Researchers at MIT have developed a method of 3D printing glass objects at low temperatures.
This is quite surprising, given that glass typically requires temperatures exceeding 1400°C to sinter glass particles. Temperatures of that level have been used in the past in attempts to extrude glass. While those experiments were successful technically, the process was impractical due to the extreme temperatures required.
As a result, we really don’t see much glass being 3D printed. One example of a company using that process is Maple Glass Printing.
Another approach that has been used to 3D print glass objects that I am aware of is a 3D printable resin from Glassomer. That resin contains a high ratio of glass particles that can be printed into a green part, and then sintered (at high temperatures) to create a fully glass part. However, those temperatures are again present in the Glassomer process.
The new MIT process is different in that it apparently does not require high temperatures. The process they describe involves a direct ink writing process with a material made from “a variety of inorganic materials combined with a silicate solution”.
After printing, the raw objects are then “cured” in a mineral oil solution at the relatively low temperature of only 250°C. A final step is to wash the part in an IPA solution to result in a “fully inorganic part”. I’m curious about how the molecules bond using this process, but the chemistry is beyond me.
They say their new process is able to control various properties, including chemical and electrical. The images do not show any fully transparent glass objects, but the researchers are continuing to work on that issue.
This is a very early step into an entirely new process for producing glass objects. The process seems to have many advantages over earlier glass processes and should be pursued. It’s still not clear whether the new process is financially feasible and therefore commercializable.
But if it turns out to be feasible, we could see new, inexpensive glass 3D printing become widespread.
Via MIT
