SUMOSPACE – Versatile Bi-Colour Light with Interchangeable Lenses

SUMOLIGHT is a German-based manufacturer of lighting systems for film and broadcast productions. Founded in Berlin back in 2011 by gaffers and photographers, the Sumolight experience on set is in the DNA of all SUMOLIGHT products. In the process, we explored various options for interchangeable lens solutions, utilizing the speed, flexibility and cost-efficiency of the optical 3D printing process.

THE PROJECT – SUMOSPACE by SUMOLIGHT

The first bicolor light invented by SUMOLIGHT, named ‘SUMOSPACE’ is a concept light in weight operating with completely passive cooling. The innovative and versatile light-shaping tools set a new standard for the industry and won the 2015 Cine Gear Expo Technical Award for best lighting technology. In 2019, the unique mounting system SUMOSNAP expanded the SUMOSPACE concept into a true modular lighting system.

The SUMOSPACE+ module is the core of the SUMOSPACE modular system. Bright and lightweight, it outshines most fixtures in its class. The fixture is simulating a 3k spacelight’s output with LED-level power consumption, which makes it both powerful and economical.

THE CHALLENGE – Rapid / Cost-Efficient Lens Variations

For an optimal use case, the suggestion was to generate various interchangeable lens solutions for the LUMOSPACE concept. As a start-up, SUMOLIGHT was not in a position to generate a variety of solutions, each requiring expensive mold tooling. Fortunately, in the printing process various one-off items could be generated easily without the need for tooling. Growing the items additively in free space, with only one step from CAD to optic, a variety of lens items had to be generated in only a short matter of time, as the deadline for the Cine Gear Expo was looming.

THE SOLUTION – 3D Printed Interchangeable Lenses

Utilizing advanced, flexible and cost-efficient Luximprint Printoptical Technology, the team managed to generate various appealing and well-performing LED optics arrays. A total of four different prototypes have been generated: a directing 20 – 30 and 60 degr beam angle, and a Frosted version for a more smooth and evenly lit target surface (while avoiding glare at the same time).

The vibrant color rendition requires no adjustment, offering enhanced beam fields with four interchangeable optic system angles. From spacelight to soft light to high-density light, it transforms with light-shaping tools and lenses. With intensity and color temperature control (2800 to 6500 K), it stays flexible for any scenario – a perfect match for modern light-sensitive cameras.

Picture of triangular lens array printed by Luximprint for Sumolight covered with a frosted finish over all surfaces.

About Sumolight

Today, new products continue to revolutionize studio and broadcast lighting. SUMOSKY – an interactive large-scale backdrop, SUMOMAX – the modular high output light made for Image Based Lighting and virtual production.