Forged on the back of research conducted in Germany's largest science and technology park, Berlin's Xolo is trying to make headway on something of a holy grail for the 3D printing industry.
The science of Xolo's volumetric 3D printer, known as xolography, would go beyond additive template methods widely used today.
Whereas additive production depends on layering materials to fit the client's printing template, with the caveat these additives and computer design lend almost infinite flexibility, Xolo would instead use volumetric 3D measurements to effectively estimate printing output using light.
That should pave the way for smoother materials to be 3D printed, and for 3D manufacturing to reach new lucrative markets, based on near-instant production of intricate components in sectors like optical tech, bioprinting, dentistry and acoustics.
Xolo's 3D printing product, dubbed Xube, is another great example of next-gen deep tech rising to the forefront to open potential which verges on science fiction. The system is based on a cuvette with liquid resin absorbed continuously via a light sheet, into which additional light is channelled. The resin is enhanced using photoactive speciality chemicals, dubbed photoinitiators, to print smooth surfaces in a very short time.
Already Xolo says R&D teams from unnamed clients are exploring use of Xube technology in the optics and biomaterials industries.
Little wonder it had a fair few callers for its series A raise, which lured €8 million from a mainly German investor clientele.
Xolo's core concept involves a printing process invented at Technology Park Berlin Adlershof by its three founding faculty: Martin Regehly, Stefan Hecht and Dirk Radzinski.
They've now been backed in a series A round involving DeepTech & Climate Fonds along with HZG Group, one of the great pioneers of additive manufacturing, Kerstin and Frank Carsten Herzog, Onsight Ventures, and existing investor SquareOne.
Dirk Radzinski, Xolo co-founder and CEO, said: "Xolography represents a fundamental shift in the 3D printing industry. From hardware to materials, everything is being rethought. Our investors understand the importance of this paradigm shift and support us with their financial strength, expertise and network towards making it a success."
Speaking from HZG Group's side of the deal, managing partner Frank Carsten Herzog added: "Xolography significantly improves the resolution and volume generation rate of previous processes. This means that in the future, the process will be able to produce large numbers of highly detailed objects in a short time the economic potential is enormous."
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