Space-Saving Sorting for Spectacle Lenses

Space-Saving Sorting for Spectacle Lenses: The ZEISS Case Study

Space-saving sorting for spectacle lenses is what keeps ZEISS Vision Care's shipping process running in Aalen, Germany. Ferag AG built a ferag.skysort line for this international ophthalmic optics manufacturer that claims just 85 square metres of floor space — less than its predecessor. Despite the smaller footprint, the system multiplies capacity several times over, handling more than 35,000 shipment units per day. It also handles the sorted goods gently, since these are mainly spectacle lenses made to personal prescriptions. On top of that, the system runs extremely quietly, which is easy on the ears of the people working in the hall.

May 28, 2019

Project Challenge

Optimizing the shipping sortation process
Automated infeed straight from the packaging machine
Many sorting destinations in a very tight footprint
Customized software and user interface
Gentle handling for fragile goods
Noise emission below 70 dBA

The ferag.skysort solution

Ferag fitted the ferag.skysort tilt-tray sorter into just 85 square metres at ZEISS Vision Care, less space than the previous system used. Individual trays carry spectacle lenses gently to their destination among many possible sorting points, while a customised software layer and user interface manage the automated infeed straight from the packaging machine. Because the sorter runs on rolling friction, noise stays below 70 dBA – well within what’s comfortable for staff working nearby all day.

Results

ZEISS Vision Care now ships more than 35,000 units per day through a ferag.skysort line that takes up less floor space than its predecessor ever did. Fragile spectacle lenses arrive at the right destination gently and reliably, and the quiet, compact system keeps the working environment comfortable for staff on the shop floor. The same space-saving sorting for spectacle lenses approach scales to other high-throughput, space-constrained shipping operations.