Major growth in the global optical market is expected in the coming years. Among the driving forces is the increasing presence of visual impairment due to the aging population and the increasingly frequent and heavy use of screens at all ages, as well as improvements in the ability to diagnose and correct visual problems. There is also growing demand for eyewear in emerging economies and increased demand for premium and customized optical products.
The global optical market: an evolving industry
The global optics market is growing exponentially, and because of this, the supply chain is under pressure to increase production. However, aesthetics is a critical element in optics; therefore, the pursuit of quantity cannot come at the expense of quality.
In eyewear we are seeing smaller and more complex designs and the use of a greater variety of components and materials, some of which are very delicate or sensitive. This is especially true in the developing field of “smart” and connected vision products, including AR and VR. These factors highlight the need for smarter production processes and high-performance joining solutions.
Moreover, in line with almost all other sectors, the optical industry, as well as regulators and consumers, expect a more sustainable approach. The focus is not only on the environmental credentials of the materials and methods used in the optical manufacturing process, but also on how these materials lend themselves to repair, for example, to reduce the disposal of broken glasses, and to disassembly, reuse and recycling. Everyone is then more aware of the importance of health and safety in the production environment, so products that are more environmentally and user friendly will continue to gain ground.
The challenges of the coming years
Research has already shown the association between the increasing use of screens and an increase in computer vision syndrome-a recognized eye condition. Likewise, there is increasing recognition of the value of wearing sunglasses to protect against the impact of UV exposure. As a result, we can expect more people of all ages to need some form of eyeglasses.
The impact of the pandemic on delays in eye tests and diagnoses has subsided somewhat, but the effects on the supply chain will take a long time to be reabsorbed. Inflationary pressures are felt at every point, especially by end consumers who really feel them. Because eyewear is often a necessity rather than a luxury, eyewear manufacturers must maintain an affordable price. Therefore, the continuing challenge of the industry is to keep costs low. How are they trying to achieve this goal? Optimizing processes, ensuring product reliability (avoiding costs associated with returns and repairs) and reducing waste.
High-quality adhesives for eyewear production
As we mentioned earlier, significant growth is expected in the coming years in the global optical industry and, with it, in industrial adhesives for eyewear production.
in this market, in fact, the use of high-quality adhesives is critical to meet production, aesthetic and sustainability challenges. They play a key role in assembling different parts, ensuring high durability and a flawless finish that meets consumer expectations. The ability of adhesives to provide durable and reliable solutions is essential to support innovation in eyewear design while ensuring that manufacturing processes comply with environmental sustainability goals.
The advantages of Born2Bond adhesives
Arkema’s wide range of high-performance Born2Bond adhesives have bonding and space-filling properties that help combat the challenges mentioned above. With a choice of viscosities, dual-cure solutions and “cure on demand,” these products offer solutions suitable for different stages of the eyewear production line. For example, UV instant adhesives and UV acrylics offer a quick multi-substrate solution for bonding lenses to frames, instant adhesives are a good choice for assembling rods and arms, and our anaerobic thread-locking adhesives can be used to secure those small but essential screws.
With Mascherpa’s 100 years of experience, we understand that one of the main challenges of manufacturers in the luxury goods industry is to achieve invisibility in the use of engineered adhesives. Born2Bond’s range of adhesives includes a wide variety of “low bloom” products that offer the precision, flexibility and durability required by contemporary optics without making their presence visible.
Flexible, effective and accurate, our high-precision adhesives can help minimize waste and speed up processes.
Instant adhesives, also known as Born2Bond engineering adhesives, enable manufacturers to design and manufacture traditional and “smart glasses” with durable performance and a flawless finish.
Born2Bond offers low odor and low consumption formulations, the drip solutions
allow the manufacturing process to be optimized through an application
more precise, safer working conditions and a reduction in waste, all
without compromising the technical performance and aesthetics of the product.
Born2Bond solutions for eyewear manufacturing
All Born2Bond Engineering Adhesives are suitable for both small production runs,
involving manual application, either for semi- or
Fully automated.
Here are all the solutions:
- Instant adhesives and UV adhesives: resistant to vibration and shock for increased safety and durability;
Anaerobic adhesives
: not only resistant to vibration, corrosion and chemicals, but also the sustainable and more cost-effective solution than traditional mechanical fasteners;- HMPUR high-performance adhesives: resistant to high temperatures, moisture and chemicals;
- UV-CIPG seals: resistant to temperature changes and chemicals, waterproof and dustproof for durability.
