REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC COMPONENTS FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING OF OPHTHALMIC LENSES AND METHODS OF MAKING SUCH COMPONENTS

摘要

Components for use in the formation of a finished or partially finished ophthalmic lens, such as lens blocks and prism rings and edging blocks and adapters for example, are formed from a carbon fiber reinforced crystalline thermoplastic containing at least 30% by weight carbon fiber based on the total weight of the component. The reinforced thermoplastic has a minimum tensile strength of at least about 20,000 psi, a minimum flexural strength of 2 x 104 psi, a minimum flexural modulus of 2 x 106 psi, and a specific gravity of less than 1.60. The lens block includes a unique arrangement of ribs to strengthen the block and increase its heat transfer properties. Metal finishing centers are inserted into the block and are ultrasonically vibrated or heat staked in order to cause the plastic material to flow around and into serrations formed on the finishing centers.