XOLUTIONS, an Italian group active in high-tech products for the fashion and jewelry industries, has acquired a Carmel 1400M AM metal 3D printer from XJet. The newly formed group, which will be presented at the upcoming VicenzaOro fair (along with a collection of fashion accessory parts produced by the XJet system), operates as an integrated one-stop-shop platform serving the most important brands in the luxury market as well as artisans through two divisions.
The first comprises Bluclad S.p.A., the market leader in electroplating solutions for metal accessories in the luxury fashion industry; the second supports Progold S.p.A., the standard setter in alloys and master alloys for jewelry manufacturing.
This collaboration initiates with XOLUTIONS acquiring the XJet Carmel 1400M AM solution to propel research and development on the application of this technology within the fashion and luxury sector, comprising jewelry. According to Damiano Zito, CEO of Progold (a XOLUTIONS company), resolution and surface smoothness were key factors in this collaboration: “XJet technology fits the needs of the luxury market perfectly. The surface finish and the resolution – crucial for this market – that is achieved by NanoParticle Jetting is a step change above what any other AM technology can deliver. There’s just no comparison.”
This move is part of a broader strategy for XOLUTIONS companies to respond to the escalating demand for high-quality stainless steel accessories. The surge in demand has propelled XOLUTIONS to enhance its value proposition by introducing a solution that will significantly aid its clients, who are fashion accessories manufacturers, in addressing this emerging need. The technology from XJet serves to elegantly and efficiently bridge this gap, transforming it into a tremendous opportunity.
Leveraging the experience of Progold S.p.A, the standard setter in alloys and master alloys for jewelry manufacturing, and Bluclad S.p.A, the undisputed market leader in electroplating solutions for metal accessories in the luxury fashion industry, XOLUTIONS stands as a cornerstone of the Italian fashion accessories and jewelry market.
“Uniqueness is highly valued in this industry,” states Zito. “We’re long-time users of AM technology, so we understand the freedom of design and fast time-to-market it delivers. The versatility of AM technology makes it ideal for both niche productions and limited editions, as well as for significant productions well-suited to the typical volumes of the fashion accessory sector. In high-end fashion, consumers crave beautiful, custom pieces. This is exactly where XJet excels. Its technology facilitates the creation of highly intricate and attractive pieces in small batches, enabling high definition, shortened production cycle, and higher adaptability to various customization needs.”
Andrew Middleton, Chief Business Officer, XJet, comments, “We’re delighted to be a part of XOLUTIONS’ journey towards more sustainable production, and eagerly anticipate the creations that will emerge from this collaboration. XJet’s presence in this industry underscores the quality of pieces NanoParticle Jetting can produce.”
Zito adds, “Since the day I met XJet, the passion for their craft has been evident. This is apparent in the capital they have invested in R&D, with 16 printers in their Additive Manufacturing Centre testing new applications, and this reflects the values we have at XOLUTIONS. I know we will be great partners.”