3D LOP

GMS will develop an innovative machining process for the manufacture of 3D shaped Laser
and Optical Parts (3D LOP), to achieve ‘inside-out’ machining of a glass block to produce
components with complex geometrical shapes, to a high precision with minimal waste and at
a fraction of the cost of current cutting technologies (which cut from the ‘outside-in’). The
technology will address an industry need for a low-cost, flexible manufacturing capability of
glass components with complex, customised 3D shapes to high precision in short time-frames
with reduced labour and energy input. The 18 month project will demonstrate the 3D LOP
process in the lab at a TRL=5, developing a laser system demonstrator that can process
various components with complex 3D geometrical shapes from a range of materials.