photocentric lcd panel manufacturer

Photocentric has been working with Ukrainian aligner experts, Usmih, to help them develop an innovative aligner manufacturing process that pushes the boundaries of what 3D can offer the dental industry in both throughput and cost.

Bridge are one of the first Dental customers to switch to our new high-performance resin for the printing of clear aligners. Photocentric’s rigid 3D printing resin has 50% plant-based raw materials offering a reduction in carbon emissions in comparison with conventional resins.

SouSmile is Brazil’s largest direct to consumer invisible aligner company with a presence in 30 cities, they invested in a trio of Photocentric Liquid Crystal Magna 3D printers to produce their dental aligners in scale.

The 3D Printing Store (3DPS) has used Photocentric’s LC Magna to manufacture a custom drill collet, making windshield repair easier and more efficient than ever before. Photocentric partner 3DPS was approached by Tim Evans and his company Crack Eraser.

As an homage to this classic game, 3D w praktyce were tasked with creating a short stop-frame animation. For this animation, a 3D print-ready file of the character Rockford was created using Photocentric Studio which was then printed on the LC Magna.

Discover how military collectable manufacturer Staples & Vine overcame production challenges with the adoption of Photocentric’s 3D printing processes.

The powerful alliance of Xkelet and Photocentric has created a new solution to traditional orthotics; a digital 3D printed splint that provides significant benefits over traditional methods and is revolutionising the treatment of damaged bones.

Photocentric supplied millions of printed face shields to the NHS at a time of national need. We did it in weeks by making a purpose-built factory housing 45 Magna printers, operating 24/7. We made 50,000 parts every day.

LCD driven 3D printers have been the most significant invention in Additive Manufacturing in the last 7 years and have become the go to choice for high resolution, low price printing.

To appreciate the benefits of our patented LCD print technology we have summarised the differences between it and other stereolithographic (SLA) or vat polymerisation 3D printing methods

DLP projectors became a widely used alternative to lasers being able to cure a much larger area the size of a mobile phone screen at 2k and 4K resolutions. The bulb and Digital Mirror Device need replacing and calibrating. Even though it can cure an area larger than a laser beam, it cant match an LCD for resolution, reliability or cost.

The concept we invented. Using an LCD screen as a light source, an entire layer is encoded simultaneously, rather than small area by area. LCD printing benefits from one of the greatest technological advances of the last 50 years the use of visual display screens. It can produce much larger volumes than alternative methods, creating new products at rates previously unimaginable. The simplicity of the process is its strength, if using daylight as opposed to UV, the exposure is even and the machine stable for many years of use.

LCD driven 3D printers have been the most significant invention in Additive Manufacturing in the last 7 years and have become the go to choice for high resolution, low price printing.

To appreciate the benefits of our patented LCD print technology we have summarised the differences between it and other stereolithographic (SLA) or vat polymerisation 3D printing methods

DLP projectors became a widely used alternative to lasers being able to cure a much larger area the size of a mobile phone screen at 2k and 4K resolutions. The bulb and Digital Mirror Device need replacing and calibrating. Even though it can cure an area larger than a laser beam, it cant match an LCD for resolution, reliability or cost.

The concept we invented. Using an LCD screen as a light source, an entire layer is encoded simultaneously, rather than small area by area. LCD printing benefits from one of the greatest technological advances of the last 50 years the use of visual display screens. It can produce much larger volumes than alternative methods, creating new products at rates previously unimaginable. The simplicity of the process is its strength, if using daylight as opposed to UV, the exposure is even and the machine stable for many years of use.

With our earliest granted visible light patent using LCD screens stretching back to Jan 2005 and 22 granted patents and a further 20 pending all concerned in innovations in 3D printing using LCD screens, we are the undisputed innovators in both LCD 3D printing and visible light polymerisation.

We use both daylight and UV in our LCD screen printers, but we prefer using visible light as the rate of cure through depth is more even and the screen suffers no light degradation, so in practice the printer can last a lifetime.

With our earliest granted visible light patent using LCD screens stretching back to Jan 2005 and 22 granted patents and a further 20 pending all concerned in innovations in 3D printing using LCD screens, we are the undisputed innovators in both LCD 3D printing and visible light polymerisation.

We use both daylight and UV in our LCD screen printers, but we prefer using visible light as the rate of cure through depth is more even and the screen suffers no light degradation, so in practice the printer can last a lifetime.

Our printers use an array of LEDs as a light source, shining near parallel highly collimated light through the LCD panel and onto the resin layer. As an entire layer is exposed simultaneously it is highly efficient.

Photocentric printers create product using a “bottom-up” process, where the object being printed is pulled up layer by layer attached to the print platform, rising out of the resin bath. The process is repeated until the object is built.

Our printers use an array of LEDs as a light source, shining near parallel highly collimated light through the LCD panel and onto the resin layer. As an entire layer is exposed simultaneously it is highly efficient.

Photocentric printers create product using a “bottom-up” process, where the object being printed is pulled up layer by layer attached to the print platform, rising out of the resin bath. The process is repeated until the object is built.

LCD screens are the most cost effective and reliable visual display device on the planet which is constantly improving in resolution and lowering in price.

From the inventors of LCD 3D Printing, the Liquid Crystal Opus delivers fast, highly accurate prints, suitable for a wide variety of industries and applications.

Enabling custom mass manufacture and large component printing. From Dentistry to product design and manufacture, the LC Magna’s 23.8” LCD screen and 510 x 280 x 350mm build volume manages larger projects with speed and accuracy delivering print results and geometry previously impossible using traditional manufacturing techniques.

We invented LCD screen 3D printing- the technology has enabled the transition from just prototyping to full scale plastic part production. Since our inception we have innovated in a broad range of printing applications to increase reliability, quality while at the same time, reducing cost for the user. Our sole corporate drive combines our innovations to deliver autonomous, digital manufacturing processes for factories of the future.

Additive Innovation (AI), a company specializing in additive manufacturing, is now distributing the innovative 3D Printer with LCD Screens, printers and materials of the renowned English manufacturer Photocentric in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The LC Magna 3D printer is the largest SLA printer with LCD screen currently available, according to the manufacturer. The innovative device has a 4K Ultra HD screen with 50 micron accuracy and enables a print speed of 13.3 millimeters (mm) per hour. In addition, to a build volume of 510mm x 280mm x 350mm, the printer offers high printing accuracy, allowing component designs with very fine surface textures such as leather or technical patterns to be printed in high resolution.

Photocentric’s daylight and UV resins enable economical production at material costs starting at around 35 euros per kilo. The material can be used for various applications in prototyping, mechanical engineering or in the dental and automotive industries. The materials are used in LCD, SLA and DLP 3D printers, for example, and are also compatible with 3D printers from other manufacturers such as Asiga, Envisiontec, Flashforge, Formlabs, Peopoly and Sprint Ray, according to Photocentric.

In cooperation with CoreTechnologie, Photocentric and Additive Innovation, integrated software for LC Magna machines has been developed. With the so-called Photocentric Additive Tool, 3D models can be read in from common CAD formats and prepared as an exact, intelligent B-Rep model. Special tools for the generation of support geometry, textures, grid structures as well as modeling functions such as offset surfaces, hollowing with or without internal grid structures, 3D cutting as well as scaling and mirroring are now available as a fully integrated and easy-to-use software solution for Photocentric machines.

As a spin-off of the globally successful software manufacturer CoreTechnologie and sales partner of Photocentric, the company Additive Innovation GmbH from Mömbris near Aschaffenburg, which was founded in January 2018, supports companies in efficiently realizing the advantages resulting from additive manufacturing. Additive Innovation’s mission is to provide 3D printing services and optimize additive manufacturing processes. The focus is on quality and the use of state-of-the-art hardware and software tools. Thus, the innovation driver pursues a holistic approach to service, system integration as well as the evaluation and implementation of 3D printing processes in companies. The Additive Innovation team has direct access to CoreTechnologie’s software tools, which are always at the cutting edge, as well as to the cutting-edge know-how of its technology partner Photocentric. This allows Additive Innovation’s innovation team to respond immediately to new requirements with intelligent functions and enable a seamless transition from design and 3D model to 3D print.

Featuring a 700 x 395 x 1200 mm build volume and an 8K 7660 x 4320 pixel display, the LC Titan is the largest, most powerful Photocentric unit to date. These beefed-up specifications enable the firm’s latest system to 3D print polymer parts at a speed of up to 16 mm per hour, with automotive, transport, creative arts and merchandising applications.

Established in 2002, Photocentric has spent the last two decades progressively developing and wielding its photopolymer expertise to advance the manufacture of plastic parts. The firm’s 3D printer R&D really took off in 2014, when it received Innovate UK funding to develop a new LCD system. Since then, Photocentric has patented its technology and moved into a new 35,000 sq. ft facility.

In 2015, the company went on to launch its debut system, the Liquid Crystal, before introducing the larger-format LC Maximus. Up until the release of the LC Titan, the latter, which shipped with a 40” 4K LCD screen and enabled the mass-production of parts, was Photocentric’s largest machine to date. That said, the photopolymer specialist’s offering hasn’t always prioritized capacity.

The LC Opus, for instance, has a print speed of 18 mm per hour, meaning that despite its smaller 310 x 174 x 220 mm build volume, it remains Photocentric’s fastest machine. As such, the system is said to be ideal for those operating in dental labs or engineering workshops seeking a rapid, reliable and compact production tool.

Debuted in prototype form at this year’s Formnext, the LC Titan represents a significant upgrade on Photocentric’s recently-upgraded LC Magna system. Although the machines feature the same light output of 2MW per cm2 at 460nm and resulting print speed, the LC Titan packs a larger build volume and more powerful LCD display.

While other details about Photocentric’s latest offering remain thin on the ground, the firm has revealed that it is set to ship with a high-performance integrated control software. The system also comes fitted with a resin autofill system, designed to help users automate and accelerate their 3D printing workflow, and a peel release technology that makes it easier for users to remove parts once processed.

Alongside the LC Titan, Photocentric showcased a range of exhibits 3D printed at its purpose-built print farm in Peterborough. These included parts manufactured from alumina, a versatile ceramic with the ductility, as well as the chemical and thermal properties, needed to lend it aerospace, medical, automotive, chemical and electronics applications.

Working with the Centre of AM Excellence or ‘AM-COE,’ the firm has also started offering to mass produce 3D printed silica cores with improved performance compared to their injection molded counterparts, for high-value customers. Turbine blades produced through this partnership were displayed at Photocentric’s booth, as were aligners 3D printed by S4S Dental and casts created by Xkelet.

“We are thrilled to be back at Formnext bringing our latest advancements on materials, hardware and control software to scale up additive manufacturing processes through automation and enable customers to run production parts in our 66,000 sqft digital factory,” Photocentric CEO Paul Holt said ahead of the show. “On display there will be an array of parts with textures and finishes that we manufacture using [our] combined technologies.”

Below are the technical specifications for Photocentric’s new LC Titan 3D printer, which will be available for purchase from 2023. Prospective customers can request a quote from Photocentric directly.

Additive Innovation (AI), a company specializing in additive manufacturing, is now distributing the innovative 3D Printer with LCD Screens, printers and materials of the renowned English manufacturer Photocentric in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The LC Magna 3D printer is the largest SLA printer with LCD screen currently available, according to the manufacturer. The innovative device has a 4K Ultra HD screen with 50 micron accuracy and enables a print speed of 13.3 millimeters (mm) per hour. In addition, to a build volume of 510mm x 280mm x 350mm, the printer offers high printing accuracy, allowing component designs with very fine surface textures such as leather or technical patterns to be printed in high resolution.

Photocentric’s daylight and UV resins enable economical production at material costs starting at around 35 euros per kilo. The material can be used for various applications in prototyping, mechanical engineering or in the dental and automotive industries. The materials are used in LCD, SLA and DLP 3D printers, for example, and are also compatible with 3D printers from other manufacturers such as Asiga, Envisiontec, Flashforge, Formlabs, Peopoly and Sprint Ray, according to Photocentric.

In cooperation with CoreTechnologie, Photocentric and Additive Innovation, integrated software for LC Magna machines has been developed. With the so-called Photocentric Additive Tool, 3D models can be read in from common CAD formats and prepared as an exact, intelligent B-Rep model. Special tools for the generation of support geometry, textures, grid structures as well as modeling functions such as offset surfaces, hollowing with or without internal grid structures, 3D cutting as well as scaling and mirroring are now available as a fully integrated and easy-to-use software solution for Photocentric machines.

As a spin-off of the globally successful software manufacturer CoreTechnologie and sales partner of Photocentric, the company Additive Innovation GmbH from Mömbris near Aschaffenburg, which was founded in January 2018, supports companies in efficiently realizing the advantages resulting from additive manufacturing. Additive Innovation’s mission is to provide 3D printing services and optimize additive manufacturing processes. The focus is on quality and the use of state-of-the-art hardware and software tools. Thus, the innovation driver pursues a holistic approach to service, system integration as well as the evaluation and implementation of 3D printing processes in companies. The Additive Innovation team has direct access to CoreTechnologie’s software tools, which are always at the cutting edge, as well as to the cutting-edge know-how of its technology partner Photocentric. This allows Additive Innovation’s innovation team to respond immediately to new requirements with intelligent functions and enable a seamless transition from design and 3D model to 3D print.

For Photocentric, 2019 is shaping up to be a momentous year in which it introduces a number of disruptive, game changing LCD 3D printers, resins and chemicals to various markets

The last 18 months have been a particularly productive period of time for international 3D printer manufacturers Photocentric. “We have been incredibly busy in recent times, during which we have developed a number of new printers,” begins Managing Director,

For Paul and the rest of the Photocentric team, the first half of 2019 has been very much about laying the groundwork for the launch of its new printers, starting with the LC Magna, for

“Its combination of large build volume and accurate printing make it the right tool for mass manufacture. The build volume is 510mm x 280mm x 350mm and it operates with a 4K Ultra HD screen, giving it unparalleled precision and detail when creating high resolution mass manufactured parts. LC Magna’s large build volume capabilities and maximised build plate capacity allows users to increase throughput, speed up assembly production and reduce lead times. Therefore, a glasses manufacturer – for instance – can now produce 36 optical frames within 12 hours, while a dental technician can print 46 flat arches in just over two hours. Magna is our first release of our next generation of LCD printers, we will be releasing our next additions later in 2019.”

Another recent highlight for the company was its success at the 3D Printing Industry Awards in early June 2019, when it was presented with the ‘Best Desktop Printer of the Year’ prize as a mark of recognition for its previous LCD printer innovation – the Liquid Crystal (LC) Precision 1.5. “This was a credible sign of the hard work and dedication that everyone at Photocentric pours into our unique method of LCD printing,” Paul states. “It is exciting as it gives a glimpse into what the future may hold for us as we start to release our next generation of LCD 3D printers that will revolutionise the additive manufacturing industry.”

As Paul goes on to detail, there is a vast array of wonderful examples of LCD technology being used in proactive industries today. “An example of this would be Quimbaya Orfebreria, an Argentinian goldsmith,” he says. “In the face of some difficulties arising from product demand outweighing supply, it made the decision to replace traditional methods with 3D printing by making use of the LC Precision 1.5. As a result of this, the company’s manufacturing time was reduced by 80 per cent, production was increased by 400 per cent, and it is now able to produce more intricate and complex designs for its clients.”

As a chemical manufacturer, as well as an LCD printer manufacturer, Photocentric has a host of exciting new products in the pipeline for release later in 2019. These include, a high temperature resin, which has been tested to 300 degrees centigrade, as well as a new grade of stronger, more flexible resin. Furthermore, having witnessed first-hand the demand for LCD 3D printing at the 2019 International Dental Show, the company will be releasing its first targeted dental printer – Liquid Crystal Dental – this year.

“Quarter four of 2019, meanwhile, will see the release of something huge, that being the Liquid Crystal (LC) Max,” Paul reveals. “This will be the largest LCD printer to ever become available! It uses a 4K 40” LCD screen and offers a massive build volume of 700mm x 893mm x 510mm, and for prints like large automotive parts, furniture, sporting goods or even full scale body mannequins, LC Max is the printer of choice for extra-large requirements.”

Earlier, Paul made mention of Photocentric working closely with BASF, and partnerships such as this will form a key part of the future growth aims of the company. “In the case of BASF, our partnership focuses on establishing and expanding the 3D printing business with materials, system solutions, components and services,” he adds. “This cooperation offers solutions to industries that enable processes to be made using additive manufacturing to replace traditional tooling methods, and creates flexibility of geometry, absence of tooling costs and custom design.

“At the same time, we are developing our partner network to springboard into the US and Asian markets, and are working ever-more closely with large industrial OEMs and with our distribution partners around the world to offer solutions to real applications. The key to growth will be proving that we have the printers and materials that the market needs. There are many additive manufacturing technologies available now, but few that offer affordable, large scale printing, and the opportunity to work closely with the manufacturer to develop the right materials for specific applications, which Photocentric can do!”

Photocentric has launched its Liquid Crystal Magna v.2, with a completely re-engineered LCD screen, designed to take its capabilities for additive manufacturing to the next level.

Photocentric says that the Magna v.2 delivers significantly faster print speeds, boosts productivity rates and reduces waste, making it more appealing for producing end-use parts at scale at a low cost per unit.

“Magna is the jewel in the crown of Photocentric, and we’re thrilled to launch this new model which builds on the solid foundations of its predecessor,” said Photocentric sales director Sally Tipping.

We are specialist manufacturer of high performance 3D photopolymer resins. In 2015 we will be launching our brand new, affordable, LCD 3d Desktop printer. This, together with our range of resins, will completely change the 3D market as we know it! Cost is no longer an obstacle!

We launch the Liquid Crystal HR 3D printer, an upgraded version of the Liquid Crystal 10 in every respect. The 3D printer market starts to look at LCD screens seriously.

We are the first company in the world to sell a 3D printer using an LCD screen as its image source. Most experts from the 3D printing industry question the validity of using screens

We purchase and move into a 35,000 sqft facility in Peterborough. At first, it seems that we have lots of room, but as we begin our journey into 3D printing the space fills up fast! We file our first 3D printing patent on using LCD screens.

Photocentric Ltd is formed in the summer of 2002 by Paul Holt in a small room in Peterborough. The idea behind the company is to commercialise a patent on pre-packaging photopolymer resin to make the process of making stamps easier and faster.

Manufacturer of parts, photopolymer resins and 3D printers Photocentric will be exhibiting at Formnext 2022 showcasing a wide range of exhibits 3D printed at its purpose-built print farm in Peterborough, UK.

Some of the parts on display at Formnext have been produced in the largest Photocentric 3D printer to date, Titan; a prototype with a massive 700 x 395 x 1200 mm build volume, an impressive 8K 32” LCD screen, a fast 16mm/h and a 91µm pixel pitch resolution. This disruptive combination of enormous size, high resolution, print speed and accuracy makes large scale production a reality for additive manufacturing applications in automotive, transport, creative arts and merchandising.

“We are thrilled to be back at Formnext bringing our latest advancements on materials, hardware and control software to scale up additive manufacturing processes through automation and enable customers to run production parts in our 66,000 sqft digital factory.” said Paul Holt, Founder of Photocentric. “This year, we are co-exhibiting with software partner Core Technologie; jointly, we have developed Photocentric Additive software for our Liquid Crystal 3D printers. On display there will be an array of parts with textures and finishes that we manufacture using the combined technologies.”

Ceramics Additive ManufacturingWhat else is new? Photocentric is delivering ceramic production parts in Alumina and Silica benefiting from extensive years of experience in photopolymer and LCD-based large-scale manufacturing to mass manufacture Alumina parts. Alumina is a great versatile ceramic showing superior electronic, chemical and thermal properties and customers use it in advanced applications such as aerospace, medical, automotive, chemical and electronic industries.

Photocentric is working in partnership with Centre of AM Excellence, AM-COE to provide mass production of Silica cores with improved performance beyond what injection moulding can offer. Typically, customers are from high-value-manufacturing industries such as aerospace, energy, automotive and oil & gas.

Dental labs have eagerly adopted Photocentric’s latest plant-based resins and processes to use more sustainable materials and less energy. The results are cost-effective production runs and affordable patient care. At Formnext, Photocentric will be displaying dental models made in several materials and optimised for various 3D printers.

Photocentric has partnered with Loctite and BASF Forward AM to develop and validate high-performance engineering-grade resins for industrial applications. On show there will be parts with remarkable properties such as high elongation, high rebound and high impact absorption.

Aerospace turbine blade ceramic cores printed by AM-COE, Automotive vents printed by 3D Next Level, aligners and mouthguards printed by S4S Dental, immobiliser casts printed by Xkelet are some of the 3D prints to be exhibited at Photocentric stand. Visit Photocentric at Formnext 2022 in Hall 12.0, Stand D79 from the 15th – 18th November.

Britain-based 3D printer and materials producer Photocentric has just unveiled their plans to release the largest LCD 3D printer on the planet. Aside from its size, it is also capable of mass production volumes and large-scale prototyping. Photocentric have been producing light curing LCD screen technology and resins but the LC Maximus is their largest project yet. The company is looking to release it in the second quarter of 2019.

“LCD screen-based 3D printers have been the fastest growing area in 3D resin printing; this machine cements our position as the leading innovator in this exciting sector.” Explained Sally Tipping, Sales Director at Photocentric.

The printer will boast a 700 x 893 x 510 mm build size and 4K 40” LCD screen. It will cure each individual layer at intervals of 15 seconds with XY resolution of 230 microns. For contrast, their previous largest printer was 82 x 49 x 74 cm with 23.8” LCD. Unlike SLA and DLP, the company uses LCDs derived from phones, tablets and televisions. While the LCDs are quite ordinary, it’s the resin that has the high reactivity to photo-stimuli. It also allows them to make the printers on a far cheaper scale.

LCD-based printing works with the same basic principles as DLP and SLA, just with different hardware setups. The process is actually called Daylight Polymer Printing. It uses a low energy light source to polymerize liquid resins and form objects. In contrast, DLP and SLA high-intensity UV laser or a light projectors. The use of LCD screens also means that DPP uses very specific “daylight” resins that harden in contact with LCD light.

The company has also announced a partnership with BASF, one of the largest chemical producers in the world. The collaboration may just give the company an edge over its competitors in terms of producing mass production polymers for 3D printing. Since Photocentric also distribute resins, this could also be a great way to expand their own portfolio of items.

Photocentric, inventors of LCD 3D printing, will present a comprehensive array of additive manufacturing (AM) solutions at Formnext in Messe Frankfurt from November 16-19 (Hall 12.1, Stand: G09). With an enhanced Photocentric LC Magna 3D printer, Photocentric Additive software, LC Opus, and a new portfolio of materials all on show, attendees will be able to learn more about how the latest developments in AM can help to reimagine manufacturing across a broad range of applications.

“We’re excited to be able to demonstrate how our solutions can deliver speed, volume, and cost savings to help manufacturers to beat their competitors,” says Sally Tipping, sales director, Photocentric. “We continue to deliver innovation to our partners thanks to our sustained investment in research and development – be that with our LCD 3D printers, software, or materials – and it is a pleasure to bring these to a global audience.”

Magna is a tried and tested, high-performance 3D printer, allowing businesses to get products to market in hours, not days and months. New for 2021, the versatile Magna now features a quad processor for enhanced performance, optimised platform coating for improved printing and cleaning, and upgrades to the control system for superior reliability and accuracy. Magna allows Photocentric partners to deliver accurate end-use parts consistently, at scale and also rapidly, with new printing materials capable of increasing print speeds to 16mm per hour and beyond.

Also showcased and available for the first time is Photocentric Additive, an innovative, powerful, and feature-rich additive manufacturing software package, providing limitless texturing and customer-ready finishes at speed. Created by partner and software leader CoreTechnologie, Additive delivers faster slicing, faster nesting and faster supports. All purchases of LC Magna will receive a free trial of the software, and there is also an exclusive Formnext discount offer for those looking to purchase both a Magna and a fully licenced version of Photocentric Additive.

Meanwhile, the LC Opus 3D printer delivers speed and accuracy as Photocentric’s fastest printer yet, with a cure speed of 2 seconds per layer at 50µm layer thickness. It is able to deliver 22 dental arches in 45 minutes, and as it is open source, it works with all resins.

Photocentric is the inventor of LCD-based 3D printing, and an award-winning specialist resin and LCD printer manufacturer based in Cambridgeshire, UK and Arizona, USA. Building on its vision of enabling custom mass manufacture with its innovative 3D printing technologies using LCD screens, Photocentric’s large format LCD printer range includes Liquid Crystal Magna, which delivers significant speed, volume and cost savings to business around the world in a range of industries.

Photocentric is a patent holder in visible light curing technologies and specialises in photopolymerisation, manufacturing an innovative range of photopolymer resins compatible with any printer operating from 355nm to 460nm.