ProPhotonix delivering more lasers for 3D printers

LED illumination system and laser diode module designer and manufacturer ProPhotonix announced on Tuesday that it had now delivered more than 50,000 laser modules for use in 3D printers and 3D scanners.

The AIM-traded company said laser diode modules could be utilised in a number of ways in 3D printing applications.

3D scanning, typically carried out utilizing a laser in combination with a sensor, allowed the user to capture the physical dimensions or properties of an object to then replicate it using a 3D printer.

ProPhotonix said it had developed “compact, cost effective” original equipment manufacturer laser modules with the repeatable optical performance it said was “critical” to ensure the 3D scanners performed consistently and reliably.

As the market for 3D printers continued to grow, ProPhotonix said it had developed “strong relationships” with some of the world's leading 3D printer manufacturers.

The company had designed “cost effective” custom laser modules for the stereolithography 3D printing process, also known as SLA.

Stereolithography was described by ProPhotonix as a 3D printing technique in which a UV light source was used to cure successive layers of liquid resin, in a vat process, into hardened plastic.

The method was often used in combination with CAD programs to print 3D prototypes.

“ProPhotonix's manufacturing expertise and the flexible design of its product along with our many years of experience with laser diode technology has allowed it to react quickly to this rapidly developing market,” said managing director Jeremy Lane.

“We are pleased to have reached this milestone of laser module sales.”