Printoptical Technology delivers economical 3D-printed arrays of optical elements

July 28, 2014
LUXeXcel Printoptical Technology uses modified wide-format industrial inkjet printers to economically and digitally fabricate optical structures from CAD files via 3D printing methods without the need for expensive molding and tooling equipment.

LUXeXcel (Goes, The Netherlands) Printoptical Technology uses modified wide-format industrial inkjet printers to economically and digitally fabricate optical structures (transparent prisms, lenses, and full-color graphics and textures) from CAD files via 3D printing methods without the need for expensive molding and tooling equipment. A piezoelectrically controllable print head jets an ultraviolet (UV)-curable photopolymer resin that is cured by UV lamps at the precise moment required to create optically smooth surfaces—no postprocessing required.

Printoptical-compatible polymers include polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and custom acrylate formulations; optical components in arrays with dimensions up to 60 cm × 100 cm are possible. "CAD-to-optic" Printoptical technology was used, for example, to fabricate 6 × 6 convex lens arrays on 500-μm-thick flexible polymer substrates for an LED lighting project. The technology can also fabricate prism structures with a 20-mm-long base and 1–2 mm height (30° and 60° top angles) with sharp-edged radii less than 200 μm, depending on the polymer used. LUXeXcel is working to have a new printer available in 4Q14 with increased speed, improved optical smoothness, and increased component-building height. Contact Peter Paul Cornellisen at[email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Melles Griot® XPLAN™ CCG Lens Series

March 19, 2024
IDEX Health & Science sets a new standard with our Melles Griot® XPLAN™ CCG Lens Series fluorescence microscope imaging systems. Access superior-quality optics with off-the-shelf...

Spatial Biology

March 19, 2024
Spatial Biology refers to the field that integrates spatial information into biological research, allowing for the study of biological systems in their native spatial context....

Custom-Engineered Optical Solutions for Your Application

March 19, 2024
We combine advanced optical design and manufacturing technology, with decades of experience in critical applications, to take you from first designs to ongoing marketplace success...

Semrock Optical Filters Resources

March 19, 2024
Looking for more information about Semrock optical filters? Explore sets by fluorophore, download the 2023 Semrock catalog and more.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!