One-Off Lens Fabrication: Bespoke Optics in Single Digit Quantities

When it comes to the fabrication of custom optics typically concessions have to be done to the number of items to be ordered. Whereas in digital prototyping methods it is possible to obtain single-digit items, it isn’t that logical when working with traditional making methods. To this day, this has hugely limited the freedom of choice for anyone using light as a medium of expression, branding and art, limiting them to the use of standard off-the-shelf optics solutions. The unique Printoptical Process, innovated by Luximprint, allows digital designers and artists to obtain their bespoke lens items in single-volume editions, with no minimum order quantities required.

Light Art Leading the Way

In a growing manner, light artists are starting to explore the benefits of optical 3D printing. The still relatively new digital fabrication approaches enable them to work with custom optics without the costly commitments to tooling and inventory, without further compromises. Whereas to this day compromises had to be made between standard optics (off-the-shelf items) and expensive custom lens developments, Printoptical Technology bridges the gap by offering a cost-efficient ‘golden mean’ solution.

Complexity for Free

Inherent to the typical work of artists – it’s rather beyond standards challenging the boundaries of creativity – are the complexities of the lenses to work with. A typical projection may require a certain level of complexity in order to achieve the astonishing results they are aiming for. Interestingly, once surface complexity increases, cost doesn’t follow suit. The optical 3D printing process enables both ‘easy’ and ‘complex’ designs to be produced at the same speed, flexibility, and cost.

“Thanks to advanced digital design and fabrication methods, bespoke lenses can now be obtained in a matter of days, at a fraction of the cost, to exact customer specifications”.

LICHTSPIEL by Zalán Szakács

‘LICHTSPIEL’, the latest light installation by Zalán Szakács, is a brilliant example of such a collaboration. During the development process, a range of unique lens options has been explored, narrowing the final application down to just a handful of impressive designs. The iterative design processing, exploration of variations and the cost-efficient approaches has enabled Zálan to refine his installation an launch a next impressive display of light art. At Conflux Festival 2024 in Rotterdam, a festival exploring multisensory encounters, urgent ideas, contemporary art and experimental music, Zalán presented his latest ‘Symbiotic Reality’ titled ‘LICHTSPIEL’ – using the refraction of light through kinetically controlled lenses to transform the demo-space into a mesmerizing display of light and color whilst interacting with the architectural features of the outdoor square at the heart of Rotterdam city.

Optical Design Support

The team at Luximprint is here to help when it comes to generating the optical designs that lay at the foundation of the project. Optical lenses are the key to the performance of the installation, determining its final awe and wonder.

Also, we can provide clear guidance to our users on how to move forward in their own courts in shaping the designs. Whether we use conventional lens design methods or advanced mathematical methods, the Luximprint Design Team is keen to help.

Printoptical Artwork

In addition to custom optics, Luximprint also offers additive fabrication services for Printoptical Art, allowing digital artists to generate unique pieces of art, driven by the unique manufacturing capabilities of the Printoptical Process.

Credits: Luminous Concepts, Cinimod Studio, Jason Bruges Studio, Zalán Szakács, Chris Kievid and Lilian van Daal are just a few of the many creative design studios that have explored the beauty of light and art in relation with 3D printed optics during past collaborations. Entering this new era, Luximprint challenges anyone sharing a passion for light, optics and materials to discover the distinctness of the Printoptical Process for their projects.