Latigo Optics Inc.

Offshore Manufacturing

Chinese & Russian Optics

Times are tough. Margins are thin. Chinese and Russian lenses are cheap. Using offshore optics will let you cut prices to win business but still increase your margin. But how to get them and how to be sure the quality and delivery issues won’t destroy your customer relations? We did this for one of our clients and there are several ways to succeed while fitting your own risk and comfort levels.

1. We interviewed the client to determine the requirements for the IR microscope objectives.

2. We hired a ray bender (optics lens design specialist) and managed his effort for a speedy and successful design.

3. We had a set of prototype lenses made domestically to ensure that the lens design and instrument design is sound, and to deliver the first copy on time.

4. We simultaneously had the design and glasses changed by a Russian American designer for Russian materials. This was remarkably inexpensive.

5. This client has subsequently purchased many sets of lenses from Russian suppliers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This doesn’t always work out so well. The Russians haven’t always been timely and quality varies, sometimes badly, but the price savings has been phenomenal even accounting for yield. The risks have to be managed.

 

These days I would suggest Chinese optics for UV, visible or IR commercial applications. I think the Chinese have a better work ethic, the country is more stable and means of managing them are better.

· We can design the instrument and the optics, or just the optics.

· Or if you prefer we can adjust your lens and assembly drawings for overseas manufacturing.

· We can develop your overseas suppliers.

· We can arrange for domestic testing of your first article lenses and sampling thereafter.

 

Times are tough. This works. Put some of that margin back in your pocket.

 

What else would you like to make offshore? We can help.

 

- John McDonald

   Latigo Optics