About
10 April 2019
GS Plastic Optics Expands Capabilities with Advanced Injection Molding Press and Automation Station
(April 10, 2019) Rochester, NY – GS Plastic Optics works with program leaders on complex optical challenges by providing polymer optics designed specifically for improving the customers’ market share and competitiveness. The company has expanded its capabilities through the addition of a Sumitomo injection molding press with a rated clamping force of 500kN (~50 tons-force).
The new injection molding press brings the total number of installed presses to thirteen at GSPO, with sizes ranging from 30 to 220 tons-force. Furthermore, to advance the commitment to automation of repetitive tasks, a Sepro America automation station will be installed on the new press. This automation station is equipped with a press robot, riser, and support leg, as well as a 4-cavity and 1-cavity vacuum removal end-of-arm tool (EOAT). The intent of installing the automation station is to allow tedious tasks to be performed by the station while the operators concentrate on more complex operations thereby reducing component lead time and customer product time to market.
To further demonstrate the commitment of GSPO to the medical and pharmaceutical markets, the company used the new press and automation project as a platform to launch the Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) process. The IQ/OQ/PQ process is widely recognized in the medical and pharmaceutical markets as a best practice for equipment selection, site preparation, operator and operational qualification, and final approval for performance and production qualification.
Lori Steffenilla, Vice President of Operations, commented, “Last year we established the importance of implementing the IQ/OQ/PQ process at GSPO during the next substantial equipment purchase. We started the process with equipment specifications and site layout and continued through press and automation station installation. The process will continue right through to final operator qualification and culminate in turnover to Production. We have learned so much about the power of the IQ/OQ/PQ process that we will certainly continue to use and enhance the techniques established on this project for years to come.”
About GS Plastic Optics
GS Plastic Optics specializes in the custom manufacture of precision polymer optics for use in markets such as medical, machine vision, defense and security applications worldwide. The company, located in Rochester, NY and founded in 1916, produces injection molded aspheric and freeform lenses, and mirrors, as well as Fresnel and diffractive optics. Core competencies include injection molding, single point diamond turning, thin film AR and reflective coatings, and assembly capabilities. GS Plastic Optics is registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) as a manufacturer of defense articles.
Media Contact:
Kati Chenot
Rochester, New York
Marketing Communications Manager
Phone: 585.295.0200
GS Plastic Optics
###
