Key Attributes
Printoptical Technology
Injection Molding
3D Printing
Yes / Direct CAD to Product Process Full-spec prototypes
Partial spec prototypes for simple designs. Full spec economically unfeasible
Unlimited
Limited by Mold
Limited by Layering
Med
High
Very Low
Smooth
Smooth
Not Smooth
Many Options
Few Options / Cannot Mix Colors
Limited
None / Enables "On-Demand" Production
Expensive / Long lead time
None
Minimal
High
Minimal
Economic Prototyping Can prototype “form” but not “function” of optics
Complexity
Ability to Manufacture at Volume
Smoothness (direct from production)
Textures, Colors, Mixed Optics, Structures
Tooling Required
Set up time/cost per job