Uses of 3D printing technologies in opto-mechanics and opto-mechatronics for laboratory instruments

Disruptive technologies have been defined as "new technologies" capable of significant changes in a certain field. Among all, additive manufacturing describes those technologies that build 3D objects by adding layer upon layer of material. Regardless of what a laboratory specializes in, there are chances that 3D printing will improve its processes and performance. 3D printing has also benefited microscopy, enabling the manufacture of microscope parts such as lens inserts, mounts, and objects such as microscopy chambers for storing samples. Generally, such applications allow laboratories to be less dependent on external services and suppliers. This article is presenting a review of the literature in the additive manufacturing field applications, mainly focused on the fine mechanics/optics and opto-mechatronics fields, as well as the authors experience in deriving actual examples of opto-mechanical and opto-mechatronics parts of laboratory instruments (mounts, positioning mechanism including compliant ones, etc.).