Looking at Labs: Taking back control

As edging devices have become more sophisticated and less bulky, the prospect of installing a unit in practice has become more realistic for more people. The current crop of automated, multi-axis edging units can perform advanced tasks, including drilling and edge grooving, and while initial outlay may be high, there is a compelling cost case to be made for edging in-house.

An in-house glazing lab has been part of The Spectacle Factory’s business since the company was founded in 1996, says manager of the Preston-based practice, Robert Sands. ‘Originally, we had surfacing and glazing and provided those services for other practices. As we have become a more high-end practice over the years, surfacing was phased out, but glazing has remained a fundamental part of our business,’ says Sands.