Luxexcel and the Institute of Photonics at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) in Kuopio, Finland, have partnered to develop an improved platform for photonic 3-D printing. The partnership will leverage the optical rapid prototyping company’s Printoptical manufacturing process, a method for printing optical-quality components that do not require post-processing. “This unique process is a great base to develop photonics 3-D printing,” said professor Jyrki Saarinen of UEF, who was impressed by Luxexcel’s 3-D printing method. “From this base we can start further optimization processes and research and development to build in features that have not previously been carried out. The aim is to take advantage of the printer with other modern manufacturing photonic devices, such as laser ablation, and see what they offer.” The first phase of the project will span 18 month with €950,000 (about $1.25 million) funding leveraged from the European Union 2007 structural funding instrument of Tekes — the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. Additional project partners include Nanocomp Ltd., Oplatek Group Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Ltd., Millog Ltd., Idman Airfield Lighting Ltd. and Nanobakers Ltd. “I foresee that this 3-D printing will become an important manufacturing method starting for small batches, single items and complex designed structures,” Saarinen said. “It is a revolution [in] regards [to] component availability, development and manufacturing speed, and the concept of customization.” The platform is expected to be ready at the end of this year. For more information, visit: www.luxexcel.com