Named the Printoptical Process, LUXeXcel demonstrated just how well their new technology works by printing a complete pair of lenses for Dutch royalty, King William-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
In their demonstration LUXeXcel engineers designed and printed the eyewear’s lenses and frames in a single print job. What’s more, no post-processes like grinding or polishing were required to finish the lenses.
Key to the Printoptical process is how LUXeXcel’s printers distribute the droplets of polymer. Once a droplet of polymer is extruded, a high-powered UV cures it in a procedure that allows the polymer droplet to lose its shape and flow together with its surrounding material. Because the polymer is given time to find its natural shape, the result is smoother, more precise surfaces. In fact, LUXeXcel has claimed that their technology can be used to create Fresnel lenses, stained glass, and that it can improve the efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells.
Although LUXeXcel has demonstrated 3D printed lenses, further work has to be done if imaging quality lenses are to be produced. In partnership with the University of Eastern Finland's Institute of Photonics, LUXeXcel is continuing its research into photonics manufacturing technologies.