A new achievement in 3D printing glass materials presented by Micron3DP
Over the past years we have seen a great range of options of 3D printing materials. The majority of the materials can be used to improve the existing materials and make them more dependable so that they could perform several functions like developing tools for reusing e-waste or space exploration. But as for development of new materials for 3D printing that would broaden the range of material options for printing custom physical objects, here it comes to Micron3DP developments. Thanks to their advancements, we will be able to print various structures from glass using the method of fused deposition modeling.
Israel-based company is widely known in the 3D printing world. It is the source for those who need to produce parts of high quality parts for developing or customizing 3D printers. The company is an innovative one, just some time earlier the company represented a new line of metal extruders – the Cobra line. Their development of 3D printing based on glass took them several months to think them over. They worked in their R&D department and worked out a solution – to print liquid glass. Other companies and individuals have made lots of attempts to make 3D printed glass, but this time it’s the first attempt to print hot liquefied glass through a hot extruder.
Finally after many attempts Micron succeeded and printed glass – they raised the temperature of the material to 850 degrees C. They printed borosilicate glass, which can be used for producing more long-lasting glassware for use in science labs. The researchers of the company even raised the temperature of the material up to 1640 degrees C.
The opportunities to use the technology are nearly limitless. However they haven’t estimated the costs yet. But still it looks as if it is an economical way to produce glassware automatically in comparison with glassblowers. It is similar to how 3D printers based on ceramic can possibly substitute the profession of making bowls. In the Micron they say that their achievement can be useful in various spheres – medicine, art, architecture and even aerospace. At present the company is trying to find an investor for the field of glass printing. Right now it is still difficult to say for sure, but probably this area of the additive manufacturing world will become the next “hot” area.
