3D Printed eye glasses the future is here folks.

[Jacqui]

Just like everything else out there, there are different qualities/capabilities of printers out there and the final product it can create. For a $500 printer you can get something that can do blockish (think 8-16 bit) designs that can't get the fine enough resolution for some parts.. spend 10 times that and get something that can do the most intricate designs and produces a much more "finish" product.

The range of materials are expanding. Some coworkers and I were discussing the possibility to use this type of system for a sunglass line we wanted to start. I personally like the idea of combining this technology with the metal laser etching techniques out there to offer a wide variety of customization.

Like

[gibby2020]

Really like

3D printer plus Epilog (or similar laser) to etch designs on frame.
There's pent up demand to shop local/national as the consumer is tiring of offshore production.
This would be a great way to set our business apart..
Has anyone researched if there's a "Rapid Prototyping" Show in the western US anytime soon?
I was surfing various websites and found there's one in Toronto in 2013 but I didnt bookmark...doh
Looks like start-up coast are 12K for a printer and laser ...dont know about materials and servicing
Of interest check out www.objet.com ..."biocompatible materials are available"! Materials that can be in contact with mucous mb's for up to 24hrs!! In house Custom CL's in the future??
Wowie wow wow....
Regards
AA

[fjpod]

Is this technology something that impresses the optician more than it will the patient? To the optician it seems cool-cutting edge-DIY, maybe cut out the big L. But to the patient...who cares? They just want good style and fit for a reasonable price.

[Jubilee]

To utilize the printers, you will need to have some CAD or similar experience. Of course, there are several opensource software vendors out there, willing to help you use this type of technology. Google's Sketch up comes to mind. You can also use Adobe's Catch, which will take your pictures/designs and model them into 3D. There are several vendors willing to print on your behalf, that charge for time/materials. Ponoko is one such place that also have links to several instructables that will take you through what you need for a successful print run.

[Jubilee]

As for if this would impress the patient... I believe for a certain market it would. Whether you want to focus on applications to reduce the cost of eyewear, making one offs to help the patient, or creating custom works of art.. There is a healthy market for the use of this technology.

[MikeAurelius]

As for if this would impress the patient... I believe for a certain market it would. Whether you want to focus on applications to reduce the cost of eyewear, making one offs to help the patient, or creating custom works of art.. There is a healthy market for the use of this technology.

Absolutely yes on the one-offs.

The average frame manufacturer makes multiple tens of thousands of each frame. What if you could offer your patient a one-of-a-kind frame? What would they pay for that (and of course, I talking the high-end patients here)?

For my purposes, I see this as a way to end my dependence on the frame suppliers for specific models that only seem to be available for 6 months, then I have to run the search again for something similar. I'd far prefer to set the printer up in continuous production mode for a stock run, then reprint as needed, and always have the exact same model available, even 10 years later.

I find it interesting that Z87 frames never seem to change, the same models are available year after year, but when it comes to street frames, the models only last about 6-9 months. *le sigh*

[Sledzinator]

I think this tech has the potential for broad application. We constantly have ladies come in that have been wearing a 7/28 for years and wear a petite frame but want something cute. There are far and few between. What a great opprotunity to have something custom made for them.

[optimensch]

i think the technology is a great way to test a style for size, shape, fit (to a certain extent). basically a physical prototype. A real frame could be sourced from a willing "one-off" manufacturer, say in china. Sort of how we make custom cls. If a forward = thinking manufacturer, equipped for the purpose, would take 3d drawing files and produce one-offs using a practical to install system, it could fly i believe.Of course you need some technical know-how or an industrial designer on site to get this really going. Meh.

[JERRY HUANG]

I am using 3-D printer to build custom clip ons and my biggest challenge is to get rid of rough edges generated by "vector lines"!

[optimensch]

hi Jerry,
Custom clip ons? with hooks? Are they working out well? would you post a pic? now that is creative, cool application!

[MikeAurelius]

I am using 3-D printer to build custom clip ons and my biggest challenge is to get rid of rough edges generated by "vector lines"!

Based on a small amount of knowledge, I'd say that your design conversion to vector format was either incomplete or bad. Have you tried another conversion?

[Jacqui]

There was an article about this posted today on Facebook from either Vision Monday or 20/20, you may want to check it out.

[JERRY HUANG]

Based on a small amount of knowledge, I'd say that your design conversion to vector format was either incomplete or bad. Have you tried another conversion?

Hi Mike, I use AutoCad to make designs and my drawing is "sealed" in blue instead of red. Red line presents broken link somewhere...in my understanding!
THanks

[fjpod]

Someone may have said this already,... but as soon as a workable version of this software/printer is available, someone will introduce it to the Internet and the custom-fit, hands-on optician fitter aspect will be swept away.

[Jubilee]

There are already several folks who have posted their 3D printed frames to assorted blog sites. Most seem to be gearing towards either replacing a broken frame, or creating a novelty one. (such as Kanye's shutter shades)

[NeaOptikiSA]

At the moment 3d printed glasses are used as prototypes all over the world from Manufacturers and Designers. As far as i have seen the materials are emerging now. Till recently the materials that were able to be used are more likely junk or imagine the injection quality.

The sure bet will be when many metal materials will be able to be used, like titanium and aluminioum. The plastic that is created by these printers is not as flexible at it should be.

[beejay]

Digging up an old thread to see what’s happening with the technology right now.

[rbaker]

Digging up an old thread to see what’s happening with the technology right now.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

[Lelarep]

From what I know, the material limitations for plastic hasn't been solved yet. They just can't make them as durable as current frames. As far as laser sintering for metal frames, yeah, it can be done, and to a good quality, but given the size, it would take a significant amount of machine time, and then it still has to be hand finished. The cost would easily be 4-5x current retail for a similar metal frame.

Give it another 5-10 years, then there might be something worth talking about.