(028) 9070 6940 
sales@laserproto.com 
Why choose HPS?
LPE are the first company in the UK & Ireland to offer HPS (Hybrid Photosynthesis). This novel technology combines elements of both SLA & DLP, to deliver a unique range of benefits that eliminate the trade-offs between the 2 processes. HPS offers the size and surface quality of SLA parts, but with the strength of SLS and the resolution/functional properties of DLP.
Utilising both laser and light-based technologies, HPS achieves near isotropic mechanical properties in all 3 directions. This, combined with its ability to run high viscosity materials, means it opens the door for rapid printing of sizeable parts with injection moulding quality.
This makes the process ideal for fast, low volume production runs, functional prototypes, and tooling aids.
Key benefits:
- Material range – HPS can run a wide variety of tough, functional, production-grade materials. LPE will be adding to the HPS material offering throughout 2024.
- Resolution and surface quality – Parts have exceptional surface smoothness and feature resolution, removing the need for manual finishing of unsupported surfaces.
- Build Size – With a much larger build frame, the HPS machine can produce parts up to 2.5x bigger than DLP.
Materials
Ultracur3D® BASF 3280
- High Tensile strength
- Excellent Stiffness (high tensile modulus)
- UL94 flame retardant
- HDT +280deg C
- Biocompatibility – Cytotoxicity ISO 10993-5
- Sterilizable (Steam)
- Chemical resistant
EVONIK ST6100
- High Tensile Strength
- Black
- HDT of 120 °C
- Good Stiffness
HI TEMP 300-AMB
- Production grade amber parts
- Ultra-high temperature plastic for use in applications requiring high heat resistance
- Heat deflection temperature of over 300 °C at both low and high stress
- Translucent material so excellent visualization for parts requiring evaluation of internal features and fluid flow performance
Technical Specification
| Standard lead time: | 3-5 days. If your project is urgent, please let a member of sales team know so that we can investigate if anything can be done to improve the lead time. |
|---|---|
| Minimum feature size: | 0.1mm |
| Layer thickness: | 0.05mm or 0.1mm |
| Tolerances: | General tolerance: +/-0.25mm | Local wall: +/-0.1mm |
| Max part size: | 249x140x495mm |
| Machines: | Axtra3D - Lumia X1 |
Process Comparison
| Stereolithography (SLA) | Stereolithography High Res. (SLA HR) | Digital Light Processing (DLP) | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Direct Metal Laser Sintering Production (DMLS Pro) | Direct Metal Laser Sintering High Res. (DMLS HR) | Hybrid Photosynthesis (HPS) | |
| Description | High quality precision prints, excellent detail & definition. Wide range of materials. | SLA prints with ultra fine detail & definition. | Super high resolution for small & complex parts in durable prototype & production materials. | Very tough, high impact and high-temperature resistant. Range of nylon materials. | Metal parts with excellent physical and mechanical properties – full production spec (>99% density). | High resolution metal prints with superior surface finish and ultra-fine detail. | High-definition parts with production-grade functional properties. |
| Layer Thickness | 0.1mm | 0.05mm | 0.01-0.05mm | 0.1-0.15mm | 0.03-0.06mm | 0.015-0.025mm | 0.05-0.1mm |
| Minimum printable XY features | 0.15mm | 0.08mm | 0.1mm | 0.75mm | 0.2mm | 0.1mm | 0.1mm |
| Minimum printable Z feature | 0.5mm | 0.5mm | 0.3mm | 0.5mm | 0.06mm | 0.03mm | 0.3mm |
| Typical Tolerance | +/- 0.15 Per 100mm | +/- 0.10 Per 100mm | +/- 0.25 Per 100mm | +/- 0.25 Per 100mm | +/- 0.10 Per 100mm | +/- 0.10 Per 100mm | +/- 0.25 Per 100mm |
| Max Part Size | 650 x 750 x 550mm | 450 x 450 x 415mm | 124x70.2x196mm | 320 x 320 x 600mm | 250x250x305mm | 90x90x90mm | 249x140x495mm |
| Quality of printed Surface Finish | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lead Times | 3-5 days | 3-5 days | 3-5 Days | 3-5 days | 5-7 Days | 5-7 Days | 3-5 days |
| Price | ££ | £££ | ££ | £ | £££ | ££££ | ££ |
Finishing Options
HPS parts come straight off the machine with production-grade surface finish, and typically require minimum finishing.
Standard
Components are sanded to remove support structures and build lines and then bead blasted for an overall smooth finish.
Bead-blasting
Parts can be bead-blasted for an extra smooth surface finish.
Medical grade clean-up
HPS parts can be given an ISO13485 medical grade clean up which means the parts can be used in a surgical environment.
Other paint finishes
HPS parts can come with a range of paint finishes including cosmetic (Pantone/RAL colour matching), matt, satin, spark or gloss.
Applications
HPS is suitable for a range of low volume production and rapid prototyping applications.
Prototyping
- Functional prototypes
Production
- High-impact plastic applications
- Load-bearing components
- Automotive parts
- Casings and housings
How does HPS work?
HPS coalesces the energy from both a laser and light projector source, combining elements of SLA and DLP in one harmonised system. While the resin is cured via UV light, a laser simultaneously traces and cures the contours of each layer, solidifying the part’s features with extra precision. The Lumia X1 machine also employs Axtra 3D’s patented ‘TruLayer Technology’. Utilising multiple sensors that sit beneath the printer’s membrane, TruLayer ensures rapid detachment of the print layer from the vat, which minimises the pause between each layer and speeds up the printing process.
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FAQs
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When was HPS invented?
One of the most recent AM technologies developed, Hybrid PhotoSynthesis was invented in 2021 by Gianni Zitelli and Praveen Turnmala. They patented the technology under their company name – Axtra3D.
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Which industries commonly use HPS?
As a novel technology, HPS isn’t yet ‘commonly’ used in any industry, However, it’s properties make it ideal for a range of applications in healthcare, industrial manufacturing, design, automotive and aerospace.
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What colours are available for HPS?
LPE offer the same extensive post-processing options for HPS as we do for SLA & DLP. That means colour matching is available to any RAL or Pantone number.
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Which materials can be used for HPS technology?
With an OpenSource machine, the HPS process can run a wide range of materials, including ultra-tough, heat resistant, high viscosity, composite, and rubber materials. LPE will monitor customer requirements, and incorporate new materials as and when warranted.
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How accurate is HPS?
As a high-resolution process with a minimum feature size of 0.1mm, HPS is highly accurate.
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How much does HPS cost?
Cost per project depends on a range of factors, including quantity, complexity & finish requirements. However, prices can be expected to be relatively similar to those of SLA. Request a quote here.
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Which material is best for my project?
Material info is available in the ‘Materials’ section above. If you are still unsure, get in touch and a member of our technical team will assist you with material selection.
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Is HPS cost-effective for low volumes?
Like all industrial AM processes, HPS is a cost-effective alternative for low volume production, particularly for highly complex or intricate components.
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Is HPS best for production or prototyping?
While suitable for prototyping, the functional properties of HPS materials make it ideal for production.
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What are the limitations of HPS?
HPS is a very advanced process, combining the high precision and build size capacity of SLA with the surface quality and quick print speed of DLP. It’s limitations lie in the fact that it’s novel, and parameters for new materials aren’t readymade. This means new materials can take a longer amount of time to onboard and for us to make available to you.
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How will HPS affect my carbon footprint?
HPS prints faster than most other AM processes, meaning your parts are made with increased energy efficiency. Like other AM processes, HPS offers significant savings on material waste, and can help you minimise excess stock, reduce the weight of your parts (and thus your shipping emissions), and onshore/nearshore your low volume manufacturing for further reduced shipping emissions.
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How long do quotes take?
Depending on complexity, quotes typically take between 2 and 4 hours.
Why choose LPE?
Range of services and materials
One stop shop for all your prototyping and production requirements with a full range of in-house services and wide range of materials.
Technical expertise
We are the longest established RP bureau in the UK and Ireland, and we have an experienced team of both engineers and modelmakers.
ISO9001 and ISO13485
quality approved
Quality is at the heart of everything we do and is integrated into all our processes. All our parts are finised to the highest standard every time.
Speed of turnaround
Parts can be turned around in a matter of days.
Free next day delivery service
Our parts can be delivered next day free of charge (within the UK & Ireland).
Personal service
Technical sales team offering a professional, experienced and personal service.