How Premium AR Coatings Are Made

[@howardcohn784]

John, you are the best. You are better than any of the professors that I had in optics. You are an asset to the optical profession.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Thank you.

[@curttheboywonder]

John, thanks so much for all of your help with these great videos. I just passed my ABO this week, largely in part to watching your videos (over and over and over again). I highly recommend the optician works study guide and this KZbin channel for anyone looking to take their ABO.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Thanks! John

[@80SBABY80G]

Congrats !! Im on my CE courses and referring to some videos that are helpful... get ready to revisit in 3years 😊

[@LaramyKOptical]

See also: www.laramyk.com/blog/ar_coating_process_with_norm_kester/

[@JK360noscope]

Cool! They got a big ol' bell jar and a e-beam!

[@Mukhtar_jnr]

A new fan of yours from Nigeria.👍🏼

[@LaramyKOptical]

Thanks Ahmad!

[@int31cm]

Wow! I work on old scopes as a hobby. I can only dream of having the knowledge and equipment you guys have. I don’t think many of us understand how complex a process it is to create and then care for quality lenses.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Wicked cool hobby! Yeah the lab folks don't get the recognition they deserve. Some of the best and brightest folks I know. A (real) lab manager has to be crazy smart. John

[@JauGoo]

This was the best educational inspirational video for me..thank you for this! I will hope our paths meet someday and you will be immensely credited...much appreciated

[@LaramyKOptical]

Thanks! John

[@richard-mai]

How well would AR coatings hold up in automotive paint applications? Vantablack finished with AR *drools*

[@LaramyKOptical]

Absolutely, positively no idea! I've always assumed that the auto paint manufacturers already have that sort of thing sorted out.

[@metalox88]

Great video

[@EppingForest304]

Interesting 👍

[@junaiduddin8783]

what are the compounds used for the coating????

[@UpcycleElectronics]

You might expand your audiance if you go into the gritty nerdy details here. I was talking with someone earlier today in the comments section of Ben Krasnow's (Applied Science) upload about lens coatings and went searching for references to firm up my abstract level understanding of the chemistry. Ben's latest upload covers etching optical filters on p-doped silicon wafers, but he has done videos on both a vapor and sputter deposition rigs he has built. I thought he had mentioned the various metals and processes used to metalize coat sunglasses, but didn't find the reference. I haven't found anything definitive on the subject, so far. You're posting the type of references I would share with others, if you covered the subject. Another idea for content is a video about the differences between reading glasses and prescriptions. I'm disabled and getting out of the house is a major hassle. I used a couple of pairs of cheap reading glasses at two different strengths, and a measuring tape to determine the percentage difference of each eye, then ordered two of the lowest power reading glasses I could find that matched the difference, swapped out one eye, and haven't had any problems since. The difference added up to .75/1.0 or a 33% difference. I don't really *need* the glasses even to read, it just makes it more comfortable to read technical documentation for far longer. This is just a real world type of situation that viewers might relate to, especially if you can approach it from the miser-layman's perspective. Personally, I can't situp or stand for very long due to chronic back injuries. Just driving/riding somewhere is challenging and I'm quickly at useless pain levels while sitting up. So not everyone in this type of circumstance is just being cheap. Just some thoughts. -Jake

[@SianaGearz]

Well hello there, fellow person trying to understand Ben's science magic.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Hey Guys - John here. Sorry but way, way (way) beyond the level of need to know for the optician. I think there is a FB group for optical engineering. I'm a bear of little brain... and to be brutally honest the hard-core physics stuff doesn't really excite me much.

[@UpcycleElectronics]

@@LaramyKOptical Nothing wrong with that. We all have our limits and unexplored curiosities we don't have time for. Thanks for the reply, and have a great day. -Jake

[@harison.t2570]

Can i apply ar coating even after i bought the glasses( after lenses cutted)?

[@LaramyKOptical]

No. And if you are told otherwise smile, nod your head and walk away.

[@yacinebenahmed_uqar]

Great video! I was just wondering if it would help if the clean room operators wore masks, long sleeves and hair nets im order to minimize human chemical/physical contamination of the lenses? (Worked in a lobster processing plant a long time ago wherd this was standard procedure)

[@LaramyKOptical]

Yacine, It wouldn't hurt but I think it borders on over-kill. If it were a problem I'm sure we would have folks wearing other protective clothing. Lobster mmmmmm I love lobster. I bet that was a pretty horrible job! John

[@jefffisher1045]

Hi Bob, I've done alot of reading about AR, and now more confused than ever, can you explain the difference between these Premium AR Coatings from very big companies ex: Crizal, Zeiss or Shamir) at very high prices, are they worth it, and now I see some online sites selling these brands at discounts, almost half the price. See what I mean by confusing. I figured you being a tech. you can explain this better than a salesman, thank you, Jeff

[@LaramyKOptical]

Jeff, Probably not what you were hoping to read but --- with few exceptions the higher-end products are better products. My mantra has always been the same, "If you must choose between a low cost AR and no AR go with no." As to brand, well, you wouldn't recognize the brand name we sell under but I can assure you it is every bit as good as the big-names! Now, SAME THING HALF THE PRICE if it sounds too good to be true it usually is... John

[@jefffisher1045]

@@LaramyKOptical Bob, how does someone get lenses from you? I am in Pa.

[@LaramyKOptical]

@@jefffisher1045 Drop me an email through the OpticianWorks website and I'll check if we have a customer near you. John

[@htimsdj]

How do those 1 hour places sell AR coatings? Is it far from premium, or simply different?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Lenses known as finished uncuts come from the factory with an AR coat. It might be a top-tier fantastic coating - it might be low-end not very good one. These are single vision only. If any places are offering progressives in 1 hour then you are getting a front surface coating only, which is not a god idea. You can't "spray on" an AR coat in a lab.

[@zuyoungim3875]

Where can you get Bob's AR in a can? How much for the can?

[@LaramyKOptical]

That commercial was made ten years ago. Bob's now sells for $59.99 a can. Email me and I'll give you a PO Box to mail cash to. Minimum order is 10 cans plus $15.99 a can s&h cash only. No guarantees of delivery. John

[@chaconaurelio]

Bahaha I was like what kind of devil magic! If that existed I would buy the whole stock bahaha

[@josealfonsogrijalvagonzale4377]

Hi, its very interesting how you use rings yo avoid the drop on the face of the lens, where can i found those rings and racks?

[@LaramyKOptical]

qtmi.net

[@aznfriedrice415]

Is there any difference in quality with dip AR coating. Seems dip coating makes the lenses very dull looking with dip method?

[@LaramyKOptical]

I'm not aware of a dip coating AR. Dip coatings are for prep or scratch resistance. AR is applied when elements are forced to a gaseous state and fall upon the lens.

[@DustinPlatt]

Not gonna like. The -Back side -Front Side -Side Side A/r coat in a can had me chuckle.

[@aliciakow6600]

If I decide to have transitions lens, do I need to add on AR coating? Or it will not be necessary, as it comes with it

[@LaramyKOptical]

Two separate lens options. Not a bad idea to add AR with Transitions since it tends to make them react a little better.

[@aliciakow6600]

@@LaramyKOptical So, is Standard AR coating will be more than enough to add on with Transition lenses for budget wise? TIA

[@RedRisotto]

So I guess hair on the lenses is not an issue during the process then?

[@misternobody4644]

Is this the same process that is used to apply AR coating to a sapphire wristwatch crystal? The reason I ask is because my Hamilton watch does not have AR coating and is highly reflective. Does this mean I can go to an optician to get AR coating applied to my Hamilton's watch crystal? Also, is this an expensive process to apply AR coating to a watch crystal?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Mister Nobody - As far as I understand it yes the process is the same. We do apply AR coatings to non-eyeglass products. We would need a fresh perfect crystal and the crystal alone. You would need to check with the lab on pricing. Depending on the process it could be $50 it could be $500. Call Janet (afternoons CST) 800-525-1274

[@user-youzer]

From 10$ to 100$ per speciment (depend to quantity and technic) without shiping. [e-mail] (Kyiv, Ukraine)

[@bpark10001]

I am surprised your lab does not use sonic cleaning as part of the cleaning process. This could eliminate the numerous "sponging" processes I observed in the video.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Brian, It is just like everything else in this world. We bought the J series when it was the latest and the greatest. Time passes and now the L series has Gorbot 7 technology and sonic cleaning. Next year they will release the M series that eliminates humans entirely. You work with what you have. And sure I get it, business is business, but at Laramy-K we never forget that gal doing that cleaning cycle - she has a family to take care of just like we do. Laramy-K does an amazing job of cross-training so tasks like those are often picked up by anyone with a break in their usual work cycle. I never leave the there (I live in SC not IA) without commenting on the truly amazing work ethic of those mid-western people. The lab is truly in farm country so they are used to hard work, long hours and the trickle-down realization that if they don't work they don't eat and neither will their family. I'm proud to work for them. John

[@LaramyKOptical]

Brian, if you watch the entire lab video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/r33CYWV5rdCgrs0 ), you'll see we actually do an ultrasonic cleaning prior to lenses heading to the AR lab. Additional ultrasonic cleaning in the AR lab wouldn't replace the sponging part of the de-greasing process. Thanks for your comment!

[@hiltondynamicsNYC]

Hello: it appears my coating flakes off every 12 months prompting a new pair of glasses. What is the best method to remove the coating?

[@LaramyKOptical]

The best method is finding a new optical shop and getting a much better coating! Or perhaps just stop getting an AR and actually paying less for the upgrade to a super-scratch coat which is available. Although it is done you can't really remove or strip an AR coating. If for some reason you wanted to try (it won't work) you would use glass etching compound found at hobby stores. Did you watch How AR Coatings Are Tested? John

[@therealb888]

My spectacles still have ar coating after 8yrs!

[@user-youzer]

50 years old technology ... if not 60. Today uses vacuum-magnetron coating. Wake up, grandfather!!!

[@dangoldbach6570]

You Russian guys invented vapor deposited coatings if I'm not mistaken. I can't hate, you guys have some enviously good tech!

[@Preposter]

Would using 70% ethyl alcohol damage the coatings?

[@LaramyKOptical]

My best guess = YES! We recommend avoiding all alcohol based cleaners, Windex & ammonia. Dish soap and water is best with bottled lens cleaner second. Just go easy on the dish soap, better to "pre-mix" it with water and rinse.

[@Preposter]

@@LaramyKOptical Thanks for the quick response! I've already used alcohol to clean my coated glasses once by accident. Luckily, I don't see any damages. I'll make sure I don't make the same mistake again. If the coating gets damaged would it be visible?

[@paulanderson79]

@@LaramyKOptical Rinse thoroughly is essential. If you're struggling to remove traces try diluting some dish washing liquid (dish soap in The US) in a large volume of water. Say a litre of water and 1-2 ml dish washing liquid. This reduces the surface tension of the water, thus allowing it to more easily remove the stray dish liquid. Occasionally I soak them for ten-fifteen minutes. Far better than scrubbing away. For reference I wear Carl Zeiss Progressives in 1.67 material and Lotutec coatings. I found DVP to be a bitch to clean.

[@therealb888]

@@paulanderson79 I love how you Americans use dish soap for everything like there's one standard composition or brand? When you people say "dish soap" which exact product are you referring to?

[@ThomasGrillo]

Now, I know why AR costs so much. I only wish I knew an easy way to clean AR lenses, now. LOL Thanks for the video. :)

[@LaramyKOptical]

Yeah, pretty high-tech stuff!

[@dangoldbach6570]

Believe it or not, I have had some pretty good results with Dawn dish soap, it's really good at getting off fingerprint oils and super mild so it hasn't stripped the coatings off of my lenses

[@davegeorge7094]

Clean room is a bitch then add vacuum depos. magic, clear vision is crystal!

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

Nobody states what AR means? Advanced Republicans Alternative Roasting Absolute Removal One can only guess! (UK)

[@LaramyKOptical]

AR short for arrrghhh common in pirate speak. Often spoken when things go wrong during lens processing. As in "AR no, not again." Anti-Reflective or AKA non-glare. Which oddly enough is never just posted as NG. Weird... AKA = also know as - just in case. As you say over there - That's a fair cop. ;-)