Banner
Filtraglass
Falorni Tech Glass Melting Technology

Donnelly Optics Corporation: new rival for the glass lens

12 March 1998: US-based Donnelly Optics Corp. has entered the growing digital-imaging market by developing a standardised plastic lens that could compete with glass for the attention of computer and e…

12 March 1998: US-based Donnelly Optics Corp. has entered the growing digital-imaging market by developing a standardised plastic lens that could compete with glass for the attention of computer and electronic-equipment suppliers. Donnelly Optics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of automotive supplier Donnelly Corp., said it hopes that its injected moulded polycarbonate lens, called the DonOptics EL-100, will transform the fledgling company into a profitable one. The lens maker has recorded nearly US$ 2 million in start-up operating losses, absorbed by its parent company, to develop unique, high-precision lens systems, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The three-element, diffractive lens is the company“s first off-the-shelf product since it officially opened a US$ 2.8 million plant in November. Production is expected to begin in mid-March after the company completes sampling of the new product, said Donnelly Optics sales manager Michael Hauer. The compact product, considered to have higher resolution than a glass lens, is supposedly targeted for such uses as digital still cameras and computer-based video conferencing and surveillance equipment. Donnelly considers the product to be the first plastic digital-imaging lens system using diffractive optics technology, Hauer said. “Currently, we have orders with four companies, but there“s no telling how high the market can grow,” Hauer said. “The digital-imaging market is expected to take off, and we“ll get to the point where almost every new computer will ship with a video camera on it. We plan to evolve with that market.”

Sign up for free to the glassOnline.com daily newsletter

Subscribe now to our daily newsletter for full coverage of everything you need to know about the world glass industry!

We don't send spam! Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Share this article
Related news