Complete intraocular lens manufacturing — optic and haptic — on a single precision platform
Intraocular lens manufacturing is among the most demanding applications in precision machining. The tolerances are tight, the materials are sensitive, and the consequences of registration error — moving a delicate IOL/ICL blank from one machine to another between optic and haptic operations — are measured in rejected product and rework cost. The DAC MLCe was engineered specifically to eliminate that problem.
By combining ultra-precision CNC lathing and haptic milling in-situ on a single platform, the MLCe removes the inter-machine transfer step entirely. Optic and haptic operations are performed in the same setup, on the same machine, with the same workholding — dramatically reducing registration error, handling risk, and yield loss, particularly critical when manufacturing toric IOL/ICLs where axis registration is paramount.
The only IOL/ICL platform with in-situ lathing and haptic milling
The MLCe’s on-lathe haptic milling capability is unique to DAC International. When both the optic surface and the haptic geometry are generated without moving the lens blank, the registration errors that compound across separate machines are eliminated at the source. Whether you’re working with pre-blocked semi-finished parts or wax-blocked blanks, the MLCe serves as your primary optic and haptic generator — from blank to finished IOL/ICL, in one setup.
For premium IOL/ICL designs where space on the production floor is at a premium, or where complex lens geometries demand single-setup accuracy, the MLCe delivers a level of process integrity that separate-machine workflows cannot match.
IOL/ICL PM Suite: the industry's most capable IOL/ICL programming software
The DAC IOL/ICL Program Module (PM) Suite is unique in the industry — developed in-house by DAC’s own software architects, it is the only IOL/ICL manufacturing software that automatically calculates toolpaths for both optic and haptic parameters in a single step, including full blending capability. There is no manual toolpath construction, no switching between separate design and machining environments. From lens design to manufacture, the IOL/ICL PM Suite delivers a complete, automated workflow.
The IOL/ICL PM Suite supports the full range of commercial and custom IOL/ICL designs:
- C-loop and modified C-loop haptics
- Quad-haptic designs
- Toric IOL/ICLs — with full control over toric zone design and orientation
- Refractive, multifocal, and combined refractive/diffractive designs
- A-toric (A-Conic) designs
- Diffractive multifocal IOL/ICLs
- LRTS file support for custom and research designs
Traditional IOL/ICL designs are included as standard; additional software modules extend the platform to fully customized geometries for manufacturers developing proprietary IOL/ICL products.
All the precision of the ALMe — plus milling
The MLCe is built on the same precision air-bearing platform as DAC’s ALMe lathe series. Air-bearing slides with DC linear servo motor drives and linear encoder feedback provide 2.021 nm resolution on both axes. The precision air-bearing workholding spindle runs from 0 to 10,000 RPM with 9.194 arcsec feedback resolution. A passive pneumatic vibration isolation system — isolating above 7 Hz inflated — ensures ambient vibration does not compromise your IOL/ICL surface quality.
The compact tool holders and the full suite of DAC options — including the Universal 1000 Autoloader for tray-fed automated production — let manufacturers scale throughput as volume demands grow.
Haptic milling spindle engineered for IOL/ICL accuracy
The MLCe’s haptic milling spindle is an air-bearing AC induction motor spindle with a recirculating chiller — the thermal stability that high-speed haptic milling requires for consistent dimensional accuracy across long production runs. The milling spindle operates from 15,000 to 130,000 RPM (software limited), with ramp-up to maximum speed in under 8.5 seconds. Mill cutter diameter options of 3.175 mm (0.125 in) or 3 mm (0.118 in) accommodate standard IOL/ICL haptic tooling.
Key benefits
- In-situ lathing and haptic milling eliminates inter-machine registration error — critical for toric IOL/ICL axis alignment
- Single machine setup from blank to finished IOL/ICL — reduces handling risk and contamination exposure
- DAC IOL/ICL PM Suite: only software that auto-calculates optic + haptic toolpaths with blending in one step
- Air-bearing haptic milling spindle with chiller for thermal stability and dimensional consistency
- Supports traditional, customized, and advanced IOL/ICL geometries including diffractive designs
- Compatible with Universal 1000 Autoloader for high-volume tray-fed automated production
- Lower machine height (MLCe) for ergonomic compliance and improved tool access
- Touch-screen interface with DAC software for intuitive, efficient operation
- Additional options for diagnostic marking and product ID for traceability
Options
Please click on these links to see detailed descriptions of our available options:
Technical specifications
Air bearing slides. DC linear servo motor driven. Linear encoder feedback.
X: 305 mm (12″)
Y: 203 mm (8″)
X: 2.021 nm
Y: 2.021 nm
X: Workholding Spindle (C Axes) Precision air-bearing spindle
Y: Mill Spindle Air-bearing AC induction motor spindle, with recirculating chiller for operational stability
X: 0 – 10,000 RPM
Y: 15 000 -130 000 RPM (software limited)
9.194 arcsec
≤ 2.2 s
≤ 8.5 s
Standard collet supplied with lathe – 12.7 mm x 12.7 mm (dia x depth) (0.5 in x 0.5 in) with dead length stop. Specials supplied upon request
Choice of 3.175 mm (0.125 in) or 3mm (0.118 in) (diameter)
Passive pneumatic vibration isolation system: Inflated: Isolates frequencies above 7 Hz (Deflated: Naturally isolates frequencies above 14 Hz)
Installation requirements
208 – 240 VAC, single phase, 50/60 Hz, 15 A
200 l/min@7 bar (7 SCFM @ 100 PSIG) Recommended air quality: Class 2 per ISO 8573-1:2010
user supplied, Receptical: 58 mm (2.25 in) Inner Diameter Tube, anti-static
Nominal range: 20 – 23°C (68 – 74°F) maintained at +/- 1°C (+/- 2°F)
1,219 mm x 1,270 mm x 1,778 mm (W x D x H)
48" x 50" x 70" (W x D x H)
Floor 1100kg Shipping 1300 kg
2400 lb 2800 lb
