We developed an unique 3D printing service for products that demand a high standard in transparency, like optics. Our Printoptical© Technology enables us to create optical components, like micro structures, fresnel lenses or freeform lenses. Our custom 3D printing process offers full design freedom and endless new possibilities. In this blogpost we will dive deeper into the capabilities of our 3D printer and our 3D printing process.
What are printed optics?
We focus mainly on printing LED optics. Although we can also print optical components, that can be used for numerous applications. 3D Printed optics are created by precision placement of transparent droplets in combination with a UV curing process. Recently we launched our new Opticlear material for even more capabilities. This enables us to create fully transparent and smooth surfaces. No tooling or post processing is required with this unique custom 3d printing process. This is why our service is often used for optics testing.
How does optics testing work?
There are two ways of testing optics. One is theoretical, this means computer generated lighting images are composed by lighting software to predict how light will behave when traveling through a lens or other optical part.
The other is testing optical elements by prototype manufacturing. This is also known as functional optics testing, a process where the actual product is created in a small batch in order to see if the intended lighting image is in fact created by the optic.
Different custom lens types with 3D printed optics
Printoptical Technology is particularly interesting for complicated lens designs. This is because the product is built up digitally. Potentially, overhangs and hollows might be possible in the future.
When comparing this to either single point cutting tools or molds, the design and shape possibilities expand tremendously.
Already Printoptical Technology can create any of the most popular and most used lens types such as the examples below.
The following lens types have already been created using custom 3D printing for optics by LUXeXceL:
Freeform lenses
Asymmetrical lenses/lens arrays
Micro lens arrays
Macro lens arrays
Multi prismatic lenses with high number of facets
Custom 3D Printing: What printing services do we offer?
With our unique custom 3D printing service we can offer you numerous options. Would you like to see our unique lenses with your own eyes? We suggest you request a sample. One of our strengths are custom made optics, which are well suited for prototyping or small series. Injection molding becomes cost inefficient for smaller series, whereas this is one of our strong suits.
Samples
Prototyping
Iteration options
Small and medium series
Larger series
Customizable optics are ideal for prototyping and small series manufacturing. But also for iteration options. Simply upload your edited CAD file and request your new optic. Getting the perfect lighting image has never been more accesible. Due to our fast print process we are also capable of medium and larger series optics manufacturing. Once again, upload your CAD file and request your required amount. Speed and flexibility are key. With our 3D printing service we strive you help you achieve full design freedom. So that your idea can come to life.
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