Luxexcel, a 3D printing firm specializing in contact lenses, recently announced that their technology has made the transition to printing of commercial lenses. The Netherlands-based firm has reached a production point where they can supply consumers with daily shipments of 3D-printed lenses. This past year, Luxexcel has produced 5000 lenses on their ISO-certified VisionPlatforms™ that are installed in both the US and Europe.
“By achieving this level of maturity we are ready to further grow the incredible potential of this technology and develop unique lenses both in ophthalmic and in smart eyewear,” said Luxexcel CEO, Fabio Esposito. “3D printing is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional lenses and the future of eyewear which resides in smart functionalities.”
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Luxexcel previously raised $13.9 million in series C funding, at which point the company announced their advancement in development processes. The company was developed in 2009, and leverages 3D printing technologies to create unique contact lenses. Using additive manufacturing processes, the company is cutting down waste produced by traditional lens manufacturing processes.
Luxexcel notes that their additive manufacturing processes consume 80% less raw material than grinding, edging, and polishing the lens in the traditional labor-intensive and low yield approach.
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The company’s innovative and unique approach to crafting lenses starts with the preparation of the custom lens design and prescription magnitude via the VisionMaster™ Software. Luxexcel uses VisionClear™, a liquid precursor, in their VisionEngine™ 3D printer to create the lenses. The machine jets tiny droplets of UV-curable resin onto the substrate which is then cured with UV-light. This technique generates custom lenses at large-scale, making minimal waste in the process.
“We have developed this solution to bring to the eyewear market an amazing capability: 3D printed lenses. In the past 12 months, Luxexcel focused on the industrialization of the VisionPlatform™ in collaboration with key manufacturers in the ophthalmic field,” noted Luxexcel Chief Commercial Officer, Guido Groet.
The VisionPlatform™ is comprised of industrial-grade 3D printers, lens designing software and integration tools that yield 3D printed ophthalmic lenses that meet industry standards of ANSI, ISO, and FDA requirements in a simple process.
The company’s objective is to ‘change the way ophthalmic lenses are made’ and develop unique eyeglasses that are not conceivable by conventional means. They plan to achieve these goals through partnerships with independent ophthalmic labs. If you want to get to know more about all the options available we suggest checking Eyeglasses.com.
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Luxexcel lists customized bi/tri/quadri focals, cosmetics with names and decorations, and prescription lenses for VR/AR goggles as examples of products they can currently print. The company also notes that their 3D printed lenses have the potential to offer smart lens products, such as sensor-equipped lenses that manipulate color and transmission properties instantly.
“3D printing is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional lenses and the future of eyewear which resides in smart functionalities,” said Esposito.
Over 5,000 ophthalmic lenses 3D printed by Luxexcel in last 12 months #3DPrinting https://t.co/kgc32AW1Vj
— 3D Printing Talk (@3DPrinting_TT) February 20, 2019
Sources: 3D Printing Industry, 3D Printing Media Network, Additive Report, Luxexcel
