Swarovski and xolo’s Crystal-Clear Leap into 3D Printing – 3DPrint.com

Swarovski is not any stranger to the fusion of workmanship and innovation, having perfected the artwork of crystal chopping and design since its founding in 1895. Now, the corporate is taking its legacy a step additional by teaming up with Berlin-based pioneers in 3D printing for glass, xolo, would possibly simply change the way in which we take into consideration crystal. By introducing 3D printing know-how to the centuries-old artwork of crystal-making, this collaboration guarantees to create gorgeous, intricate designs with unmatched precision. The aim is to reimagine how luxurious and creativity can come collectively in an entire new means.

Over the previous century, Swarovski has turn into synonymous with luxurious and precision. It blends conventional strategies with trendy upgrades to create crystal merchandise that we see in every part from high-fashion collections by designers like Alexander McQueen and Prabal Gurung to limited-edition collaborations just like the Swarovski-studded Construct-A-Bear adorned with 232 Swarovski crystals.

This new partnership goals to revolutionize how crystal glass is produced, combining Swarovski’s craftsmanship with xolo’s Xolography know-how. A volumetric 3D printing methodology, Xolography, differs from conventional layer-by-layer printing. As a substitute, it builds objects by projecting mild right into a quantity of fabric to create intricate designs in crystal. This methodology improves each the readability and element of the crystal designs whereas additionally permitting for extra customization choices in luxurious merchandise.

A design head contained in the printing cuvette, 3D printed with Xolography. Picture courtesy of xolo.

The venture was co-developed with a staff led by Paolo Colombo, a professor of supplies science and engineering on the College of Padova. In response to the manufacturers, the core of this partnership is to satisfy the patron demand for extra custom-made, high-quality crystal merchandise.

Xolo’s Co-founder and CEO Dirk Radzinski says partnering with a model like Swarovski has distinctive potential: “Working alongside a prestigious firm like Swarovski will not be solely an honor but in addition an amazing alternative to showcase the capabilities of Xolography in a brand new, dynamic area.”

Colombo and Swarovski acknowledged the potential of Xolography early on of their open innovation program, and Colombo has already used the know-how in groundbreaking methods. His data and work are anticipated to carry necessary concepts that may assist make this venture even larger and higher. As this collaboration progresses, each Swarovski and xolo anticipate setting a brand new business customary that might finally be adopted throughout varied sectors of glass manufacturing.

For Swarovski, this isn’t the primary enterprise into 3D printing. Previously, it collaborated with different innovators within the area, together with Micron3DP, to discover how crystal could possibly be built-in into 3D printing initiatives. For instance, in 2017, Swarovski labored with designers in its Designers of the Future contest to create gorgeous 3D printed crystal objects like vases and candle holders. These initiatives demonstrated how 3D printing could possibly be used to attain designs that may in any other case be unattainable utilizing conventional strategies.

Swarovski additionally supported the manufacturing of 3D printed glass artwork items, such because the Crystal Lamellas venture, which was showcased in Venice. These items had been impressed by the pure constructions of mushrooms and represented a mix of nature and cutting-edge know-how, highlighting the flexibility and great thing about 3D printed glass.

Xolo printer being showcased. Picture courtesy of xolo.

The partnership between Swarovski and xolo provides a brand new layer of innovation to the luxurious business and glass manufacturing. This collaboration might even encourage future improvements in different areas of glass and crystal purposes, doubtlessly affecting industries like jewellery, structure, and even high-tech purposes the place precision glass elements are required.