LightPath reduces IR manufacturing costs 30%

Through an R&D initiative, LightPath Technologies Inc. of Orlando, Fla., has reduced its infrared lens manufacturing costs by 30 percent, according to a quarterly shareholders’ update in January.

To support growth in its thermal imaging business, LightPath has implemented cost-reduction programs while expanding manufacturing capacity.

LightPath’s focus on molding yield improvement, expanded preform capability and workstation layout has reduced manufacturing costs by 30 percent.

Work remained focused on molding yield improvement, expanded preform capability and work station layout, and the company is on track to achieve its expected cost targets. LightPath also has deployed new polishing equipment that increases the capacity of its glass-preparation facility by 80 percent in anticipation of orders in the second half of fiscal 2013. The company already has begun delivering production units to several new OEM customers.

“We are continuing to expand our thermal imaging business with OEM customers and see additional opportunities as we introduce additional quantum cascade laser lenses,” said President and CEO Jim Gaynor. The lenses are suitable for a variety of applications, including infrared countermeasures, gas analysis and spectroscopy.