The next generation of specialty contact lens and IOL/ICL manufacturing precision
DAC International has spent more than six decades engineering ultra-precision equipment for the world’s most demanding specialty specialty contactspecialty contact lens and intraocular lens (IOL/ICL) manufacturers. The ALMe is the culmination of that expertise — a CNC lathe purpose-built for the exacting tolerances that vision correction requires, wrapped in a modern, ergonomic package that keeps your operators efficient and your production line running.
Built around a stable granite base with a proprietary precision air-bearing spindle and air-bearing slides, the ALMe delivers the surface quality, repeatability, and throughput that specialty contact lens and IOL/ICL producers depend on — every shift, every run.
Designed for how modern lens labs work
The ALMe’s lower machine height makes tool changes faster, access easier, and ergonomic compliance straightforward — reducing operator fatigue and downtime on the production floor. The touch-screen interface and removable keyboard keep the workspace uncluttered and the operator in control. On-screen lens design display and cut simulation let your team visually verify design parameters before a single cut is made, eliminating costly errors upstream.
Whether you’re producing high volumes of classic spherical and toric designs, or smaller runs of highly complex, non-rotationally symmetric freeform geometries — including multifocals, quad-sym, and custom IOL/ICL designs — the ALMe and its extensive options ecosystem support every application.
Precision architecture that defines surface quality
Software that makes complexity manageable
The ALMe ships with DAC’s industry-leading lens manufacturing software, including more than 50 built-in lens design algorithms. DAC Script Language covers the full range of specialty contact lens and IOL/ICL geometries: spheres, aspheres, torics, bi-torics, multifocals, quad-sym designs, and highly customized freeform surfaces. Import points files in virtually any format — text, binary, meridian, spiral, wave corrected — and integrate seamlessly with third-party software platforms. Multi-task capability lets operators enter job data for the next run while the current run completes, keeping output continuous. Barcode and disk input virtually eliminate manual data entry errors at scale.
Modular options that grow with your production needs
No two specialty contact lens or IOL/ICL production lines are the same. The ALMe is designed from the ground up for modularity — add capabilities as your product mix evolves, your volumes grow, or your processes change, without replacing your core machine investment.
Key Benefits
- Lower machine height for faster tool changes and reduced operator fatigue
- Precision air-bearing spindle and slides — the foundation of superior specialty contact lens and IOL/ICL surface quality
- Height Measurement Gauge (HMG) included — reduces tool calibration set-up times
- Compact tool holders allow increased tool positions and expanded lens product applications
- On-screen lens design display and cut simulation — visual design verification before cutting
- Removable keyboard reduces workspace clutter and improves machine access
- Compatible with the full DAC options ecosystem for expanded capability
Available Options
- FT-3 Edge Fast Tool — industry-exclusive 3-tool fast servo for non-rotationally symmetric edge radii with zero tool-change downtime
- Oscillating Tool Technology (OTT)
- Axis Location System (XLS)
- Reference Mark Locator (RML)
- Height Measurement Gauge (HMG)
- Laser Engraving — axis referencing and product ID marking
- Multi-Tool Management
- Misting System — optimizes surface finish for specific lens materials
- IOL/ICL Haptic Milling Spindle — enables on-lathe haptic milling for IOL/ICL production
- Universal 1000 Autoloader — automated part handling for unattended and lights-out operation
Technical Data
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: 0.3 m/s (1ft/s)
Y: 0.3 m/s (1ft/s)
Precision air-bearing spindle
0 – 10,000 RPM
9.194 arcsec
Precision air-bearing spindle
Passive pneumatic vibration isolation system:
Inflated: Isolates frequencies above 7 Hz
Deflated: Naturally isolates frequencies above 14 Hz
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
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, 58 mm (2.25 in ) Outer Diameter Tube, anti-static tube
1350mm x 1020mm x 1220mm
(W x D x H)
53 in x 40 in x 48 in
(W x D x H)
Floor ≈ 817 – 1800 lb
Shipping 1000 kg – 2200 lb
