Oerlikon Optics: New Technology for Coating Plastic Reflectors

Balzers, Liechtenstein

Oerlikon Optics has developed a new technology for coating plastic reflectors used in high-performance, state-of-the-art lighting systems in operating rooms and dentists' offices: Sophisticated reflector and heat protection filter systems ensure excellent light quality and high patient comfort.

Surgeons and dentists need homogeneous, cool, and precise lighting in their work. Manufacturers of medical lighting systems therefore rely on Cold Conversion Reflectors, Cold Light Reflectors, and Calflex(TM) Heat Protection Filters from Oerlikon Optics. The vast experience accumulated by Oerlikon Optics has enabled the company to develop a novel technology for coating Cold Conversion Reflectors made of plastic. The material applied for this purpose is high-grade ULTEM(R). Switching from glass to plastic reflectors marks a crucial milestone in the field of medicine and offers a multitude of advantages:

-- Weight reduction: The weight of the reflectors is reduced by a factor of about 2 in comparison to conventional glass reflectors of the same size. This increases lamp design flexibility while reducing the total cost. The light is guided solely via the reflector. There is no need to use additional Fresnel lenses in individual cases.

The lower weight of plastic allows the use of larger reflectors and lighter-weight support constructions, increasing operating convenience significantly.

-- High precision geometry: The plastic substrate is distinguished by its very high precision. The precision of the geometry is appreciably better than that of glass reflectors.

The separating efficiency of the facets relative to each other and their position and contour accuracy are excellent.

-- Optical coating: The combination of high-grade reflecting coatings optimizes the color temperature of the light source and essentially blocks infrared light. This greatly improves the optical characteristics compared to conventional systems using glass reflectors.

-- Styling: The lamp design is distinguished by its elegant, high-tech styling.

Oerlikon Optics is a market leader in the field of reflector coatings for medical applications. The company has accumulated vast experience in this field, offering top engineering expertise and an extensive line of services. Services range from the coating of substrates furnished and specified by customers to the support of customers in developing their new reflector products.

For more information, visit our home page at: www.oerlikon.com/optics

Oerlikon Components Optics is a recognized technical leader in the consulting, prototyping, and volume production of optical thin-film products. Oerlikon Optics is headquartered in the Principality of Liechtenstein also with operating facilities in Golden, Colorado (USA) and Shanghai, China. Oerlikon Optics is a business unit of the Oerlikon Group of companies (SWX:OERL) which is headquartered in Pfaffikon/SZ, Switzerland. Oerlikon worldwide employs around 6,400 individuals and achieved sales of CHF 1,605 million in 2005.

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CONTACT: OC Oerlikon Balzers Ltd. Communications Contact Doris Brulisauer +423 388 5160 media.optics@oerlikon.com or Technical Contact: Gerhard Becker, Product Manager Lighting +423 388 4747

CONTACT: OC Oerlikon Balzers Ltd. Communications Contact Doris Brulisauer +423 388 5160 media.optics@oerlikon.com or Technical Contact: Gerhard Becker, Product Manager Lighting +423 388 4747 , ,

Source: Business Wire (Business Wire India)