Printing Fiber Preforms (IMAGE) Optica Caption Researchers used a 3D printing method known as direct-light projection (DLP) to make silica fiber preforms. They fabricated preforms for a step index fiber (a) and a structured preform (b). These preforms were then placed in a draw tower (middle picture) to make the final optical fiber (right). The orange inset shows a cross section of a step index fiber. Credit John Canning, University of Technology in Sydney Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.