Fakuma 2017 – Plastic optical components from Aachen

IKV, ILT and IPT will present optical research projects on the joint NRW stand.

Injection-moulded plastics optical components with microstructures | photo: Fraunhofer ILT

At this year's Fakuma, IKV together with the Fraunhofer Institutes for Production Technology (IPT) and for Laser Technology (ILT), will show the latest developments in the injection moulding of optical components. On the joint stand of "kunststoffland NRW", the three partner institutes will present "Plastic optical components from Aachen" in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 17 - 21, 2017.

Research and development in the field of optical components enjoys a long tradition at RWTH Aachen University. Fairly recently, plastics have proved to be the materials of the future for optical devices such as lenses with a wide variety of different technological applications under economical production conditions. Many fields of application have arisen in the automotive industry, such as primary optics and diffuser lenses, but also in mobile phone cameras, displays and lifestyle products.

IKV together with the IPT and ILT Fraunhofer Institutes will present the latest developments in this field, starting with the design of the optical systems, through the construction of the tools and mould inserts, to optics replication.

The main topics will be injection-moulded and compression injection-moulded optics, continuously manufactured optical film, and innovative optical materials and applications.

At the heart of the exhibition, however, will be the production of micro-structured lenses of liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Because of its temperature and UV stability, this innovative material is particularly interesting for LEDs. The particular flexibility and elasticity of LSR also open up innovative design concepts.

The close cooperation between the three Aachen research institutes offers comprehensive expertise at all stages of the production chain. After Fakuma, the institutes will present this expertise on April 10 - 11, 2018 at the Aachen Polymer Optics Days. This will be the third such conference in Aachen.

At Fakuma 2017, you will find IKV and its partner institutes, Fraunhofer IPT and ILT, on the joint stand of "kunststoffland NRW e.V." in Hall B4, Stand 4404. Here, you will be able to see a live demonstration of the injection process for the production of micro-structured LSR lenses. 

Contact:

Malte Röbig, M.Sc. RWTH
Injection Moulding | Optical components
phone: +49 241 80-96621
malte.roebig@ikv.rwth-aachen.de