At the IMTS Conference in Chicago, Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer of Axtra3D, sat down to discuss how his company is transforming the world of 3D printing. Founded in 2021, Axtra3D has swiftly gained attention for its pioneering Hybrid Photosynthesis technology, which combines the best aspects of both DLP (Digital Light Processing) and SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus) printing into a single machine. In a crowded 3D printing market, the company’s unique dual-imaging system has set a new standard for print quality, speed, and material flexibility.
Axtra3D’s Lumia X1 3D Printer
A Revolutionary Approach to 3D Printing
Axtra3D’s flagship innovation is its hybrid printing technology, which seamlessly integrates DLP and laser imaging systems. “When we print parts, both the DLP and the laser work simultaneously to create each layer,” explained Kulkarni. “The DLP handles the bulk of the internal structure, while the laser focuses on the finer, more delicate features. This allows us to achieve the resolution and accuracy of SLA printing with the throughput of DLP.”
This combination is critical in producing high-quality parts efficiently, especially for applications that demand precision. The unique “TrueLayer” technology also eliminates the peeling process typically used in 3D printing, enabling smooth, glass-like surfaces with no hydrostatic force applied during printing. This results in parts with unparalleled surface quality, opening up new possibilities in mold inserts, connectors, and low-volume production.
Part quality comparison between DLP and Axtra3D’s Hybrid PhotoSynthesis
Success Across Industrial and Healthcare Markets
Kulkarni shared how Axtra3D’s technology is finding success across various industries, particularly in industrial applications and healthcare. “Mold inserts have been one of our most successful applications,” he noted. The speed and precision of Axtra3D’s printers enable manufacturers to go from design to finished parts within a single day—an invaluable capability for industries reliant on fast prototyping and production.
In the healthcare sector, Axtra3D has made significant strides in dental applications, from crowns and bridges to surgical guides and dentures. Kulkarni highlighted the partnerships with key material suppliers to ensure that the company’s dental applications meet the highest standards. “By the end of the year, we will have 16 dental applications fully qualified, with FDA-approved materials from our partners.”
Same day mold inserts for polycarbonate parts
A Flexible Material Ecosystem
Unlike many competitors, Axtra3D does not limit customers to proprietary materials. Instead, the company collaborates with leading material suppliers such as BASF, Loctite, and 3D Systems, qualifying their materials for use with Axtra3D’s printers. “Our material ecosystem is fully dialed in,” said Kulkarni. “But if customers want to experiment with their own materials, we give them that flexibility too.”
This open approach has resonated well with service bureaus and manufacturers alike. Kulkarni mentioned that companies such as Toyota North America and Protolabs have adopted Axtra3D’s technology, providing invaluable feedback to further enhance the system’s capabilities.
Scaling with Precision
Despite being a young company, Axtra3D is focused on deliberate, sustainable growth. In just five quarters, the company has sold a lot of printers, a testament to the strong demand for its cutting-edge technology. Kulkarni emphasized that Axtra3D is taking a cautious approach to scaling, prioritizing customer satisfaction and reliable service over rapid expansion. “We speak with every customer at least once every two weeks to ensure that everything is running smoothly,” he said. “Until they are successful, we aren’t successful.”
Looking Ahead
Axtra3D is actively expanding its reseller network in Europe, Japan, and the U.S., with plans to enter new markets such as Korea, India, and the Middle East next year. The company’s strategic partnerships with material suppliers, service bureaus, and manufacturers will continue to play a key role in its growth.
For those interested in experiencing Axtra3D’s technology firsthand, Kulkarni invites potential customers to participate in the company’s benchmarking program. “It’s easy to start an exploration with your own STL’s”.
As Axtra3D scales thoughtfully and maintains a laser focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, the company is well-positioned to reshape the future of 3D printing.
For more information, visit Axtra3D.
