Axtra3D and Protolabs scale high-speed SLA portfolio with four materials

Axtra3D and Protolabs are significantly expanding their collaboration in the field of high-productivity stereolithography. Just over a year after installing the first Lumia X1 system, the contract manufacturer now has several systems in operation and has integrated four fully qualified material solutions into its “Advanced Photopolymers for 3D Printing” program. The goal is to meet the growing demand for functional photopolymer parts with high dimensional accuracy and short lead times.

The high-speed SLA platform Lumia X1 combines high build speed with fine resolution, making it suitable for functional prototypes and small series. Together with its material partners Loctite, Arkema and Forward AM, Axtra3D has developed a dedicated set of print parameters and post-curing profiles for each material. These cover tough engineering plastics and ESD-capable materials, flame-retardant materials for applications with fire safety requirements, as well as ceramic-filled systems for tooling inserts. The profiles are designed for high throughput and reproducible part properties.

Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer at Axtra3D, indicates, “Protolabs’ rapid adoption of the Lumia X1 underscores the strength of our partnership and the high level of collaboration between our teams. The transparent communication, close interaction, and mutual support we maintain allow both companies to stay ahead of the curve, leveraging Hi-Speed SLA to its fullest.”

He further adds, “Protolabs’ focus on scaling transformative technologies aligns perfectly with our commitment to enable their growth and innovation, and we’re proud to play a role in that journey.”

According to the company, the systems are used primarily for ceramic mold inserts, near-functional prototypes, end-use parts and flame-retardant components where surface quality and dimensional consistency are critical.

At Formnext 2025 in Frankfurt, Axtra3D plans to present Axtra Workflow, a connected environment for data continuity, material release and process monitoring. For users who deploy SLA parts not only as samples but also in production-like applications, validated material workflows and scalable manufacturing concepts are expected to be key topics of discussion.