Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to print embossed structures 111, 121 et seq. such as particularly arrays of optical lenses which may be contiguous. It consists of printing a first surface (S1) which may also equally well be the structures 111, 121 et seq. as the assembly 2 of separation surfaces between these structures, using an ink (M1) and of lowering the surface tension of this ink M1 so that it becomes lower than that of the printing medium, before printing the next layer which is then strongly repelled by the surface S1. This method makes it possible using very inexpensive known printing techniques to produce embossed structures forming substantial protuberances relative to the basis thereof, this being a major advantage in particular for lens arrays.

Abstract: Optical elements such as microlenses or optical fibers are printed with liquid ink, by known scanning printing techniques such as for example flexography. Each optical element has a transparent core printed by a first ink layer, that is sufficiently distant from the closest cores so as not to amalgamate with them by coalescence, before being hardened. This core is then covered with one or several so-called additional layers which can be flat tint layers in order to finalize the shape of the optical element in question. The section of the optical elements is determined by the difference in surface tension between the additional layers and the printing substrate.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to print embossed structures 111, 121 et seq. such as particularly arrays of optical lenses which may be contiguous. It consists of printing a first surface (S1) which may also equally well be the structures 111, 121 et seq. as the assembly 2 of separation surfaces between these structures, using an ink (M1) and of lowering the surface tension of this ink M1 so that it becomes lower than that of the printing medium, before printing the next layer which is then strongly repelled by the surface S1. This method makes it possible using very inexpensive known printing techniques to produce embossed structures forming substantial protuberances relative to the basis thereof, this being a major advantage in particular for lens arrays.

Abstract: The device includes optical elements such as microlenses or optical fibers that are printed with liquid ink, by known scanning printing techniques such as for example flexography. Each optical element (11, 12, 13, 14) has a transparent core (111, 121, 131, 141) printed by a first ink layer, that is sufficiently distant from the closest cores so as not to amalgamate with them by coalescence, before being hardened. This core (111, 121, 131, 141) is then covered with one or several so-called additional layers (112, 113, 122, 123, 132, 133, 142, 143) which can be flat tint layers in order to finalize the shape of the optical element in question. The section of the optical elements is determined by the difference in surface tension between said additional layers (112, 113, 122, 123, 132, 133, 142, 143) and the printing substrate (10).