DAC International

What DAC International does

DAC International, LLC designs and manufactures ultra-precision CNC equipment used by contact lens and intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturers worldwide. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Carpinteria, California, the company is positioned as the only full-line provider of lathes (ALM and ALMe models), Mill/Lathe Combos (MLC/MLCe), a Precision Blocking System, a Universal 1000 Autoloader for lights-out production, and the DAC Horizontal Mill. Core enabling technology includes precision air-bearing spindles, DC linear servo motors with linear encoder feedback achieving sub-nanometer position resolution, and a documented 0-10,000 RPM workholding spindle speed range. Proprietary software covers DAC Desktop Software (over 50 algorithms for spheres, aspheres, torics, bi-torics, multi-focals, and quad symmetric designs), the IOL Program Module Suite for optic and haptic parameters including advanced quad-haptic IOLs, DAC Cutting Simulation Software, and add-on modules such as the FT-3 Edge Fast Tool, Oscillating Tool Technology (OTT), Axis Location System (XLS), Reference Mark Locator, Laser Engraving, Height Measurement Gauge, and Multi-Tool Management.

Revenue is generated through direct enterprise field sales of capital equipment, bundled with a 12-month parts and labor warranty, and supplemented by recurring Master Service Agreements (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum), spare parts, training services, and software licensing. Customer support is delivered via Carpinteria HQ, European field service staff, and remote connectivity. Target customers are contact lens manufacturers producing specialty lenses (keratoconus, post-surgical, orthokeratology, complex geometries) and IOL manufacturers requiring extreme precision, surface quality, and robust process control under tightening regulatory regimes such as CE, UL, and the EU MDR. The operating geographies explicitly cited include Switzerland, France, Italy, and Belgium, with installations worldwide. In May 2025, Addtronics, LLC acquired DAC International, with President Ken Payne continuing to lead the organization within the Addtronics life-sciences automation platform.

Name

DAC International

Legal name

DAC International, LLC

Website

https://dac-intl.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DAC International, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Carpinteria, California, designs and manufactures ultra-precision CNC lathes, mill/lathe combos, blocking systems, and proprietary software used by contact lens and intraocular lens manufacturers worldwide; acquired by Addtronics, LLC in May 2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Ophthalmic Manufacturing Equipment

NAICS

Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)

SIC

Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB)

Keywords

• Precision CNC lathes
• Ophthalmic manufacturing equipment
• Intraocular lens machining
• Contact lens production
• Ultra-precision milling

Headquarters

HQ city

Carpinteria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Precision Machinery Sales: Sale of ultra-precision CNC lathes (ALMe, ALM), Mill/Lathe Combos (MLC), DAC Horizontal Mills, and Precision Blocking Systems for contact lens and IOL manufacturing
2. Software Licenses and Applications: DAC Cutting Simulation Software, Desktop Software for lens design, and IOL Program Module Suite with over 50 algorithms
3. Service and Support Contracts: Master Service Agreements (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers), preventive maintenance, remote technical support, and field service
4. Spare Parts and Components: Critical OEM spares availability to support high-volume labs with obsolescence-managed recommendations
5. Training Services: Hands-on operator and technician training covering machine operation, routine maintenance, and process best practices
6. Automation Systems: Universal 1000 Autoloader and dedicated automation systems for high-volume lens manufacturing

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DAC International designs, manufactures, and services ultra-precision CNC machining equipment — including lathes (ALMe, ALM), Mill/Lathe Combos, horizontal mills, precision blocking systems, and dedicated automation — used by contact lens and intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturers to produce ophthalmic lenses with sub-nanometer surface quality. The equipment is complemented by proprietary in-house software (DAC Cutting Simulation, Desktop Software, and the IOL Program Module Suite) and supported by tiered Master Service Agreements, spare parts, and training.

Product overview

DAC International manufactures ultra-precision equipment for contact lens and intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturing. The product portfolio centers on CNC lathes (ALMe and ALM models) as the core platform, supplemented by the Mill/Lathe Combo (MLC) for combined machining, a Precision Blocking System for part handling, and the Universal 1000 Autoloader for automation. Complete manufacturing capability is enabled through proprietary software including DAC Cutting Simulation Software and Desktop Software with over 50 lens design algorithms. The ecosystem is extended through a comprehensive range of tooling options including the FT-3 Edge Fast Tool, Oscillating Tool Technology (OTT), Laser Engraving, Axis Location System (XLS), Reference Mark Locator, Height Measurement Gauge (HMG), Multi-Tool Management, Digital Tool Holders, and Misting System.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ALMe Lathe Ultra-precision CNC lathe with lower machine height, touch-screen interface, and precision air-bearing spindles for manufacturing contact lenses and intraocular lenses with superior surface quality.
• ALM Lathe High-precision machining lathe for contact and intraocular lenses featuring precision air-bearing slides, linear motor axis drives, sub-nanometer position resolution, and extensive lens manufacturing software.
• Mill / Lathe Combo (MLC / MLCe) Combination machine integrating lathe and milling capabilities on a single platform, with lower machine height and touch-screen interface, allowing in-situ lathing and haptic milling for complex intraocular lens designs without part registration errors.
• DAC Horizontal Mill Horizontal mill for lens manufacturing.
• Precision Blocking System High-precision blocking system for accurate and repeatable concentricity, tilt, and squareness in lens blocking for first or second side part handling.
• Universal 1000 Autoloader Automated part handling system supporting continuous runs of up to 1,000 parts without reloading, enabling lights-out operation of DAC ALM Lathe or MLC Mill/Lathe Combo.
• DAC Cutting Simulation Software (IOL, CL) Visualization software for tool paths in lens machining, enabling on-screen manipulation of tool geometry and positions to optimize clearances and avoid tool collisions prior to machining.
• Desktop Software (IOL, CL) Comprehensive lens manufacturing software offering access to over 50 algorithms for contact lens designs including spheres, aspheres, torics, bi-torics, multi-focals, quad sym, and complex geometries.
• IOL Program Module (PM) Suite Proprietary DAC software written in-house for programming of both optic and haptic parameters in intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturing, supporting traditional C-loop and advanced Quad-haptic designs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sub-nanometer position resolution for lens manufacturing
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature15 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• RotlexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on next-generation automation cell project announced at EFCLIN 46th Annual Congress. Project expected to include real-time feedback of various production parameters and measurements. Eyal Harel (Operations and Projects Manager, Rotlex) and Jeff Graver (Software and Applications Manager, DAC) presented key features for specialty lens manufacture.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Moore Nanotechnology Systems: Designs and builds ultra-precision lathes and multi-axis machining systems using air-bearing and linear-motor technology for optics and similar high-precision applications. The closest technical peer to DAC, competing in the same ultra-precision niche across adjacent end markets.
• Precitech (AMETEK): Manufactures ultra-precision diamond turning machines and air-bearing spindles for optics, ophthalmic, and contact lens manufacturing. A direct competitor to DAC in the precision ophthalmic equipment space, with comparable sub-nanometer positioning.
• Kern Microtechnik: Builds high-precision micro-machining centers and CNC machines used in optics, medical, and small precision components. Comparable to DAC in motion-control precision and target customer profile of high-end medical/optical manufacturers.
• OptiPro Systems: Supplies precision optical fabrication and metrology equipment, including CNC polishing and grinding machines for ophthalmic and precision optics manufacturers. Adjacent peer serving the same lens and optics manufacturing customers with overlapping equipment categories.

Broad incumbents

• Satisloh: Large established supplier of ophthalmic and optical lens manufacturing equipment (generators, polishers, coating systems) with a global installed base. A broader incumbent than DAC that competes for capex dollars at lens manufacturing labs.
• Schneider Optical Machines: Provides precision optical manufacturing machinery (lens surface generators, polishers, finishing systems) for ophthalmic labs worldwide. Overlaps with DAC in serving lens manufacturers but with a broader, less specialized product line.
• DMG MORI: Global leader in CNC machine tools including precision turning and milling centers. A broad incumbent whose high-end lathes could theoretically serve ophthalmic applications, though it does not specialize in DAC's contact lens/IOL niche.
• Citizen Machinery: Manufactures high-precision CNC sliding-head and fixed-head lathes known for ultra-precision turning of small components. Comparable motion-control heritage to DAC but serving a much broader precision parts customer base.
• INDEX Corporation: Produces high-precision CNC turning machines and multi-spindle automatics for medical, automotive, and small parts manufacturing. Competes with DAC for precision turning capex among medical device manufacturers.

Emerging players

• Rotlex: Specializes in optical metrology and inspection systems for contact and intraocular lenses. Already a co-development partner with DAC on an automation cell project, making it a natural adjacent/partner peer with overlapping customer relationships in specialty lens manufacturing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dac-international
• Facebookfacebook.com/DACInternational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DAC International