Georgia Tech innovates 3D printing of glass microstructures

2023-10-23 03:00:32

Georgia Tech Invents New Process to 3D Print Glass Microstructures

A team of researchers from Georgia Tech has revolutionized the 3D printing process for glass microstructures, making it more efficient and practical for medical devices and research applications. Unlike traditional methods that require extremely high temperatures, the team used ultraviolet light to convert printed polymer resin to silica glass at lower temperatures. This innovation significantly reduces the heat required and shortens the curing time, making the process faster and more cost-effective.

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The team, led by Professor H. Jerry Qi, described their approach in the journal Science Advances. They have successfully produced a variety of glass microstructures, including tiny lenses that can be used for medical imaging inside the body. This breakthrough could lead to the development of miniaturized lenses for medical endoscopes and microfluidic devices for studying cells or biofluids in motion.

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Climate-Friendly Glass Manufacturing

One of the key advantages of this new 3D printing process is its climate-friendliness. Unlike conventional methods that require the burning of polymer mixtures, the Georgia Tech team's approach utilizes deep UV light to convert a light-sensitive resin into glass. This not only reduces the energy required for heating but also eliminates the need for adding silica nanoparticles, resulting in highly transparent and smooth glass structures.

Scaling Up and Future Possibilities

Currently, the team's 3D printing process can create structures in the range of 200-300 micrometers in size. However, they are actively working on scaling up to millimeter-scale structures. The researchers see great potential in this approach for the manufacturing of ceramics, which are heat- and corrosion-resistant materials. The Office of Naval Research has funded this project, recognizing the innovative and risk-taking nature of the research.

Georgia Tech's breakthrough in 3D printing glass microstructures opens up new possibilities in various industries, particularly in the field of medical devices and research. With their climate-friendly and cost-effective approach, the team is pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing and paving the way for more advancements in the future.

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