Luxexcel 3D printed ophthalmic lenses meet ISO standard

01 Mar 2017

3D printed ophthalmic quality lenses confirmed by independent testing.

3D-printed optics company Luxexcel, based in Turnhout, Belgium, which has developed a unique technology to 3D print ophthalmic quality lenses, has announced that its lenses have been independently tested and found to be compliant with the ISO 8980-1:2004 Focal Power standard.

A sample of machine-produced lenses of different powers were recently tested by Colts Laboratories, of Oldsmar, Florida, US. Reporting in February 2017, the analyst stated, “The 3D printed lenses – Luxexcel +1.00 and -3.25 – comply with ISO 8980-1:2004 Focal Power.”

Luxexcel lenses are printed with a dedicated 3D printer in an ophthalmic processing laboratory environment. The quality, straight out of the printer, is at industry-required ISO quality level. The technology has now reached a stage of maturity where specialty lenses can be provided for the ophthalmic market.

'Business opportunities'

Hans Streng, Chief Executive Officer of Luxexcel, commented, “We have developed an industrial 3D printing platform to print lenses such as monofocals, bifocals, trifocals, featuring cylinders and prisms. The lenses are thoroughly tested and at ISO quality levels. This achievement opens up business opportunities for ophthalmic labs to manufacture a wide range of specialty lenses with our technology.”

Luxexcel’s technology combines hardware, consumables and design-software, in one 3D printing solution. The platform can be integrated within standard ophthalmic lab workflow arrangements, the company claims, adding: “Lenses produced with the 3D print solution are compatible with industry coatings and customary processes like edging and framing.

Streng added, "The print platform offers ophthalmic labs the freedom to create revolutionary lens designs in a mainstream process. Luxexcel will be shipping the printing platform to ophthalmic labs later in 2017.”

Luxexcel, which is said to be only company in the world which can 3D print ophthalmic lenses, was started in 2009 and has fully optimized its 3D print technology for the ophthalmic market. Its technology enables the manufacturing of lenses without the need for polishing.