3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / Fraunhofer 3D Print Optics for Individualized Mass Production
qidi

Fraunhofer 3D Print Optics for Individualized Mass Production

October 15, 2019

As part of their “Go Beyond 4.0” project, Fraunhofer is looking to 3D print optics individually, while also allowing for mass production. The project proposes new material concepts and processing technology for multifunctional and individualized optical components. It also proposes new transparent hybrid polymer materials and illustrates the integration of apertures, electrically conducting tracks and mirrors into the structure of 3D printed optics.

The project is a collaboration between two sub-branches of the institute, Institutes for Silicate Research (ISC) and Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF). The ISC researched the uses of ORMOCERs, glass-like inorganic-organic hybrid polymers that form the basis of the optics. Meanwhile, the IOF provided new printing technology for higher quality production.

The initial material has had very good optical properties. Due to further development, it was refined for the enhanced 3D printing process, as provided by the colleagues of the Fraunhofer IOF. The combination of material and technology avoids defects on surfaces and in volumes that wouldn’t otherwise result from 3D printing. Dr. Sönke Steenhusen, project manager at Fraunhofer ISC.

Developments in 3D Printed Optics

Fraunhofer 3D Prints Optics

Fraunhofer’s method has some added flourishes that improve the transparency and glass-like qualities in optics. In adding functional components such as apertures, electrically conducting tracks or mirrors, they simplify later assembly and enable highly complex designs. Thus, the optical systems they create by combining optical ORMOCER and digital manufacturing processes also have uses in advanced lighting.

For larger quantities, the Fraunhofer researchers are already working on the parallelization of processes. Most notably, they will be able to produce large quantities of optics but with varying properties for varying tasks. According to the company, they have solved “the contradiction” between individualization and mass production.

For quite some time, printed optics and lenses were not thought of as an ideal good for printing. However, companies and institutes like Fraunhofer and Luxexcel have been putting a dent in that perception. Both are offering customization and high transparency in their line-ups. Luxecel has also already achieved high production volumes for their operations.

Luxexcel_ophthalmic_3D
Related Story
Luxexcel & IFB Solutions Print Custom Ophthalmic Lenses

The “Go Beyond 4.0” project is self-financed and combines the competencies of several Fraunhofer Institute branches to solve current industrial challenges. The project specifically looks into the individualization of single products in mass production environments with the employment of digital printing and laser technologies. The optics are just one such off-shoot of the project.

Fraunhofer’s work with 3D printed optics is also a leap forward because systems for lighting require demanding levels of quality. They should ideally be able to  run for long terms while sporting high transparencies in the visible part of the light-spectrum. This makes the project quite promising for a number of applications including eyeglasses, lighting, microscopes and more.

Featured image courtesy of Fraunhofer ISC.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

ETH Zurich 3D Prints Recycled Plastic Structure for Swiss Ice Cream Shop

ETH Zurich students have completed a 3D-printed ice cream shop in the Swiss Alpine village of Mulegns. The project, called Gelateria, was designed... read more »

Construction
ETH Zurich 3D Prints Recycled Plastic Structure for Swiss Ice Cream Shop

Hugo Launches 3D Printed Loafers with Zellerfeld

Hugo, the younger brand under Hugo Boss, has partnered with 3D printing company Zellerfeld to create a fully 3D-printed loafer. The shoe is... read more »

Fashion
Hugo Launches 3D Printed Loafers with Zellerfeld

3D Printed Resin Combines Rubber Flexibility with Plastic Strength, Surprising Scientists

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a 3D printing method that can create objects with both soft and hard... read more »

News
3D Printed Resin Combines Rubber Flexibility with Plastic Strength, Surprising Scientists

LPE Supports Queen’s Propulsion Laboratory with 3D Printed Rocket Engine Chamber

Students at Queen's University Belfast have developed what they describe as Ireland's first student-built liquid rocket engine. The Kelvin Mk.1, named after Belfast-born... read more »

3D Printing Metal
LPE Supports Queen’s Propulsion Laboratory with 3D Printed Rocket Engine Chamber

Dassault Systèmes and Patrick Jouin Unveil New 3D Printed Chair

Dassault Systèmes and French designer Patrick Jouin have unveiled Ta.Tamu, a 3D-printed chair developed using the company's 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The project represents a... read more »

News
Dassault Systèmes and Patrick Jouin Unveil New 3D Printed Chair

Endemic Architecture Debuts 3D Printed Homes in Rural California

A development of five 3D-printed homes called Corduroy Castles is currently under construction in Olivehurst, California, a rural town in Yuba County located... read more »

Construction
Endemic Architecture Debuts 3D Printed Homes in Rural California

3D Printed Replica of a 500-year-old Prosthetic Hand Hints at Life of a Renaissance Amputee

Researchers at Auburn University are using 3D printing technology to recreate Renaissance-era prosthetic devices, providing new insights into historical amputee experiences. The interdisciplinary... read more »

News
3D Printed Replica of a 500-year-old Prosthetic Hand Hints at Life of a Renaissance Amputee

United Utilities Expands 3D Printing for Water Infrastructure Operations

United Utilities is incorporating 3D printing technology into its operations following the completion of a two-year Water Industry Printfrastructure project. The initiative, funded... read more »

News
United Utilities Expands 3D Printing for Water Infrastructure Operations

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing