3D Printing for Lighting News

Contact: N. Narendran
narenn2@rpi.edu or (518) 276-7176

Lighting Research Center convenes thought leaders at SPIE conference

September 6, 2023
Lighting Research Center | Troy, New York

At the recently concluded SPIE Optics + Photonics 2023 meeting in San Diego, Calif., the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute met with researchers, engineers, executives, and others representing lighting, advanced materials, and the rapidly evolving 3D printing industry at the inaugural 3D Printing for Lighting conference. The primary goals of the conference were to share knowledge and create a shared platform for the adoption of 3D printing across the lighting value chain.

On August 22 and 23, leading researchers and industry representatives shared their perspectives and discussed the impact of 3D printing on the lighting industry. Examples of the topics included:

• Case studies by leading lighting manufacturers for 3D-printed lighting fixtures and components
• 3D-printed component characterizations, including lenses and heat sinks
• Post-processing methods for 3D-printed optical components
• Novel 3D printing materials and machines
• Software developments for automating lens designs and generating lighting layouts

To facilitate innovation and industry adoption, key stakeholders came together at an evening roundtable forum and agreed to create a common vocabulary that can bridge the various industries. Nadarajah Narendran, Ph.D., LRC director of research, explained that a common vocabulary is needed to help all stakeholders collaborate, and the LRC will begin developing a vocabulary document this fall. “With the help of IES and NEMA, we are planning to assemble a group of volunteers from across the lighting, advanced materials, and 3D printing industries to help develop this common language,” he said.

The LRC-initiated conference was designed to set the stage for future discussions about the challenges and opportunities for the 3D printing of lighting components and systems through nearly 30 presentations on research and state-of-the-technology.