperature in the original closed container, it is recommended to begin use of the coating within 6 months of the date received.

Is there a shelf life for CrystalChrome coatings?

Yes. The shelf life of CrystalChrome BN, CrystalChrome GY, and CrystalChrome HC is 6 months.