The Austrian crystal and jewellery manufacturer Swarovski and the Berlin-based company xolo have announced a cooperation to develop a new production method for crystal glass. The project aims to utilise the volumetric 3D printing technology xolography for the direct production of crystal glass.
Xolography technology from xolo enables the production of complex glass components with a high level of detail. Professor Paolo Colombo’s research group at the University of Padua is also involved in the development. For Swarovski, this partnership represents an attempt to integrate new manufacturing technologies into traditional crystal production. The company hopes to strengthen its position as an innovator in the luxury industry.
Dirk Radzinski, CEO of xolo, comments on the collaboration: ‘The cooperation with Swarovski offers us the opportunity to test the potential of xolography in a new field of application.’
Professor Colombo and Swarovski have investigated the potential of xolography as part of an open innovation programme. Prof Colombo’s expertise will help to adapt the technology for crystal glass production.
The collaboration between Swarovski and xolo demonstrates the current trend towards testing additive manufacturing technologies in traditional industries. Xolography technology could have the potential to complement existing manufacturing processes and open up new possibilities for individualised production.
It is not yet clear which specific products and applications will emerge from this collaboration.
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