Dec 1, 2014
We print metals, food and even human organs using 3D printing technology. Imagine if light could be printed like paper, instead of those circular bulbs - how many applications you can think of?
That's exactly what Coeur d'Alene, Idaho-based startup Rohinni, a passionate team is working on. "We print light." wrotes Rohinni team on their Twitter statement.
Their goal is to enable the leading lighting option for endless applications. What they are developing is its Lightpaper, the world's thinnest LED lighting, with an approach where one can apply it to nearly any surface and in any shape.
The paper-thin Lightpaper is made by mixing ink and tiny LEDs together and then printing the mixture out on a conductive layer. This layer is then sealed between two additional layers. The tiny diodes are about the size of a red blood cell. When a current runs through the paper, the tiny, randomly-dispersed diodes will light up.
Rohinni's LightPaper is much thinner than current lighting technology OLED, which has been used in flat screen televisions and allowed TV screens thinner than tenth of an inch to be manufactured. But it seems that the company is more interested in using LightPaper in the automotive industry, as a new means for make excellent taillights, or branding.
Its application potential was endless, said Nick Smoot, chief marketing officer. He said they were thinking about printing lamp shades, so lamps would not need light bulbs. "Anywhere there is a light, this could replace that." He also said that eventually people will be able to print their own at home. "You will be able to design and print you own light," he said. "Right now we are printing the light, but we are going to be putting that back in the hands of the people."
The most obvious applications, according to Rohinni's website, are illuminating logos on mobile phones backs or snowboards, installing lighting on the wall of your bedroom, or a wearable wristband flashing the time and message notifications.
"With Lightpaper it's more of a platform of light that we don't even know how it's going to be used," said Smoot in Fast Company. "All we know is that we're trying to unlock the ability to create light."
One drawback with the material, however, is the random dispersions of the diodes. Right now, the Lightpaper isn't as bright over the whole surface. But Smoot believes the shimmering will not be a problem for many applications. The challenge being worked on currently is how to place the diodes more precisely to create a steady light when printed.
According to Fast Company, consumers should start to see Lightpaper in the wild around the middle of 2015, as Rohinni will be aiming at the commercial and industrial market first. And a second version of Lightpaper is expected to be out in a few months.
Check out the video from Rohinni below.
Posted in 3D Printing Services
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Hello, I am interested in your paper led lighting. I would like to incorporate it as a design in a muscle show car. How would I go about purchasing some and can it be cut into shapes of various sizes and still function? Please get back with me and let me know the details. Thank you for your time, your can reach me via email at nisamelton@kellymoss.com
Max Wright wrote at 11/25/2016 12:57:27 AM:
What frequency range of light is produced by these 3D printed lights? How many lumens can they produce at peak performance? Can your team produce transparent LED sheets such that the light generated can be controlled pixel by pixel? Forward your responses to wright_maxd@yahoo.com. Thanks much.
Bobby Bedi wrote at 5/8/2016 4:23:02 PM:
Very interested in your 3D printing technology for electronics. Would be glad to discuss applications with you. Please write to designhmi@gmail.com
James Collard wrote at 12/13/2015 8:11:16 PM:
What voltage and current is required.
Pam wrote at 6/27/2015 4:41:30 PM:
Oops. This is Pam Would you please re type my message and correct my spelling of invest? It is a typo. Thanks. I'd still like to invest! Please don't put this email on your webpage though.
Pam wrote at 6/27/2015 4:37:27 PM:
Oops. This is Pam Would you please re type my message and correct my spelling of invest? It is a typo. Thanks. I'd still like to invest! Please don't put this email on your webpage though.
Pam wrote at 6/26/2015 3:47:11 PM:
How is your idea coming along. Can I envest in it?
Derek wrote at 6/4/2015 9:22:29 PM:
Imagine the future with this paper, walls, ceilings covered with it, camping and emergency light anywhere, this is the coolest Tech, Tablets and gizmos unlimited size. You need to take this tech forward for the sake of our future. Well done to the guys that have invented this, looking forward to what the out come of this is.
Jonny Smith wrote at 5/4/2015 9:09:48 PM:
Cool printed light paper
Drool wrote at 3/29/2015 1:13:23 AM:
I want!!
Daniel Patton wrote at 1/14/2015 9:47:25 PM:
I am an artist/inventor visualizing the extreme commercial applications.If only I had the privilege to indulge,the results I see are phenomenal and highly profitable! Daniel Patton,Yakima,Washington
Tony wrote at 12/4/2014 8:36:58 AM:
1.75mm ABS LED filament, please. If that makes any sense...
Riley Frank wrote at 12/3/2014 6:49:00 PM:
Duh, use it with LCD televisions or as a television technology all on its own. Instead of being edge-lit, LCD TVs could get better light from behind with less energy.
Akeel wrote at 12/1/2014 11:47:57 PM:
This is an interesting development.
AMnerd wrote at 12/1/2014 4:58:47 PM:
Anyone care to explain why this is not a good idea? Because it seems like a good idea
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