# 139. 3D Printing Saves Optical Sensors

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-09-12
- Length: 23m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors-GZF_SLdw

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss how Zeiss, a multinational optics and precision engineering company, uses Ultimaker 3D printers to solve alignment and customization challenges in its serial production. They explain how replacing manual calibration with dimensionally stable, 3D-printed adapter plates eliminates human error and reduces part costs by 94% while cutting lead times from months to days. The hosts analyze this as a key example of additive manufacturing moving from aerospace to high-precision industrial applications, highlighting the democratization of manufacturing technology.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [3:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=216) Zeiss and the Precision Manufacturing Challenge
- [5:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=359) The Problem: Human Error and Customization
- [8:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=504) The Solution: 3D Printed Adapter Plates
- [10:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=641) Why Ultimaker and the Democratization of Manufacturing
- [15:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=900) Cost, Lead Time, and Industry Trends
- [19:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-12-139-3d-printing-saves-optical-sensors#t=1189) Episode Recap and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Zeiss (company)
- Ultimaker (company)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Kira (tool)
- Heineken (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Following Your Passion in 3D Printing with Greg Paulsen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-01-26-following-your-passion-in-3d-printing-with-greg-paulsen) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode-eaccf4fe) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Are You Too Late to Adopt Additive Manufacturing?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2022-01-11-are-you-too-late-to-adopt-additive-manufacturing) (Additive Snack)
- [Why Ursa Major is Betting Big on Additive Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-07-23-why-ursa-major-is-betting-big-on-additive-manufacturing) (Additive Snack)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode) (Hackaday Podcast)

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