The Lighting Research Center in Troy, New York has struck a deal with American Multinational power management firm, Eaton. The partnership aims to help advance an entirely 3D printed LED-integrated luminaire.

The project is supported by the United States Department of Energy. This project intends to defeat the obstacles for the enactment of 3D printing technology used on solid-state lighting.
The LRC stems from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and conducts research in human health, light, SSL, energy efficiency, transportation lighting and safety, plant health. At the start of this year, it formed a consortium to explore the potential of 3D printing for SSL, construction, and building industries.
In the following two years, the new LRC collaboration that is led by Eaton Corporation will perform research in different areas. This includes electronics, optics, material science, and improved manufacturing to examine the potential of affordable 3d printed luminaire systems.
SSL luminaire systems utilize o light-emitting polymers or organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). As stated by LRC, this varies from fluorescent or incandescent lamps that produce light with threads and gases covered in a glass globe.
Rather, SSL comprises of semiconductors that change power into light. Before 2000 they were utilized as indicator lamps only in electronic gadgets. Therefore, the parts of SSL systems will be made by use of 3D printing techniques. The techniques include automatic and thermal management, electronic and electrical and light and optical reflector structures.
Lately, Eaton Corporation identified 3D printing as a valuable technique for attaining Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) status for several of its sites. The venture into SSL y the corporation further supports sustainable manufacture. This project, specifically, is picked via the energy section’s SSL R&D Funding Opportunity program.
Earlier, the company said the following; “Around the world, our teams are actively engaged in programs that reduce our own waste and carbon dioxide emissions and optimize our use of energy, raw materials, and natural resources.”