Open DLP Platform for Scalable Production – atum3D’s Approach in an Interview with Tristram Budel

The Dutch company atum3D develops Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printers aimed at industrial users who need flexibility in materials and workflow. Its systems combine proprietary hardware, dedicated process software, and an open materials platform, giving users the ability to fine-tune print parameters and qualify third-party resins for specific applications.

Atum3D’s DLP Station line uses a light structuring process with precise pixel control and optimized optics to achieve high accuracy without compromising build speed. The machines support a wide range of photopolymer resins, including technical-grade and UV-curable materials used in engineering, dental, and medical manufacturing.

Supporting tools such as the Operator Station for print preparation and the Curing Station for post-processing help ensure consistent quality across production runs. The modular design makes it possible to scale from prototyping to small-series or even continuous production setups.

By combining open material access with process automation, atum3D offers a practical approach to bridging the gap between development and full-scale production—an increasingly important step as additive manufacturing moves deeper into industrial environments.

Interview with Tristram Budel

In the following interview with 3Druck.com, CEO Tristram Budel discusses how atum3D approaches the evolving demands of industrial additive manufacturing. He shares insights on material innovation, process automation, and the company’s vision for advancing DLP technology as 3D printing continues to move from prototyping toward fully integrated production.

Your approach combines hardware, software, and an open materials platform. How does this combination give you an advantage in meeting the diverse needs of industrial 3D printing users?

At atum3D, we believe flexibility is the key to success in industrial additive manufacturing. Our combination of hardware, software, and an open materials platform allows us to adapt to each customer’s specific needs. By bringing together design, engineering, and production, we can support users from concept to full-scale manufacturing. This integrated approach not only simplifies the process but also accelerates innovation. Whether a customer wants to optimize print parameters, experiment with new resins, or scale up production, our open ecosystem gives them the freedom to do so. That flexibility makes atum3D not just a machine supplier, but a long-term production partner.

Material innovation plays a big role in the future of additive manufacturing. What trends or developments in photopolymer resins do you see as most promising?

One of the most exciting developments in photopolymer resins is the growing accessibility of high-performance, technical-grade materials. As production costs decrease, materials that were once limited to research or specialized use are becoming suitable for large-scale industrial applications. This shift allows additive manufacturing to move beyond prototyping into true end-use part production. We also see rapid progress in sustainable formulations and recyclable photopolymers, which help reduce the environmental impact of resin-based printing. Combined with lower costs, these trends are making 3D printing more scalable, efficient, and viable for industries that require both performance and reliability.

Speed and accuracy are often competing priorities in 3D printing. How do you approach balancing these two factors in your systems?

Speed and accuracy have long been seen as opposing goals in 3D printing, but at atum3D we’ve found a way to bring them together. Our proprietary light-structuring technology enables extremely precise pixel control and optimized optics, achieving high resolution without slowing down the build process. The key is intelligent process design, where accuracy and speed are balanced according to user requirements. By refining exposure times and calibration, we ensure consistent results with every print. This makes our systems ideal for industrial environments where productivity and quality must coexist without compromise.

Looking ahead, how do you envision advancements in DLP technology and workflow automation shaping the 3D printing industry over the next five to ten years, and where do you see atum3D positioning itself within that landscape?

Over the next five to ten years, we expect major advances in DLP technology and workflow automation to completely transform additive manufacturing. The industry is moving toward fully integrated production systems that connect design, printing, and post-processing into one seamless workflow. At atum3D, we are already developing solutions that automate the entire process, making production more predictable and cost-effective. As automation progresses, additive manufacturing will achieve the same reliability and maturity as traditional manufacturing—while retaining the advantages of digital flexibility. Our vision is to help companies transition from small-batch printing to continuous, data-driven production environments.

You can find further information on atum3D on the company’s website.