Additive Optics Manufacturing

Additive Optics Manufacturing or, as more commonly used, Additive Optics Fabrication (AOF) is a novel 3D printing method innovated by Luximprint, utilized to fabricate custom optics for multi-market applications.

Additive Optics Manufacturing encompasses optical 3D printing technology utilized to produce custom optics directly from a CAD file. In sharp contrast to conventional subtractive processes of milling, turning, grinding and polishing, additive optics manufacturing creates parts by building them up with progressive computer-controlled deposition of material, in a process that resembles printing, but with multiple passes until the desired 3D shape is achieved. The resulting optical surfaces are smooth straight from the printer, and zero need for post-processing is required.

Custom Optics – Fast, Flexible and Cost-Effective

Using digital 3D printing methodologies for producing custom optics prototypes and pre-series brings tremendous advantages compared to traditional optics fabrication processes. While tooling-less additive optics fabrication is not primarily intended for disrupting traditional lens making methods, nor to mass-produce custom parts, it outperforms classical technologies in the early development stages where speed, flexibility and cost-efficiency are key. It enables designers of new lighting systems and schemes to do the job faster, easier and better.