The 3D printing, also known as the additive manufacturing, is becoming more and more popular nowadays and is replacing the classical milling technic which is removing the material and not to adding it. In diploma thesis, the optical elements which have been printed with the use of 3D printing were tested. Different pieces and materials have been compared. The purpose of the thesis was to find out whether the optical elements printed with the use of 3D printing are suitable for optical prototypes.
The thesis encompasses of two different technologies: the FDM and the SLA technology. For the FDM technology the ABS and PLA materials were used. Different parameters were tested in order to get better results. The FDM technology turned out to be inappropriate, so further measurements were not made. The PLA technology, on the other hand, turned out to be much more appropriate. The inner lenses of the fog lamps were printed using two different materials, one based on epoxids and the other based on ariclates. After the printing the surface of the lenses was further treated so that it became more transparent. Photometric and microscopic measurements were made on all the pieces. Even though the pieces were visually very well made, the measurement and photometric results turned out to be insufficient and did not comply with the minimal standards set by the law. Nevertheless, it is believed that the compliance with the standards could be achieved with more precise surface treatment. The 3D printing of optical elements is possible and can bring the desired results.
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