1936 : The "Universelle", the first edger to use patterns

Joseph Briot's company launched the Universelle, the first automatic edger, in 1936, the year the company was founded. With the Universelle, pattern-based edging replaced manual edging.

1971 : Introduction of automatic edging with the B2000

The B2000, launched by Briot in 1971, was a turning point in automatic edging. Polishing remained the only operation carried out manually, on a separate machine.

1976 : R2000 shape copier, the beginning of the end* for patterns

The R2000, the world's first shape copier, was another decisive watershed. Each pair of spectacles became its own pattern: the machine traced the frame groove while the lens was being edged on the B2000 edger connected to it.

1987 : Scanform Digital I: lens tracing enters the computer age.

From now on the frame was blocked, traced and memorised before being transmitted to the edger. This first Scanform, totally computer-controlled, with its keyboard and LCD display screen, pointed the way to future developments.

1996 : Accura, the first "all-in-one" edger"

The Accura was born from the need to improve accuracy, reliability, ease of working and operating speed: a revolutionary all-in-one concept in which a single machine managed shape tracing, layout, blocking and lens edging.

2001 : The arrival of the Axcell tracer-layout-blocker unit marked the beginning of the era of image processing for opticians.

The equipment, which includes a colour touch screen, uses a digital camera to recognise the type of lens, and detects the lens axes. Combined with automated centring and blocking, this function eliminates manual identification of the optical centre and ensures better centring accuracy.

2003 : Digiform software and PROS system: the benefits of digital technology

• Briot's patented Digiform software introduces the option of modifying shapes from the data base to adapt progressive lenses to small frames, or even create customized lens shapes (eg for drilled frames).
• Briot's patented PROS system allows for digital treatment of the reference shape or presentation lens and automatic positioning of holes and notches on the lens by optical recognition.

2004 : Integrated drilling function and new materials

• To answer to the success of drilled frames, the Axcell CL included an automatic drilling function (drilling at a pre-set angle).
• Briot adapted to new lens materials with a special Trivex wheel and a specific ''hydrophobic'' edging cycle.

2006 : Briot pushed back technological limits with the Alta NX edger connected to the Alta XL centring unit.

• The edger enables the most delicate jobs to be carried out comfortably, with customisable settings and a simple, user-friendly interface.
• New functions: adjustable drilling angle from 0° to 30°, and edging of high curvature lenses, a world first in the market for edgers for opticians.

2007 : A new upmarket design for the Weco range

A major development for the entire Weco range: a new design approach which highlights the prestige and sturdiness of the brand's equipment. These modular machines, which are inter-generation compatible, display their high performance features with elegance.