We originally wrote this document in 2021 to highlight the challenges that optical manufactures are facing. Now, two years later, Cambridge Viscosity has again looked at the industry and identified some of the most critical challenges faced by optical lens manufacturers.
In this 3-part series, Cambridge Viscosity explores three critical challenges faced by optical lens manufacturers in 2023. You can access the complete pdf here.
PART TWO
Cambridge Viscosity has identified three critical challenges that complicate the operations of optics manufacturers and threaten their profitability. These challenges are driven by a variety of factors, including changes in market demand, rising costs, and environmental concerns.
CHALLENGE #2: Rising Cost of Raw Materials
The cost of raw materials used in optical coatings has been increasing. This has a significant impact on the cost of production for manufacturers, which can, in turn, affect pricing to consumers and profitability to producers. Manufacturers may need to find alternative sources of raw materials or develop new coating technologies that use less expensive materials. The rising costs of raw materials can have a significant impact on the optical coating industry in several ways:
Increased production costs.
As the prices of raw materials increase, the production costs of optical coatings also increase. This can make it more expensive to manufacture optical coatings.
Reduced profit margins.
The rising costs of raw materials can reduce the profit margins. If the prices of raw materials increase faster than the prices of finished products, it can become increasingly difficult for companies to maintain profitability.
Limited availability of certain materials.
The increasing costs of raw materials can make it more difficult for companies to secure the materials needed for their production. If certain materials become too expensive, it may become economically unfeasible for companies to continue using them and they may need to explore alternative materials that may not provide the same level of performance.
Pressure to innovate.
The rising costs of raw materials can create pressure for companies to innovate and find new ways to improve the performance of their optical coatings while reducing their reliance on expensive materials. This can lead to investment in research and development of new coating technologies and the use of alternative materials, which can help to mitigate the impact of rising costs.
The Role of Viscometers in Cost Containment
Waste Reduction
By measuring the viscosity of the coating material, viscometers can help manufacturers reduce waste by ensuring that the coating is applied at the correct viscosity. This can reduce the need for rework and disposal of excess material, which helps manufacturers keep costs low and profitability high.
