3D Printing
Additive instead of machining?
No – Additive PLUS machining! At the moment there is still no possibility of using a laser-assisted additive process (“3D printing”) to produce metallic surfaces that come even close to meeting the criteria for perfect optics.
That is why Kugler relies on “hybrid processes”: Either the mirror bodies with their cooling and fastening structures are attached to a thin, homogeneous metal plate, which is then diamond-machined. Or, as an alternative that has been tried and tested for a long time, a galvanic layer is applied to the 3D printed body, which in turn is then diamond-machined.
Own
3D printer
Kugler uses its own 3D printer and is involved in the further development of the necessary processes with partners from industry and research.
Features
- Complex structures can be made possible
- Lightweight optics
- Inexpensive and flexible manufacturing of devices
- Packaging (plastic printing)
