What is alloy and why avoid it?
Aluminum alloy is a mix of metals used to block (securely mount) unfinished lens material during grinding and polishing. Alloy metals contain hazardous materials including cadmium, lead & indium.
Alloy has long been the blocking material of choice for most lens labs, due to its strong provided support during the dynamic lens surfacing process. But using alloy comes at a high cost:
- Alloy and its fumes are a health hazard for optics industry workers
- Alloy is bad for the environment and difficult to dispose of safely
- Alloy is expensive, with unpredictable price fluctuations
The vast majority of optical companies still use alloy during eyewear prescription processing. Wisconsin Vision is the first optical retailer in the USA to use an alloy-free process. We have completely eliminated alloy in our lens lab by investing in the latest eyeglass lens technology.
How we do it
With Schneider Optical Machines’ NEW Eco-Fuse Technology (EFT), our lens lab processes economical, environmentally-friendly prescription lenses.
EFT is a ground-breaking innovation offering:
Sustainable production
Zero toxic waste is produced during production
Less waste
Thanks to reusable block pieces, we produce less waste.
Lightweight materials
Our materials are clean, easy to handle, and safer for workers
Consistent, automated precision
Our procedures in crafting allow for an even wider range of complex eyewear
EFT technology uses a completely organic glue compound and a simple heat curing method. Our lens lab produces the most accurate, customized eyewear in the nation without hazardous materials, chemicals, or methods.
A big step forward for Wisconsin
Federal agencies including the EPA, OSHA & the CDC have targeted alloy material for increased restriction and eventual eradication. Years or even decades from now, it’s likely alloy will be banned from use.
Wisconsin Vision is ahead of the curve, leading the way forward in cleaner, greener lens surfacing. Learn more about Wisconsin’s largest independently-owned optical company and our commitment to giving back to our community.
