PNX:Hoya's breakthrough in reliable plastic materials In considering their choice of glasses, modern consumers place great emphasis on user-friendliness and comfort. The key driver in the decision-making process, however, is the desire to have glasses that they can rely on, in every situation and at all times. The issue of reliability is also a crucial factor for opticians, who must be sure that the advice they give their customers is entirely accurate. It is essential that customers are completely satisfied with the optical qualities, wearing comfort and looks of the glasses they purchase. With the introduction of PNX, Hoya has met the requirements of opticians and customers alike.

Exceptionally strong, ultra lightweight and optically perfect, PNX represents a genuine breakthrough in the development of plastic lens materials. And the issue of reliability has been at the forefront of its creation. Hoya is renowned for its ongoing commitment to bringing cutting edge technologies and materials to the market. Materials which always have that little extra and owe their existence to intensive research & development.
This philosophy guarantees that the most stringent quality standards are met, a principle to which Hoya has always adhered. And let us not forget that each new material is developed with both consumers and opticians in mind. That is why Hoya used PPG's Trivex TM as a basis for the new PNX. Once again Hoya's demonstrates its intrinsic understanding of complex materials, ensuring in the process that PNX material meets the toughest of requirements.

Extra monomer, extra quality

The introduction of PNX considerably improves the stability of the glass and extends the options for further adaptation. Experience shows that a reliable hard coating and antireflection coating may not always 'stick' to strong material for long. Moreover, the sensitivity for changing temperatures is regularly underestimated during the production process. Yet it is precisely these two qualities which are decisive for the materials optical precision and stability. Due to the unique material composition of PNX, these problems have been fully addressed. And again, the result of this approach is a dramatic increase in overall reliability.

Super light, super comfortable

Thanks to its ultra light specific gravity, PNX nearly floats on water. The specific gravity of PNX is 1.11, compared to 1.00 for water. The minimal thickness of 1.3 mm gives the glass the right stability when, for example, faceting. And these properties obviously make PNX very comfortable in daily use. What's more, the refractive index of 1.53 means the material is also considerably thinner than CR39.

PNX: proven reliability in everyday practice

Its unprecedented high resistance to shocks also enhances the reliability of PNX. Tests show that a steel ball, weighing more than a kilo and dropped from a height of 1.2 metres, will bounce off a PNX lens without leaving as much as a scratch.

In addition, PNX can also withstand a tensile strength test of between 60 and 80 kilogram-force. This makes it an ideal glass for people who enjoy active sports, have risky professions or for children. After all, accidents can easily happen. And the adage that 'prevention is better than cure" most certainly applies to PNX.

Uncompromising optical quality

Heating and cooling too fast changes the stress curve and can cause internal stress in the lens. The consequence of this 'internal stress' is decreasing optical quality, which in turn influences sharpness of vision and reduces the levels of contrast. Thanks to the highly balanced casting control process, applied during the PNX production process, Hoya has bypassed the issue of internal stress once and for all. Tip:

Internal stress differences can be proven in a simple way. Place a PNX lens between two polarized lenses and compare the result with, for example, polycarbonate. The difference will be clear: PNX does not show any colour pattern at all, which is a characteristic of internal stress. Here is a lens that provides uncompromising clarity and exceptionally sharp vision.

Abbe value and contrast sensitivity

Visible light consists of a composition of the colours of the rainbow. When a rain shower passes us by, we see the rainbow appearing due to the prismatic effects of rain drops, activated by the rays of the sun. A similar situation can occur in the eye when the Abbe number is low, which in some plastic lens materials can be around the 30 marks. The ideal situation is to have an Abbe number that is equivalent to the optical system of the human eye, which is around 43. PNX's Abbe number is 43, which ensures a natural refraction of the light in the eye, without coloured edges. A bundle of white light projected on the retina will be perceived as being full of contrast and in no way influence the natural sharpness of vision.

Faceting made easy

Any problems you've experienced with edging just ended. After carrying out extensive market research, Hoya has compiled an instruction manual that explains how to do the faceting by yourself. If desired, however, PNX lenses can also be supplied already facetted. This is not just cost effective but also reduces your risks and makes any investments unnecessary. In addition, you will have more time available to carefully discuss the various options with your customers.

Coatings

Hoya has a reputation to keep when it comes to applying coatings. Although this was not easy with a high strength material such as PNX, here too the most up-to-date production techniques have been applied. PNX therefore has a top quality and ultra-reliable hard coating and antireflection coating. In addition, PNX is available in a wide range of fashionable colours and sunglass shades.

UV protection, an extra reliable feeling

We are exposed to all sorts of influences from nature each and every day. The ozone layer absorbs UV-C radiation (180-280nm). The eye's cornea and the crystalline lens absorb UV-B (280-315nm) and UV-A (315-380nm). A small part between 1% and 2% reaches the retina and chronic exposure paves the way for senile cataracts in the eye. This is why 100% absorption of UV radiation is a must in a quality glass. PNX fully meets this requirement.

Problem-free cleaning

A wide range of cleaning products are used in the opticians" world and some of these can lead to material damage. For example, clean a polycarbonate lens with acetone and it will become matted in no time at bevel without coating. Meanwhile, customers use hairsprays or other cosmetic products that can affect the transparency of certain plastic lens materials. Tests comparing PNX to other lens aterials again show remarkable results. Hoya has once again exceeded all expectations and standards. PNX offers superior optical qualities, premium comfort and absolute reliability.

PNX versus CR39 and Polycarbonate