SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.—Coburn Technologies announced its final shipment of the SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator in December, ending over 33 years of production. The SGX system—with a 3-axis, 3-dimensional contouring tool that utilized a fluted precision cutter—reduced total surfacing time by shortening fining and polishing cycles and enabling consistent single-step fining of most lens materials, the company said. “The SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator embodies the innovation and customer focus that have defined Coburn Technologies for 70 years as the company has evolved,” said Alex Incera, president of Coburn Technologies. “Over 30 years ago, we seized the opportunity to pioneer a technology that became accessible to diverse labs around the world."

Since its introduction in 1991 by Gerber Coburn, the SGX Surface Generator has provided labs with the cutting technology for CR39, hi-index and polycarbonate lenses. To meet the diverse needs of the industry, Gerber Coburn offered the original SGX, the high-throughput SGX Turbo and the value-oriented SGX Lite. In 1998, SGX Turbo was recognized for its high performance by winning the OLA Award of Excellence.
 
After further developments to SGX, the SGX Plus was introduced in 2004 as a new, upgraded machine with an extended processing range and enhanced technical features. Over 11 years, SGX Plus ultimately evolved into the latest iteration, the SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator, which was equipped with modern electronics and an advanced interface, the company reported.
 
Coburn said its decision to phase out the SGX Pro aligns with its strategy to develop solutions that meet the needs of today’s optical professionals. Customers currently using the SGX Pro will continue to receive dedicated support, including technical support, field service, spare parts and consumables. Coburn’s lens generator product offering will include the new NEXUS DGT Digital Lens Generator, Cobalt NXT Digital Lens Generator, Cobalt NX Digital Lens Generator and the CTL65 Compact Lens Generator—still providing several configurable options to all labs.