This was a big surprise for me as well. OK, he used a different printer, but the fact that the 3D-printed lens seems optically OK is very impressive.
I have used 3d printed molds to help me create lenses, but the idea of actually printing a lens is pretty gnarly. I think it definitely qualifies as 3d printing - most models require some touchups after printing from consumer printers anyway.
Re:3D Printed Camera
by mary_fortran on Friday September 09, 2016 @08:42PM
(#12467077)
Actually, there are a number of companies making printers that can print high-quality optics. For example LuxExcel: https://www.luxexcel.com/
What is surprising here is that the object has the internal clarity, so that all it needs is a surface polish. I imagine it must be relatively free of voids and inclusions.