Luxexcel has begun work on a 1,000sq m facility for the 3D printing of LED optical lenses. Having developed a high-volume machine capable of manufacturing the components, the company hopes to begin full-scale production at its new factory in the second half of 2014.

The process has been designed to be scalable, allowing for prototypes and batches to be made on the same device, using the same method. The optics are printed smooth, in order to avoid the need for post-processing.

"We are excited to open this new facility," states Richard van de Vrie, founder and chief executive of Luxexcel. "We are changing the way optics are designed, produced, and now digitally stored. This increases the design capabilities we offer to optical designers and enables the LED Industry to customise per application, project or even single product."

"I am proud our team has developed a specific printer that will deliver both speed and precision in the manufacturing of optics," says Joris Biskop, chief technical officer. "I am confident that, with the support we get from our customers, partners and universities, our capabilities will further improve rapidly."