BMF Clear Resin Achieving true optical transparency in micro-precision 3D printing

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A new material development launched by Boston Micro Fabrication addresses a critical gap in micro 3D printing by introducing transparency sought by microfluidic and optical researchers. The solution opens scalable manufacturing for previously hard-to-produce applications, such as printing freeform micro-lenses directly onto fiber optic tips, chip surfaces, and sensor arrays.

3D printing company Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) announced the launch of the BMF Clear, an optically transparent photopolymer resin engineered for applications requiring exceptional light transmission and micron-level accuracy, such as microfluidics, photonics, advanced optical components, biomedical devices and more.

With greater than 90 percent light transmittance, this material enables engineers and innovators to additively manufacture complex, internally structured micro-scale devices that were previously unachievable with 3D printing, the company states, adding that “BMF’s Clear opens the door to high-fidelity innovation and broader application in critical research and commercial environments”.

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The developers see particular potential in scalable manufacturing. BMF Clear is designed to support the reliable production of complex micro-scale devices and integrated optical features that have traditionally been difficult to manufacture in larger volumes. Potential applications include microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems with fiber alignment channels, freeform micro-lenses printed directly onto fiber optic tips, chip surfaces or sensor arrays, as well as integrated waveguides and photonic interfaces for sensing and data communication.

By combining optical transparency with micron-level precision, the material is intended to help bridge the gap between early-stage development and industrial production.

Precision meets a new dimension of optical clarity

Designed for seamless integration with Boston Micro Fabrication's 10-micron and 25-micron systems, BMF Clear prints at layer heights between 10 and 50 microns. This compatibility extends across BMF's platform range — from advanced, high-end systems to the compact, benchtop Microarch S150 series — making it accessible for any lab or production environment. Ultra-high-resolution printing achieves fine features and superior surface quality critical for minimizing light scattering and improving transmission through internal channels. Combined with BMF's ultra-high-resolution printing capabilities, this means teams spend less time on post-processing and more time on what matters — developing and iterating on precision optical components.

“The research and engineering communities have long been constrained by the lack of truly transparent material suitable for micro-scale 3D printing,” says John Kawola, CEO of Boston Micro Fabrication. “For years, achieving optical clarity with high print fidelity has led researchers to rely on traditional methods like PDMS soft lithography, which limits scalability, durability, and design flexibility. BMF clear resin directly addresses this challenge, bridging the gap between prototyping and production-level micro-manufacturing.”

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