Promoting standardization
Once the operator has begun polishing the lens, he gradually works toward the required shape and curvature. However, if the polishing exceeds a certain point in time, the operator will move further and further away from his objective. The ability to predict when this point in time will be reached and to stop polishing at this point has always been regarded as a key skill for a lens polisher.
Given the different types of optical glass that exist and the variations in lens curvature and aperture size, the number of different types of lens that are manufactured is vast. Fortunately, however, the settings appropriate for each type of lens are set out in work manuals. These include the rotation speeds of the polishing machine, the type of polishing pad or polishing agent that should be used, and the appropriate polishing duration. Provided that polishing is carried out in accordance with these settings, the operator will be able to attain the prescribed level of precision.
As shown in the picture, the polishing machine that Mr. Honda is using has been halted automatically by a timer, and the polishing has been completed.
"Standardization (breaking down, analyzing and quantifying the human skills that are applied, and putting them in writing) has made it possible for the polishing of lenses to be carried out without the involvement of a specific individual technician. Automation and mechanization have become an integral part of safeguarding techniques for next-generation industries."