Xolo Collaborates With Swarovski to Develop Xolography-Based Crystal Glass Manufacturing

Swarovski, well known for crystal and jewelry manufacturing, is working with Xolo, a provider of volumetric 3D printing technology, on a project that aims to directly print crystal glass, to achieve new standards in precision and speed for customized crystal manufacturing.

Xolo’s Xolography volumetric printing technology is said to enable the creation of intricate glass components with unprecedented clarity and detail. This collaboration emphasizes Swarovski's commitment to innovation with a focus on consumer needs. The project has been co-developed with a group from the University of Padova (Padova, Italy) led by Professor Paolo Colombo, a professor of Materials Science and Technology in the Department of Industrial Engineering.

Volumetric 3D printing enables objects to be built in a single, layer-free process, thereby offering significant speed and material efficiency advantages. Xolo’s Xolography technology achieves high precision by projecting light with two wavelengths into resin inside sealed cuvettes, enabling the rapid creation of complex structures.

This method is well suited for printing biocompatible materials and, as well as technical objects, such as optical elements with smooth surfaces. High-viscosity materials can be printed without support structures, enabling isotropic material properties and high-performance direct oligomer printing. This makes xolography particularly useful for scientific research and advanced manufacturing.

For Swarovski, this partnership is a strategic move to demonstrate its dedication to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements. By collaborating with Xolo, Swarovski aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in crystal manufacturing, aligning with its vision to blend tradition with pioneering technology.

Xolo is equally enthusiastic about the potential of this partnership. “Working alongside a prestigious company like Swarovski is not only an honor but also a tremendous opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Xolography in a new, dynamic field,” says Dirk Radzinski, Xolo CEO.

Professor Colombo and Swarovski recognized the potential of Xolography early on in their open innovation program and Colombo has utilized the technology in groundbreaking ways. His expertise and pioneering work provide invaluable insights that will greatly enhance the scope and impact of this collaboration.

Future Prospects

As this collaboration progresses, both Swarovski and Xolo anticipate setting a new industry standard that could eventually be adopted across various sectors of glass manufacturing. The collaborators say this initiative is not just a transformation of technique but a redefinition of the material’s role in modern design and functionality.

Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures and sells some of the world’s finest crystals, as well as Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, jewelry and accessories, as well as home décor and crystals for the automotive industry. Swarovski Crystal Business is represented in over 140 countries worldwide with 2,300 Swarovski boutiques complemented by selected multibrand partners and employs 16,600 people. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group.

Xolo has been a pioneer in the field of volumetric 3D printing with its proprietary Xolography technology. Based in Berlin, the company is dedicated to reshaping manufacturing across industries, enhancing product quality and reducing production timelines. The company stems from a collaboration among experts in photo-switchable molecules, photonic imaging and deep science startup creation. Led by Professors Stefan Hecht and Martin Regehly, and CEO Dirk Radzinski, Xolo works to transform advanced scientific research into innovative 3D printing solutions.