Jan. 1, Digital Journal: Technologists at the Massachusetts Insitute of Technology have invented a new type of 3D printer (the G3DP2) that can produce structured, transparent glass. The new device is described as reliable and one that can achieve a fast production rate, along with reliability and repeatability. The researchers, Chikara Inamura, Michael Stern, Daniel Lizardo, Peter Houk and Neri Oxman, published the results in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing.
Glass has proven to be one of the most challenging materials for 3D printing, but using the G3DP2 system researchers have been able to achieve far more control over molten glass during the printing process.