Jan 20, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Axtra3D proudly announces the successful installation of a third Lumia X1 Hi-Speed SLA system at Protolabs, a global leader in digital manufacturing. This milestone marks the next phase in Protolabs’ expansion of advanced photopolymer production and further strengthens the partnership between the two companies.
Just over a year after adopting its first Lumia X1, Protolabs has strategically scaled to multiple systems to meet growing customer demand for high-performance photopolymer parts. With the addition of the third machine, Protolabs now supports four fully optimized Axtra Material Solutions as part of its Advanced Photopolymers for 3D Printing portfolio. This machine count increase enables greater capacity, broader application coverage, and reliable production at scale.
Four Optimized Material Solutions for Advanced Applications
Protolabs’ Hi-Speed SLA offering includes four Axtra3D-optimized material solutions which includes, tough engineering and ESD materials from Loctite, flame-retardant solutions from Arkema, and ceramic solutions from Forward AM – all partners of Axtra3D materials ecosystem.
As part of the Axtra3D materials ecosystem, each solution is fully optimized to leverage the combined advantages of high throughput, precision, surface quality, and part fidelity enabled by Hi-Speed SLA technology.
Scaling Production with Confidence
“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.”
Protolabs primarily utilizes the Lumia X1 platform for end-use production, and flame-retardant applications that require high precision, excellent surface finish, dimensional consistency, and efficient throughput. Scaling to four optimized material offerings in just one year highlights Protolabs’ confidence in the platform’s repeatability and the strategic advantage it brings to their additive manufacturing operations.
This latest installation establishes a scalable foundation for continued growth in both materials and applications. As new advanced photopolymers and application-specific solutions are introduced within the Axtra3D ecosystem, Protolabs is positioned to rapidly adopt and deploy them within an already validated production environment.
A Partnership Built for Speed and Scale
“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.”About Axtra3D
Based in the US and Italy, Axtra3D is a global company specializing in Hi-Speed SLA systems that eliminates tradeoffs between print throughput, accuracy, feature resolution, and surface finish, typically found in traditional SLA or DLP systems.
The flagship Lumia X1 Hi-Speed SLA system by Axtra3D represents a significant advancement, combining its Hybrid PhotoSynthesis resin polymerization process with TruLayer, a layer separation technology.
HPS utilizes both a laser and a DLP to image simultaneously, while TruLayer enables rapid detachment of the active print layer, resulting in a 20X throughput improvement while preserving the accuracy and fidelity of SLA parts.
Axtra3D operates with two business models.
Axtra Solutions™: This model provides fully optimized, turnkey 3D printing solutions. Customers receive complete print profiles fine-tuned for maximum performance and reliability, supported by Axtra3D’s Applications team and quality material partners.
Axtra OpenAccess™: This model further builds on Axtra Solutions™ and allows customers the flexibility to experiment with new materials and applications. It supports innovation and adaptability, enabling added flexibility.
Learn more at https://axtra3d.com
Contact
Rajeev Kulkarni
Chief Strategy Officer
Riley Girmann
Marketing Associate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axtra3d
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@axtra3d320
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axtra3d
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@axtra3d320