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Fascination Technology 3D Printing Glass at Room Temperature: Myth or Reality?

Source: Lincoln Laboratory | Translated by AI 2 min Lesedauer

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In our "Fascination Technology" section, we present impressive projects from research and development to engineers every week. Today: how glass objects can be manufactured at low temperatures using 3D printing.

The so-called Direct Ink Printing enables the process to start at room temperature, followed by heat treatment at only 250 °C.(Source: Lincoln Laboratory)
The so-called Direct Ink Printing enables the process to start at room temperature, followed by heat treatment at only 250 °C.
(Source: Lincoln Laboratory)

Glass is a material that surrounds us in everyday life and comes in many forms. It exhibits numerous interesting properties for various applications—transparency, chemical inertness, electrical insulation capability, as well as heat resistance and recyclability. Despite these advantages, it has rarely been used in additive manufacturing because it requires very high melting temperatures of around 1,000°C (1,832°F) and a strictly controlled thermal environment. 
A research team at Lincoln Laboratory has now succeeded in producing glass objects at low temperatures using 3D printing: their technique, called Direct Ink Printing, enables the process to start at room temperature, followed by heat treatment at only 250°C (482°F).

The three-stage process of 3D printing glass.(Source: Lincoln Laboratory)
The three-stage process of 3D printing glass.
(Source: Lincoln Laboratory)

The Direct Ink Printing technique is based on a customized ink composed of a silicate solution and nanoparticles of other inorganic materials. This ink is then extruded layer by layer through a nozzle with a diameter of 410 micrometers, ensuring very precise control of the printing process. The ink can be applied to a substrate made of plastic, metal, glass, or even silicone—all at room temperature. The silicate particles react with each other and with the silicon dioxide particles, resulting in a three-dimensional component.

Reduction of Process Temperatures as a Major Advantage

After this room-temperature printing step, a post-treatment is conducted to ensure the structural stability of the component. The part is placed in a bath of mineral oil and heated to 250°C (482°F), which allows it to fully cure. It is then cleaned in an organic solvent—a mixture of toluene and isopropanol—to remove any remaining mineral residues. According to the Lincoln Laboratory team, tests produced structures with very high resolution, minimal shrinkage, and excellent thermal stability.
The initial results are very promising and could significantly simplify access to 3D printing with glass. Although the post-processing steps extend the manufacturing process, the significant reduction in process temperatures presents a major advantage. The team is currently working on improving the optical clarity of the glass produced and developing additional inks that offer varied chemical and electrical properties. Further information can be found here.

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