The LightFab 3D Printer is an extremely fast and precise table top machine for direct laser writing of transparent materials. The system can be used for applications such as micro fluidics, micro mechanics, integrated optics and other applications that require high precision, high resolution 3D microstructures. The LightFab 3D Printer is designed for fastest automatic 3D printing by our CAD/CAM software. It is perfect for Direct Laser Writing processes such as multi photon polymerization of 3D polymer micro structures, 3D waveguide writing by ultrafast laser inscription, 3D lithography in fused silica glass by selective laser-induced etching, internal welding of glass, and micro structuring by precision ablation with e.g. 1 m focus diameter.

SLE (selective laser-induced etching) is a new laser technology for rapid manufacturing of true 3D devices made out of transparent material consisting of cavities, tunnels and even mounted moving parts. SLE is a two-step process: In a first step ultra-short pulsed laser radiation is focused to micrometer-sized focus to permanently modify the transparent material internally. This laser modification is done without cracks and with high precision not to be confused with the 3D pictures in glass consisting of micro cracks. An arbitrary 3D connected volume is exposed inside the glass by 3D scanning of the focus. In a second step of developing only the modified material is removed by wet chemical etching starting at a surface of the workpiece.