LUXeXceL Invests To 3D Print LED Optics

3D printing seems to be making its way into almost every nook and cranny of every industry out there, in some way or another. An example of this is the recent announcement by LUXeXceL, who is known for their patented Printoptical Technology. The technology allows them to 3D printer translucent objects which are then used for lighting applications.

Yesterday the company announced that they have invested heavily into a new 3D printing factory which will be dedicated to manufacturing volumes of LED lighting optics. The new 10,000 square foot facility is located just minutes away from their office in The Netherlands and will provide many new jobs for the area.

“We are excited to open this new facility.” said Richard van de Vrie, founder and CEO of LUXeXceL. “We are changing the way optics are designed, produced, and now digitally stored. Our new printers will enable us to print very precise LED lighting optics and will allow us to jet new optical materials. This increases the design capabilities we offer to optical designers and enables the LED Industry to customize per application, project or even single product.”

The facility will allow the company to scale its manufacturing process, and use their 3D printing technology to prototype as well as directly manufacture LED optics. Printoptical technology works by placing transparent droplets of a UV-curable polymer into a given configuration , and then having them cured by strong UV-lamps which are integrated onto the print head. This means that the company can avoid the time consuming and costly manufacturing models of injection molding and diamond polishing, that traditional LED optics manufacturing encompassed.

Joris Biskop, CTO of LUXeXceL: “I am proud our team has developed a specific printer that will deliver both speed and precision in the manufacturing of optics. This is a foundation for further innovation in the 3D printing of optics. I am confident that with the support we get from our customers, partners and universities, our capabilities will further improve rapidly.”

Discuss this investment and production method at 3DPrintBoard.