3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / Researchers use Meniscus Effect and AM to Make AR Smart Lenses
qidi

Researchers use Meniscus Effect and AM to Make AR Smart Lenses

February 14, 2023

A research team at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has developed a smart contact lens with augmented reality (AR)-based navigation capabilities, using a 3D printing process.

The lens uses the technology to print functional micro-patterns on non-planar substrates, including curved contact lenses. This new technology is the first to use a meniscus phenomenon to crystallize Pure Prussian Blue (PB) color onto the lens, making it possible to produce advanced displays that can express various information, such as letters, numbers, and images. Prussian blue is a dark blue pigment that is commonly used in art and painting. It is also used in various other applications, including as a dye, a photographic toner, and a medical treatment for heavy metal poisoning.

Meniscus lens
Meniscus lens. (Image credit: KERI / UNIST)

The meniscus is the result of capillary action, where a curved surface forms on the outer wall when water droplets are gently pressed or pulled, without bursting.

Specifically, Prussian blue is formed on a substrate through the heterogeneous crystallization of FeFe(CN)6 via spontaneous reactions of precursor ions at room temperature in the meniscus formed between the ink-filled micronozzle and substrate.

Simultaneously, solvent evaporation occurs at the meniscus surface, inducing edge-enhanced crystallization of FeFe(CN)6. The meniscus phenomenon allows for the formation of uniformly printed Prussian blue patterns on any type of substrate, regardless of its conductivity. As a result, the process requires no voltage, unlike electroplating.

The team’s micro-pattern technology is very fine and uniform, making it possible to fabricate AR-powered smart contact lenses.

The expected application area is navigation, as well as gaming.

Come and let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly additive manufacturing newsletter to get all the latest stories delivered right to your inbox.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

Fraunhofer, MacLean-Fogg, and Toyota Develop Large-Scale 3D Printing System for Automotive Die Casting Molds

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has partnered with powder manufacturer MacLean-Fogg and Toyota to develop a 3D printing solution for manufacturing... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Fraunhofer, MacLean-Fogg, and Toyota Develop Large-Scale 3D Printing System for Automotive Die Casting Molds

ASTM International Approves New Standard to Streamline AM Processes

ASTM International's additive manufacturing technologies committee (F42) has approved a new standard designed to help businesses navigate the procurement and delivery of 3D... read more »

News
ASTM International Approves New Standard to Streamline AM Processes

Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

Trek has introduced its first 3D-printed saddle series, the Aeolus AirLoom, featuring what the company calls AirLoom lattice technology. The new design updates... read more »

News
Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

QuesTek Innovations has partnered with a global niobium producer to develop a high-temperature alloy designed for additive manufacturing. The project targets aerospace and... read more »

3D Printing Metal
QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

Autodesk Research and Additive Tectonics Develop 3D Printed Floor System with Alternative Materials

Autodesk Research has partnered with Additive Tectonics to develop a new approach to concrete floor construction using 3D printing technology. The collaboration combines... read more »

Construction

NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has installed a new laser-powered metal 3D printer at its Flatirons Campus to support marine energy device... read more »

3D Printing Metal
NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

Apple Adopts 3D Printing for Titanium USB-C Ports in New iPhone Air

Apple’s latest smartphone release marks a quiet but notable step in consumer electronics manufacturing: the company has confirmed that its new iPhone Air... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Apple Iphone 17 air

GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

GKN Aerospace announced the expansion of its Newington, Connecticut facility to include a new production line for additively manufactured Fan Case Mount Ring... read more »

Aerospace
GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

UltiMaker has introduced its Secure Line of 3D printing products specifically designed for defense and high-security environments. The initial lineup includes the UltiMaker... read more »

News
UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has completed production of its largest additive manufacturing metal component to date - a 90kg suspension and differential... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

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
  • 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 X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    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

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