Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (MCI)
has over 30 years of experience in the development and production of innovative optical lens materials for the global market. The optical monomer brand name of MR™ is now globally recognized as a premium high index lens material. In 2008, SDC Technologies, Inc., a California based premium coating material company, and in 2011, Acomon group, a leading optical lens material manufacturer well known for its RAV7™ Series of R.I. 1.50 lens material, became MCI group companies.
Thus MCI is able to provide a full range of lens material and coating solutions to global lens manufacturers.
In 2013, the Korean KOC Solution joined the MCI Group. KOC Solution, a manufacturer and distributor of plastic optical lens monomers, brings with it middle to high-index monomers to greatly enhance MCI's product portfolio.
|  Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Tokyo, Japan |
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| MCI is globally known as a leading manufacturer of urethane products and in 1987 became the first company in the world to apply thiourethane chemical technology to ophthalmic lenses. MCI’s global R&D network with a broad range of technology contributes to excellence in designing the most advanced molecules for ophthalmic lens materials. For more about MCI R&D Strategy https://www.mitsuichem.com/en/techno/index.htm |  Sodegaura R&D Center Chiba, Japan |
| Early 1980s | Started development of high index lens materials. |
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| 1987 | Commercial release of MR-6™, the world's first thiourethane high index ophthalmic lens material (R.I.1.60) |
| 1991 | Commercial release of MR-7™, the world's first refractive index 1.67 ophthalmic lens material |
| 1998 | Commercial release of MR-10™ (R.I.1.67) |
| 1999 | Commercial release of MR-8™ (R.I.1.60) |
| 2000 | Commercial release of MR-174™ (R.I.1.74) |
| 2008 | Acquisition of SDC Technologies, Inc., a California based premium coating material company |
| 2009 | Acquisition of Film Specialties, Inc., an anti-fog coating specialty company of SDC Technologies, Inc. |
| 2011 | Acquisition of Acomon group, a Switzerland and Italy based lens material company |
| 2013 | Mitsui Chemicals becomes majority shareholder of KOC Solution, a Korea based lens material company |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. contributes to the development of “epoch making” lens materials to provide the best solution for optical lens users.
MR™ Series is produced and delivered according to strictly controlled operation protocols for the sustainable supply of high quality materials to lens manufacturers. The MR™ Series production plant is certified under ISO9001 and strict precaution is taken not only in monomer production, but also in packaging, storage and logistics.
As a chemicals company, human and environmental safety is a top priority. The MR™ Series plant is certified under ISO14001 and all operations are conducted with great consideration to minimize impact on the environment.
For more about MCI CSR https://www.mitsuichem.com/en/sustainability/index.htm |  High-end Chemical Plants |
MR™ Series and RAV7™ Series sales, marketing and technical service are conducted by MCI global headquarters in Japan and 7 regional headquarters around the globe. Therefore, quick customer service in multiple languages is available for the highest customer satisfaction. Additionally, SDC Technologies, Inc. and KOC Solution Co., Ltd. also have global networks to support their customers in each region. Customer satisfaction is always the MCI group’s first priority.
MR™ Series ~ Trademark of Safe, Clear and Lightweight Lenses ~
Excellent optical materials with high refractive index, high Abbe number, low specific gravity and high impact resistance are provided by polymerizing monomers of MR™ Series. MR™ Series is especially suitable for ophthalmic lenses and is known as the first thiourethane based high index lens material. MR™ Series offers a variety of products to provide the best solution for optical lens users.
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| R.I. 1.60： MR-8™ |
 | The best balanced high index lens material with the largest share of the R.I. 1.60 lens material market. MR-8™ is suited to any strength ophthalmic lens and is a new standard in ophthalmic lens material. |
| R.I. 1.67： MR-7™ & MR-10™ |
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Global standard R.I.1.67 lens material.
Great materials for thinner lenses with strong impact resistance.
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| R.I. 1.74： MR-174™ |
 | Ultra high index lens material for ultra thin lenses. Strong prescription lens wearers are now free from thick and heavy lenses. |
MR™ Series is a brand name of the raw material for optical lenses.
MR™ Series based lenses are available from most leading lens manufacturers.
MR™ Series based lenses are available from most leading lens manufacturers.
| >How to produce optical lens using MR™ Series >Where to buy MR™ Series based lenses |
| MR™ Series | Other | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR-8™ | MR-7™ | MR-10™ | MR-174™ | Poly carbonate | Aclyric (RI:1.60) | Middle Index | ADC (CR-39® RAV7®) | Crown Glass | |
| Refractive Index (ne) | 1.60 | 1.67 | 1.67 | 1.74 | 1.59 | 1.60 | 1.55 | 1.50 | 1.52 |
| Abbe Number (νe) | 41 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 28-30 | 32 | 34-36 | 58 | 59 |
| Heat Distortion Temp. (ºC) | 118 | 85 | 100 | 78 | 142-148 | 88-89 | - | 84 | >450 |
| Tintability | Good | Excellent | Good | OK | None | Good | Good | Good | None |
| Impact Resistance | Good | Good | Good | OK | Good | OK | OK | OK | Poor |
| Static Load Resistance | Good | Good | Good | OK | Good | Poor | Poor | Good | Good |
* CR-39 is a trademark of PPG Industries, Inc. RAV7 is a trademark of Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
All properties are representative measurement figures obtained under specified test methods at Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and are not guaranteed as specifications.
- Optical glasses are now fashionable with light weighted lenses.
- MR™ Series offers 3 different refractive index products (R.I. 1.60, 1.67, 1.74).
With higher index materials, it is possible to achieve thinner lenses with the same strength.
- Both high refractive index and high Abbe number provide optical performance similar to glass lenses.
- Glass mold-casted MR™ Series shows minimal stress-strain.
(Optical quality is superior to injection molded polycarbonate lens)
| • | For more information on Optical Quality (Abbe Number, Stress Strain) |
High Abbe number material like MR-8™ minimizes prism effect (Chromatic aberration) of lenses and provides comfortable view to all wearers.
High Abbe Number Material
Low Abbe Number Material
MR™ Series resin is uniformly polymerized in a glass mold. Compared to the injection molded Polycarbonate lens, MR™ Series lens shows minimal stress strain and offers stress free clear vision.
Stress Strain Observation
(Crossed Nichol method using the polarizing film and white light source)
(Crossed Nichol method using the polarizing film and white light source)
MR-8™ offers stress free clear vision
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| • | For more information on Mechanical Strength (Impact Resistance, Static Load Resistance, Tensile Strength Resistance, Butterfly Test) |
- Good weatherability provides minimal change in lens color after years of usage.
- Good compatibility with coating materials.
| • | For more information on Durability (Lens Color Change, Coating Compatibility) |
| Wide Color Range Sunglasses
MR™ Series has good color tintability making it suitable for high fashion sunglasses which have special color needs.
TRANSITIONS® Photochromic Lens System
MR™ Series has good compatibility with TRANSITIONS® photochromic lens systems.
Polarized Lens
MR™ Series is widely used for both ophthalmic & plano polarized sunglasses.
Sophisticated Designs
MR™ Series has good mechanical strength and stress free properties making it suitable for various unique lens designs such as "Rimless frame” or “High curve lens".
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* TRANSITIONS is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.
All tests were conducted under specified test methods at Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and are not guaranteed as specifications.
Reference lens samples
CR-39® lens: R.I. 1.50 lens made of CR-39®, Middle index lens: R.I. 1.54-1.56 middle index lens
Polycarbonate lens: R.I.1.59 lens made of polycarbonate, Acrylic lens: R.I.1.60 lens made of acrylic materials
All tests were conducted under specified test methods at Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and are not guaranteed as specifications.
Reference lens samples
CR-39® lens: R.I. 1.50 lens made of CR-39®, Middle index lens: R.I. 1.54-1.56 middle index lens
Polycarbonate lens: R.I.1.59 lens made of polycarbonate, Acrylic lens: R.I.1.60 lens made of acrylic materials
SDC Coating
 |  SDC Technologies, Inc. Irvine, California, USA |
SDC Technologies, Inc. is a wholly owned MCI affiliate company and is the recognized world leader in the development and manufacture of abrasion-resistant and functional coatings for application to plastic, glass, and metals. SDC’s products add premium performance, optical clarity, appearance and durability to eyewear, sunglasses, safety lenses, automotive and aeronautical products, electronic devices and other custom applications.
SDC Technologies Inc. range of high index coating products have been specifically formulated to work with the MR™ Series and provide the best coating and product performance for MR™ Series based lenses.
SDC High Index Coating Features
Index matched
Tintable & Non tintable
Excellent steel wool resistance
AR compatible
Optically clear
Compatible index matched primers
SDC High Index Coating Features
Index matched
Tintable & Non tintable
Excellent steel wool resistance
AR compatible
Optically clear
Compatible index matched primers
SDC Technologies Inc. recognizes that each customer has unique requirements. SDC’s team of Trusted Advisors takes the time to understand customer situations, and then recommends an appropriate solution to meet customer requirements. SDC also works closely with customers during the application process to ensure high quality performance and yields. SDC’s products can be applied in a variety of methods, including dip, spin, flow, spray, and sputter.
Optical
 | As the market leader in premium abrasion-resistant coatings, SDC manufactures a variety of CrystalCoat® coatings and primers for vision corrective lenses and other optical applications. SDC manufactures tintable and non-tintable coatings in both thermal cure and UV cure formulas. CrystalCoat® abrasion-resistant coatings can be applied to all lens substrates. SDC also manufactures high-performance index matched coatings that have been specifically formulated to work with the MR™ Series and provide the best coating and product performance for MR™ Series based lenses. |
Sunglasses & Sports Eyewear
 | CrystalCoat® products are recommended for sunglasses and sports eyewear to improve scratch resistance and product durability. CrystalCoat® products can be used on tinted or clear substrates such as MR™ Series, polycarbonate, polyamide, ADC (CR-39®, RAV7®), acrylic and Trivex®. Available globally, SDC products provide tintability, anti-fog, and premium abrasion resistance for sunglass and sports eyewear applications. |
Safety
 | SDC manufactures a broad range of CrystalCoat® products for safety applications. To address the current trend for anti-fog coating, SDC offers high-performance water sheeting, anti-fog coating and abrasion resistance specifically designed to meet the industry's high standards and testing requirements. SDC also offers primer-free coatings with a rapid thermal cure. |
Anti-Fog
 | Following the recent acquisition of FSI Coating Technologies, Inc. (FSICT), formerly Film Specialties, Inc., SDC now offers a whole new range of premium anti-fog coatings. Solutions that improve product durability include high performance “Water Washable” anti-fog coatings, standard and customized anti-fog coated film and sheet products, as well as complementary hard coating systems and primers. Anti-fog applications include medical, safety, military, and sports eyewear as well as industrial sheet and PET film for commercial freezer display doors. |
* CR-39 and Trivex are trademarks of PPG Industries, Inc. RAV7 is a trademark of Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
https://www.mitsuichem.com/en/special/mr/products/sdc.htm
1. Preparation of MR™ Series
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Mix MR™ monomer (component) A & B with additives, then degas the MR™ monomer mixture.
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2. Filling
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Fill molds with the MR™ monomer mixture.
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3. Polymerization
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Place the filled molds into ovens, where they undergo a heat-cycle, turning the MR™ monomer mixture into a MR™ Series lens.
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4. Grinding / Polishing
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Grind and polish the surface of the MR™ Series lens to create a curvature for required strength.
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5. Tinting
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Tint the surface of the MR™ Series lens.
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6. Coating
 Hard Coating  Anti Reflection Coating |
Coat the surface of the MR™ Series lens to protect from scratches, reflection etc.
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7. Final Inspection
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Inspect the coated lens.
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| Company | Lens Brand |
|---|---|
| ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL NIKON ESSILOR CO. LTD. CARL ZEISS VISION INC. RODENSTOCK SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD. HOYA CORPORATION ASAHI LITE OPTICAL CO., LTD. Itoh Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. TOKAI OPTICAL CO., LTD. CHEMIGLAS CORPORATION DAEMYUNG OPTICAL CO., LTD. SOMO OPTICAL CO., LTD. KOREA OPTICAL CO., LTD. HANMI SWISS OPTICAL CO., LTD. Opticom Co.,Ltd. | Variluxr® See Max, See Style Clarlet® Impression® SPG, SSU, SLU, ASTERIA, SOLFE, SUPALITE NULUX, HILUX HYPER BELUNA DAGAS Clex Opti SV |
| Company | Lens Brand |
|---|---|
| ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL NIKON ESSILOR CO. LTD. CARL ZEISS VISION INC. SHAMIR OPTICAL INDUSTRY, LTD. RODENSTOCK SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD. HOYA CORPORATION ASAHI LITE OPTICAL CO., LTD. Itoh Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. TOKAI OPTICAL CO., LTD. CHEMIGLAS CORPORATION DAEMYUNG OPTICAL CO., LTD. SOMO OPTICAL CO., LTD. KOREA OPTICAL CO., LTD. HANMI SWISS OPTICAL CO., LTD. Opticom Co.,Ltd. | Variluxr®, Anateo® (BBGR) See Proud, Presio Series GT2™, Gradal®, AO Compact®, AO Easy, SOLA Compact ULTRA™, SOLAOne™, SOLAMAX® Genesis™, Piccoro®, Attitude™, Creation® Impression®Free Sign PAFINA, Perfas, JOYAS HOYALUX HYPER VIEW BELUNA, RESONAS, TOKAI Chemi-Pro, Chemilux DAGAS SOMO LUX Clex Opti Profree |
| Company | Lens Brand |
|---|---|
| ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL NIKON ESSILOR CO. LTD. CARL ZEISS VISION INC. Itoh Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. SPECIALTY LENS CORPORATION YOUNGER OPTICS KBco Opticom Co.,Ltd. | Essilor® Polarized Lenses Polashades SkyPol iRx Pro™ NuPolar® Xperio™ PolaMax |
MR™ Series lenses are available from many other lens manufacturers around the world.
Also: http://ophthalmiclenses.blogspot.com/2012/05/all-about-mr-seriesmr-8-mr-7-mr-10-mr.html
On Lenses, see:
http://ophthalmiclenses.blogspot.com/2012/05/all-about-mr-seriesmr-8-mr-7-mr-10-mr.html
https://healthticket.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-choose-best-lenses-for-your.html
https://healthticket.blogspot.com/2020/02/sticker-shock-why-are-glasses-so.html
