Editor’s Note
This collaboration between Swarovski and xolo represents a fascinating fusion of heritage craftsmanship and frontier technology. By applying volumetric 3D printing to crystal glass, the partnership seeks to redefine the possibilities for precision and customization in a traditional luxury industry.
The Austrian company Swarovski, a market leader in crystal and jewelry manufacturing, has announced a collaboration with the Adlershof-based startup xolo, a pioneer in volumetric 3D printing technology. The project aims to directly print crystal glass, setting new standards in precision and speed for custom crystal production.
xolo’s cutting-edge volumetric printing technology, Xolography, enables the fabrication of intricate glass components with unprecedented clarity and detail accuracy. This collaboration underscores Swarovski’s commitment to innovation with a focus on consumer needs.
The project was developed in conjunction with the group of Professor Paolo Colombo from the University of Padua.
For Swarovski, this partnership is a strategic step demonstrating the company’s commitment to technological advancement. By collaborating with xolo, Swarovski aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in crystal manufacturing, realizing its vision of combining tradition with groundbreaking technology.
xolo is also enthusiastic about the potential of this partnership.
said Dirk Radzinski, Managing Director of xolo.
Prof. Colombo and Swarovski recognized the potential of Xolography early in their open innovation program, and Prof. Colombo has utilized the technology in revolutionary ways. His expertise and pioneering work offer valuable insights that will greatly enrich this collaboration.
Swarovski and xolo anticipate that as this collaboration progresses, it will establish a new industrial standard that could eventually be applied across various fields of glass manufacturing. This initiative is not merely a shift in technique but a redefinition of the material’s role in modern design and functionality.