Xolo Xube² Offers 3D Volumetric Printing for Creating Intricate, Highly Detailed Structures

Xolo’s Xube2 is a second-generation 3D printer using volumetric 3D printing technology to deliver speed and resolution for more precision and flexibility, with the technology designed for both academic and industrial research. Its new user interface offers even more ease of use, providing great printing results while giving advanced users full control over all parameters — even during print jobs.

Volumetric 3D printing enables objects to be built in a single, layer-free process, thereby offering significant speed and material efficiency advantages. Xolo’s xolography technology achieves high precision by projecting light with two wavelengths into resin inside sealed cuvettes, enabling the rapid creation of complex structures.

This method is well suited for printing biocompatible materials and, as well as technical objects, such as optical elements with smooth surfaces. High-viscosity materials can be printed without support structures, enabling isotropic material properties and high-performance direct oligomer printing. This makes xolography particularly useful for scientific research and advanced manufacturing.

Build Room Flexibility

The Xube² offers flexibility in print size, catering to research needs from small to large-scale constructions. The quick-change cuvette holder enables seamless transitioning between projects, while custom cuvettes enable every dimension of the build volume to be tailored to the specific requirements of each project — up to 30 × 50 × 80 mm³. This means no material waste.

Advanced Optical Resolution

With improved compatibility for future advancements, the Xube² is well suited for scientific research where precision is essential. The projection resolution is optimized per container size down to 5 µm. A fully adjustable 3 channel LED projector enables precise control of polymerization. Its modular projection objectives offer a range of resolution settings to suit various needs:

• 30 × 50 mm² at 15 µm (x,y)
• 20 × 35 mm² at 10 µm (x,y)
• 10 × 17 mm² at 5 µm (x,y)

The company says the configurations are designed to ensure researchers can create intricate, highly detailed structures, further enhancing the potential of xolography for diverse applications.

Broader Material Compatibility

The Xube² supports quick switching between 375-nm and 405-nm light sheet modules, ensuring full compatibility with Xolo’s dual-color photoinitiators. This versatility enables researchers to utilize both current and future photoinitiators, broadening the scope of applications and ensuring future-proof flexibility.

Environmental Controls

The printer also features precise environmental control, offering temperature regulation which is critical for fine-tuning the properties of photoinitiators and photopolymers — and which is essential for experiments involving live cells and sensitive materials. Users can precisely heat or cool the build chamber. 

Complete Control Over Printing

The open software architecture developed for the Xube² enables complete control over every aspect of the printing process. This system is said to accommodate the most complex print jobs, giving users the ability to adjust parameters down to the individual voxel, thus offering an exceptional level of customization. Adjust print speed, light sheet power, projection energy at every part of the print job to control every voxel. 3D models can be quickly prepared for print in just a few steps directly on the Xube² hardware platform, eliminating the need for additional software or dedicated computers.

Modular, Open System

At the heart of the Xube² is a modular, open design. The interior not only facilitates easier maintenance but also enables better calibration and superior print results. Every part of the printer can be easily exchanged, and there is ample room to integrate custom sensors and devices, making it adaptable to a variety of research applications.

It features a swappable projection array for optimal resolution, as well as a switchable light sheet module for 375 nm and 405 nm. Enhanced space within the unit makes for easy maintenance as well as own sensors and devices.

The Xube² is designed to set a new standard in 3D volumetric printing. By expanding the capabilities of xolography, Xube² empowers researchers to explore new possibilities, innovate further and achieve results with unparalleled efficiency and precision.