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We are excited to announce that Chris Hartswick, the Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Ideoli Group, was invited to speak at the prestigious SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications conference. The conference, which focused on “3D Printing for Lighting,” took place in person in the beautiful city of San Diego from August 20th to August 24th, 2023. Chris presented a paper titled “The benefits and challenges of additive manufacturing as it applies to custom lighting manufacturing today” on August 23, 2023.

SPIE: Leading the Way in Optics and Photonics

Before we delve into Chris Hartswick’s presentation, let’s take a moment to understand the significance of SPIE. SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, and it plays a pivotal role in advancing light-based research and technologies for the betterment of the human condition. By partnering with researchers, educators, and industry professionals, SPIE facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas, ultimately driving innovation in the field.

Chris Hartswick: Entrepreneur and Designer

Chris Hartswick earned the recognition from LED Magazine, which honored him with the “40 Under 40” award. This accolade highlighted his outstanding contributions to product development and manufacturing, particularly in the realms of small-scale, large format, and large-scale mass production. Ideoli Group has won a collection of design awards and has successfully installed its innovative lighting products in over 25 countries across the globe.

Unpacking the Potential of Additive Manufacturing in Custom Lighting

Chris Hartswick’s presentation, titled “The benefits and challenges of additive manufacturing as it applies to custom lighting manufacturing today,” was a captivating exploration of the role of additive manufacturing in the world of custom lighting. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has emerged as a vital resource in commercial lighting product development. However, it still faces significant obstacles that must be overcome to harness its full potential. During his presentation, Chris drew upon three distinct case studies that showcased the various benefits achieved through the integration of 3D printing into the lighting manufacturing process. These case studies provided valuable insights into how this technology can be leveraged in architectural lighting, commercial illumination, decorative lighting, hospitality lighting, retail lighting, and bespoke lighting projects. But it wasn’t just about the benefits. Chris also shed light on the challenges that manufacturers like Ideoli encounter when attempting to fully adopt additive manufacturing. These challenges, while formidable, are essential to understand for the continued evolution of the lighting industry.

Key Takeaways and a Glimpse into the Future

As Chris Hartswick’s presentation concluded, attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of 3D printing in custom lighting. They gained insights into real-world applications, learned from practical case studies, and better understood the hurdles that lie ahead. Ideoli Group’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to explore new frontiers in lighting design made Chris Hartswick’s presentation at SPIE’s 3D Printing for Lighting conference a must-attend event. The future of lighting design and manufacturing continues to evolve, and Chris remains at the forefront, guiding the industry toward a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow. Chris’s presentation at the SPIE conference was an illuminating experience that shed light on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of custom lighting. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the path to the future of lighting with Ideoli Group and Chris Hartswick. For more insights and updates, don’t forget to follow us on social media and let’s spark some creativity together! LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.