Even though recent news reports speculate that HP could enter the market for 3D printed glass, LUXeXceL Group, Goes, The Netherlands, has been 3D printing optics for some time now. Recently, this additive manufacturer of optical components launched a new additive manufacturing platform that is faster, and it introduced a new clear material “LUX-Opticlear,” which can be used to manufacture high quality optics up to 20 mm in height.
These new capabilities enable the LUXeXceL process to compete with injection molding for the production of small and mid-sized series of optical components. These capabilities include fast service for prototyping, iterating, and manufacturing optics, eliminating costly and inflexible tooling.
LUX-Opticlear printing material
The new UV curable material, LUX-Opticlear, offers excellent optical properties with a print height up to 20 mm. Design specifications, material details and product samples, are available here: Printed optics with LUX-Opticlear
New online order platform for optics
LUXeXceL’s new online platform will be rolled out over the rest of 2014. You can upload CAD files to a personal and secure part of the platform. This 24/7 service will give you a quotation for the production of the 3D file based on the specifications.
The whole process is digital, giving you flexibility and the ability to order on demand. Small series or individual optics can be made in a few days. Unique optical designs and components can be quickly tested and new designs validated. Adding up all these advantages in one single manufacturing service, LUXeXceL is now offering the full package to take on injection molding for small and mid-sized series.
Said Richard van de Vrie, Founder and CEO of LUXeXceL, “As we do not need to post process the printed products, our process is fast and scalable, enabling optics designers to move from fast prototyping and easy iterating, to manufacturing the exact required volumes in days!”
Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com
