LUMEN X™ | CELLINK 

Key benefits

• Layer-by-layer DLP: Projects each layer as an image for rapid fabrication of photo-crosslinkable geometries.
• 35 µm XY pixels: Supports detailed structures and complex internal features within the limits of the material and exposure process.
• 405 nm visible light: Designed for compatible photoinks and live-cell workflows.
• Grayscale printing: Varying exposure can be used to create spatial differences in curing and biomechanical properties.
• Temperature control: The build region can be controlled from room temperature to 60 °C.
• Modular build platforms: Glass-bottom and metal platforms are available in several sizes for different applications.
• Sterility-oriented workflow: UV-C chamber sterilisation, autoclavable build platforms and sterile photoink vats support controlled preparation.
• DNA Studio Illuminate: Prepare models, control print settings and manage light-based fabrication workflows.

How DLP bioprinting works

The model is divided into image layers. For each layer, the DLP system projects a patterned 405 nm image into a compatible photoink, initiating crosslinking in the exposed regions. The platform then advances in Z and repeats the process until the construct is complete.

Feature quality depends on pixel size, optical focus, light dose, photoinitiator, photoink absorption, layer thickness, curing kinetics and post-exposure behaviour. The 35 µm pixel specification should therefore be treated as an optical sampling parameter rather than a universal guaranteed feature dimension.

Applications

• Macroporous scaffolds and tissue-engineering constructs
• Microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip structures
• Vascular and perfusable model development
• Material and photoink formulation research
• Grayscale stiffness gradients
• Drug-development and screening models
• Live-cell printing with compatible formulations
• Complex hydrogel structures and regenerative-medicine research

Technical specifications

When should a laboratory choose LUMEN X Gen 3?

LUMEN X Gen 3 is well suited to researchers who need a flexible benchtop DLP platform, a relatively large Z build range, modular build surfaces or layer-by-layer control for scaffolds, microfluidics and photoink development.

Choose BIONOVA X when the priority is 10 µm resolution, direct printing in standard multi-well plates, high-throughput in-well workflows or layerless continuous printing. Choose BIO X or BIO X6 when the process requires extrusion rather than projected-light fabrication.

Frequently asked questions

What materials can LUMEN X Gen 3 print?

The system requires materials that can be crosslinked using its 405 nm optical process. CELLINK offers compatible photoinks, and researchers can develop custom formulations. Compatibility depends on photoinitiator, absorption, viscosity, cells and the required exposure.

Is LUMEN X Gen 3 suitable for live-cell printing?

The platform is designed with live-cell printing in mind. Cell response must still be validated for the specific photoink, photoinitiator, wavelength, light dose and thermal conditions.

How does grayscale printing help?

Grayscale images vary local exposure. With a compatible material and calibrated process, this can generate spatial differences in crosslinking and stiffness, enabling biomechanical gradients.

Request a configuration

APEL Laser can help assess photoink chemistry, feature size, build platform, exposure requirements and the choice between layer-by-layer and direct in-well DLP. Contact APEL Laser or email sales@apellaser.ro.