Protolabs Expands Hi-Speed SLA Production with Third Lumia X1 System

The digital manufacturing service provider Protolabs is further expanding its capacities in photopolymer-based 3D printing. Within 18 months, the company has brought a third Hi-Speed SLA system from manufacturer Axtra3D into operation. The installation of the Lumia X1 marks the next step in expanding serial production of photopolymer parts and at the same time deepens the collaboration between the two companies.

Protolabs introduced the first Lumia X1 system in early 2025 and has since gradually scaled the platform to meet growing demand for functional end-use parts. With the third system, not only does available production capacity increase, but so does the range of industrial applications. According to Protolabs, four material-optimized solutions are now in use, tailored to the process characteristics of Hi-Speed SLA technology.

“From the very beginning, the Lumia X1 has delivered strong throughput, reliability, and overall performance, giving us a solid foundation to scale our photopolymer offerings,” said Kenny Capps, Director of 3D Printing Operations at Protolabs. He further adds, “Its consistent production of high-quality parts with minimal post-processing has enabled us to expand our capabilities and meet growing customer demand across a broader range of advanced applications.”

These materials include tough engineering and ESD-capable photopolymers from Loctite, flame-retardant resins from Arkema, and ceramic-filled systems from Forward AM. The combination of high exposure power, precise process control, and material-side optimization is intended to enable consistent dimensional accuracy, good surface quality, and reproducible part properties, even at higher volumes.

“Protolabs’ decision to install a third Lumia X1 reinforces both the depth of our partnership and the differentiated performance of Hi-Speed SLA,” said Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer at Axtra3D. He further adds, “Protolabs consistently identifies and scales transformative manufacturing platforms. Their continued investment in Lumia X1 validates our ability to combine speed, precision, and a production-grade material ecosystem with fully validated solutions. Scaling to multiple systems demonstrates that Hi- Speed SLA is no longer just a technology platform, but an industrialized production solution. This enables predictable output, validated processes, and consistent performance across machines, materials, and applications. These are essential requirements for enterprise manufacturing and allow customers to move confidently into true serial production. We’re proud to support Protolabs’ continued growth and innovation.”

With its expanded Hi-Speed SLA infrastructure, Protolabs is creating a foundation to rapidly integrate new photopolymers and application-specific materials into existing production environments and to further advance 3D printing toward reliable serial manufacturing processes.