Lens coating technology

Lens Coating Technology

Easy to clean - nanotechnology

The addition of nano particles in the chemistry of uvex's scratch-resistant lens coating helps to create what is known as the "Lotus Effect" on the surface of the lens.

This hydrophobic effect means liquid rests on 'top' of the surface so is able to move more freely. Lenses can be wiped clean much more easily as the smoother surface means less adherence so dirt particles simply glide off.

uvex sets the record straight about its anti-fog lens coating technology

The safety market is saturated with products all claiming to have similar performance values, however, some safety eyewear companies are resorting to “magic tricks” to fool an audience about its products anti-fog capabilities.

This video highlights the “trick” that is taking place, whereby uvex safety glasses with anti-fog lens coating are being compared to competitor products to demonstrate the effectiveness of their lens coating claims.

The “trick” is that like-for-like lens coatings are not being used for the demonstration thereby, casting doubt on the capability and performance of uvex products. This is an unfair comparison and uvex don’t want its customers to feel deceived by what they are seeing.

Which uvex lens coating do I need?

uvex has developed 3 core lens coatings and several special coatings each with their own formula. The flow process used to apply the coating allows different coating combinations to be applied, making them application-specific for maximum effectiveness.

Different workplaces require different lens coatings for safety eyewear due to variations in working conditions.

uvex has created a simple-to-use guide to help you select the right lens coating for your workplace. Use the diagram shown in this video to help you choose the correct lens coating for your safety eyewear according to levels of temperature, humidity and dirt.

Find your coating:

Select the temperature which best represents your working environment on the horizontal temperature axis
Define the air humidity of the surroundings in percentage terms and find the figure on the diagonal axis
Determine the degree of dirt on the vertical axis
Join these three points to form a triangle

The part of the triangle with the largest area will show you the appropriate coating for your defined area of use.

Types of coatings

Lens coatings can be either:
• hydrophobic (moisture repelling) detergent-based coatings (which can be washed off) or
• hydrophilic (moisture absorbing)

A hydrophobic coating is soap-based and works by repelling moisture, spreading the droplets across the lens. This ultimately leads to a build up of fog on the lens, which requires cleaning to remove it. Eventually, depending on the quality of the coating, the detergent properties will be washed from the lens, rendering it ineffective.

Unlike hydrophobic coatings, hydrophilic coatings act like a sponge and absorb the moisture into the lens. The coating can hold a high amount of moisture and releases it at the edge of the lens. Hydrophilic coatings are not soap-based making them permanent (they can't be washed off).

Core coatings

Lenses coated with uvex supravision sapphire are extremely scratch-resistant on both sides and offer excellent resistance to chemicals. The coating system has been refined by nanotechnology and offers significantly increased non-stick properties and is therefore easier to clean. Watery and greasy dirt can be removed easily.

Lenses coated with uvex supravision excellence are anti-fog (at least 16 seconds, norm requires 8 seconds) on the inside, while the outside offers extreme scratch and chemical resistance. The anti-fog coating is permanent and won't wash off, even after repeated cleaning. The lenses are also easy to clean and less susceptible to dirt due to the non-stick nanotechnology.

Lenses coated with uvex supravision plus have long lasting anti-fog properties on both sides (at least 30 seconds, norm requires 8 seconds), scratch-resistant and anti-static. The anti-fog coating is permanent, even after being cleaned several times. This lens coating is particularly suitable for areas with high humidity.

Special coatings

uvex supravision extreme

Lenses coated with uvex supravision extreme have a scratch-resistant exterior and permanent anti-fog interior. Fogging is not possible as the coating does not become saturated. It is most suitable for working areas with long-term exposure to humidity and a high level of dirt.
View products with uvex supravision extreme lens coating

uvex supravision variomatic

Lenses coated with uvex supravision variomatic are self-tinting filters, which automatically become darker when exposed to UV (within 10 seconds) and become lighter when exposure is reduced (after 30 seconds). Particularly suitable for workplaces where you frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments, from light to dark.
View products with uvex supravision variomatic lenses

uvex supravision clean

Lenses coated with uvex supravision clean are autoclavable and resistant to chemicals. Anti-fog on the inside, extremely scratch-resistant on the outside. The anti-fog coating is retained for at least 10 autoclave cycles. The coating ensures absolute freedom from fogging as well as maximum vision.
View products with uvex supravision clean lens coating

uvex infradur and uvex infradur plus

Lenses coated with uvex infradur are scratch-resistant on both sides and minimise the damage from welding sparks. Lenses coated with uvex infradur plus are anti-fog on the inside and extremely scratch-resistant on the outside, and also minimise the damage from welding sparks.
View products with uvex infradur and uvex infradur plus lens coating

Scratch-resistant lenses

Scratches on your lenses can directly impact on your safety, making you more vulnerable to injuries.

If your vision is obscured, your perception of hazards is compromised and you may also experience headaches and fatigue.

uvex scratch-resistant coatings significantly extend the life of the lens, keeping you protected for longer and providing excellent value for money.

Scratch-resistant safety eyewear

uvex CR - autoclavable safety eyewear

uvex's clean room range with anti-fog lens coating is designed for repeated autoclave sterilisation delivering continuous coating performance (20 cycles for 20 minutes each at maximum 121°C. The scratch-resistant coating on the outside of the lens helps prolong the life of the product. uvex CR coated safety eyewear is ideal for specialist environments; in laboratories, clinics, clean rooms and food manufacturing. Available on safety spectacles, goggles and overspecs to suit your individual requirements.

View the range

Lens tinting solutions

It is important to choose the most appropriate lens tint for your environment to ensure you are not putting additional strain on your eyes. Lens tinting can provide better visibility, increased contrast and reduced glare. uvex offer lens tinting solutions for a wide range of light environments and with 10 lens tints available, it is easy to choose the best solution for your particular application. Our digital lens tinting advisor helps you find the perfect tinting for your application.

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