Micro-precision 3D-printing company Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) has launched BMF Clear, an optically transparent photopolymer resin engineered for applications that require exceptional light transmission and micron-level accuracy, such as microfluidics, photonics, advanced optical components, biomedical devices and more. With greater than 90% light transmittance, the material enables engineers and innovators to additively manufacture complex, internally structured micro-scale devices that were previously unachievable with 3D printing.
One such opportunity lies in scalable manufacturing, where BMF Clear enables the reliable production of complex micro-scale devices and integrated optical features that have traditionally been difficult to manufacture in volume. This includes applications such as microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems with fibre-alignment channels, freeform micro-lenses printed directly onto fibre optic tips, chip surfaces or sensor arrays and integrated waveguides or photonic interfaces for sensing and data communication. By pairing true optical transparency with micron-level precision, the material facilitates the transition from early-stage innovation to real-world production.
Advertisement
Designed for seamless integration with BMF’s systems, BMF Clear prints at layer heights between 10 and 50 microns. Ultra-high-resolution printing achieves fine features and superior surface quality critical for minimising light scattering and improving transmission through internal channels. Combined with BMF’s ultra-high-resolution printing capabilities, this means that teams spend less time on post-processing.
‘The research and engineering communities have long been constrained by the lack of truly transparent material suitable for micro-scale 3D printing,’ sais John Kawola, CEO of Boston Micro Fabrication. ‘For years, achieving optical clarity with high print fidelity has led researchers to rely on traditional methods like PDMS soft lithography, which limits scalability, durability and design flexibility. BMF Clear resin directly addresses this challenge, bridging the gap between prototyping and production-level micro-manufacturing. By combining true optical transparency with high-resolution printing, excellent surface quality, and the precision of our Projection Micro Stereolithography technology, we empower innovators to create complex geometries with internal channels and integrated optical features – driving the development of next-generation microfluidics, advanced sensors, electronics and beyond.
Advertisement
Historically, achieving true transparency in 3D printing – particularly at a micro level – has been challenging due to material absorptivity and surface roughness, which causes light to diffract. However, BMF Clear’s optical clarity and superior surface finish create optically clear, perfusable channels, which position the material to transform various industries, including biomedical, photonics and optics. BMF Clear’s transparency facilitates the creation of complex microfluidic devices and lab-on-a-chip systems, where precise visualisation and analytical reliability are critical for processes such as cell culture and high-resolution droplet generation.
Within micro-optics and integrated photonics, BMF Clear supports the direct production of components such as freeform lenses, complex waveguides and other intricate optical interfaces directly onto fibre optic tips, chip surfaces and sensor arrays – applications that have typically had significant challenges in manufacturing at scale. These applications are instrumental in producing advanced components, including fibre-to-chip couplers and complex microstructures for high-speed data communication, sensing and imaging applications.
Advertisement
Having passed rigorous biocompatibility tests for skin irritation, sensitisation and in vitro cytotoxicity, there is significant scope for BMF Clear’s use in biomedical settings, too. Medical device engineers can leverage the clear material’s dimensional fidelity and clarity for device miniaturisation, particularly in endoscopic systems, intraocular tools and minimally invasive drug delivery systems where internal visibility and signal integrity are critical. BMF Clear is also ideal for creating advanced optical waveguides, sensors and components for spectroscopy, where it enables the integration of on-chip optical windows and flow cells for UV/Vis or fluorescence analysis, eliminating complex assembly steps and alignment errors.
For more information, visit bmf3d.com.