The Institute of Photonics at the University of Eastern Finland is launching cooperation with the Dutch LUXeXceL company. LUXeXceL is the creator of the unique Printoptical Technology, a 3D printing method which allows the printing of optical quality components, such as lenses, without any need for post-processing. In photonics, the problem with various 3D printing methods is that the quality of the surface is not sufficiently high for visible light. Surface structures that are not completely smooth cause scattering of light which, in turn, results in significant losses and reductions in quality.
The first phase of the project spans 18 months and the majority of funding, €950 000, comes from the Leverage from the EU 2007 structural funding instrument of Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. In addition to LUXeXceL and the University of Eastern Finland, the project funders and partners include the Finnish companies Nanocomp Ltd., Oplatek Group Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Ltd., Millog Ltd., Idman Airfield Lighting Ltd., and Nanobakers Ltd.
"3D printing is becoming an important manufacturing method for small batches and single items. It is a revolution as regards component availability, development and manufacturing speed, and the concept of customisation," says Professor Jyrki Saarinen, Responsible Project Leader at the University of Eastern Finland. "Although Finland hasn't been a pioneer in 3D printing, this project will bring Finnish photonics 3D printing to world-leading level," he concludes.
3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping. In 3D printing, a component is built a thin layer by layer. The range of 3D printing materials includes plastic, metal, ceramics, glass and even paper and chocolate. The printing material is brought to the print head in the format of a filament or powder. The print head melts or dissolves the printing material, which then gets injected on the printer stand. Either the print head and/or the printer stand moves in 1 dimensions. The printing material hardens as thin layers at desired spots.
LUXeXceL offers rapid prototyping of optical components for prototypes and short-run batches. The company has created and patented a unique 3D printing method for photonics, Printoptical Technology. The LUXeXceL headquarters are located in Goes, the Netherlands.
The Institute of Photonics at the University of Eastern Finland is a network organisation seeking to enhance the university's research and education in photonics and to bring together the field's research projects, researchers and students. The Institute of Photonics is also a way of promoting international cooperation, transfer of research knowledge, and societal impact in the field of photonics.