Product Information

CR-39™ monomer - The patent of CR-39 allyl diglycol carbonate monomer in 1945 marked a key milestone in the history of the optical industry.  This new optical monomer inspired a great deal of creativity and ingenuity, which led to many of the great plastic lens products available today.

Plastic lenses made from CR-39 allyl diglycol carbonate monomer combine the optics of glass with the excellent mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance properties of a thermoset material.  CR-39 monomer is used for casting plastic lenses for prescription eyewear, sunglasses and other plastic products requiring high abrasion resistance and high quality optical properties.  Plastic lenses from CR-39 monomer give less chromatic aberration compared to polycarbonate lenses, as measured by the Abbe number.

There is only one CR-39 monomer, and it only comes from PPG.  See our list of Licensed Lens Casters to be sure you are using lenses made from CR-39 monomer.

CR-39 (Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.) is a trademark of PPG Industries, Inc.