Researchers at Rensselaer have created a technology that combines different modules of an LED light fixture into a single component that can be 3D printed.

This technology relates to solid-state devices as replacements for incandescent light bulbs. The LED based bulb uses the normal Edison socket, but the LED and heat sink are placed on the far end of the bulb. The heat sink attaches to the bottom and outside of the bulb providing a structural base for the LED. Several alternative shapes for the light guide are provided to optimize the light emitted both in quality and quantity (i.e., more closely matching that of white incandescent bulbs).