Coburn Technologies celebrates their final shipment of the iconic SGX Pro lens generator
Coburn Technologies, on the heels of the company’s 70th anniversary, are announcing their final shipment of the renowned SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator in December of 2024, ending over 33 years of production. This milestone reflects not only the evolution of lens manufacturing but also Coburn’s enduring legacy of innovation and leadership in the optical lens processing industry.
An era comes to an end
This final shipment marks the end of the line for a family of SGX products that started as the world’s first tabletop CNC generator, a major leap forward in the industry, setting the stage for unprecedented lens processing speed, convenience, and efficiency. The SGX system, by use of a three-axis, three-dimensional contouring tool using a fluted precision cutter, has been credited by many industry leaders as enabling the one-hour lens production process in several global markets. It reduced total surfacing time by shortening fining and polishing cycles and enabling consistent single-step fining of most lens materials.
Since its introduction in 1991 by Gerber Coburn, the SGX Surface Generator has provided labs around the world with proven high-performance cutting technology for CR39, hi-index, and polycarbonate lenses. To meet the diverse needs of the industry, Gerber Coburn offered the popular and original SGX, the high throughput SGX Turbo, and the value-oriented SGX Lite.
In 1998, SGX Turbo was recognized for its high performance by winning the OLA Award of Excellence. After further developments to SGX, the SGX Plus was introduced in 2004 as a new upgraded machine with an extended processing range and enhanced technical features. Over 11 years, SGX Plus ultimately evolved into the latest iteration, the SGX Pro Surface Len Generator, which was equipped with new modern electronics and an advanced interface, among several other developments.
Since its launch in 2015, the SGX Pro has been a trusted workhorse for optical labs worldwide. As the fourth generation of the SGX series of generators, SGX Pro was renowned for its precision, reliability, and user-friendly design. The SGX Pro helped shape modern lens fabrication practices, enabling practitioners to deliver superior eyewear solutions, including the ability to produce lenses in just one hour—an emerging and sought-after capability that quickly took off across the industry.
2,300 units worldwide
To date, approximately 2,300 units have been shipped worldwide during its 33-year run, making it one of the most widely used generators in the industry. As the SGX Pro concludes its remarkable journey, Coburn celebrates its contribution to advancing the industry over the decades.
“The SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator embodies the innovation and customer focus that have defined Coburn Technologies for 70 years as the company has evolved,” said Alex Incera, President of Coburn Technologies. “Over 30 years ago, we seized the opportunity to pioneer a technology that became accessible to diverse labs around the world. While we bid farewell to the renowned SGX Pro and its long line of predecessors, its legacy lives on in the success it brought to ourcustomers and the standards it set for the industry. As we continue to reflect on our history during our 70th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing groundbreaking, advanced solutions in lens processing.”
Support still provided
The decision to phase out the SGX Pro aligns with Coburn’s strategy to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet the progressing needs of today’s optical professionals. Customers currently using the SGX Pro will continue to receive dedicated support, including technical support, field service, spare parts, and consumables.
The new line
Coburn’s lens generator product offering will now span the new NEXUS DGT Digital Lens Generator, Cobalt NXT Digital Lens Generator, Cobalt NX Digital Lens Generator, and the CTL65 Compact Lens Generator — still providing several configurable options to all labs.
As Coburn concludes this chapter, it also celebrates a significant milestone — 70 years of innovation, partnership, and excellence in the optical industry. From its beginnings in 1954 as Coburn Optical, Coburn Technologies has been at the forefront of delivering equipment and solutions that enhance productivity, precision, and profitability for optical businesses worldwide.
Optical professionals should look out for new product developments from Coburn at major trade shows in 2025, including MIDO in Milan, Italy and Vision Expo East in Orlando, Florida.
