Optics Letters：New laser 3D printing technology could be used to produce complex glass parts

Researchers have developed a new laser-based method for 3d printing complex parts made of glass. With further development, this new method could be used to manufacture complex optical devices for vision, imaging, lighting or laser applications.

The research has been published in Optics Letters, a journal of the Optical Society. The 3D printing method is based on multi-photon polymerization, which ensures that polymerization (the process of joining liquid monomer molecules together to form a solid polymer) occurs only at precise laser focal points. It allows the direct manufacture of three-dimensional parts in sizes ranging from a few microns to tens of centimeters, with a resolution theoretically limited only by the optics used to shape laser beams.

Using the traditional layer-by-layer approach to building 3d glass objects has several limitations. The speed of the printing process is limited by the time it takes to build the layers, and it is difficult to maintain a consistent thickness when using a highly sticky resin. The manufacture of complex parts often requires a bracket, which must be precisely positioned before being removed.

While multi-photon polymerization can be used to avoid the layer-by-layer approach, 3d printed glass objects require materials that are transparent at laser wavelengths during the initial liquid phase and during polymerization. It must also absorb half the laser wavelength to initiate the multi-photon polymerization process.

To achieve this, the researchers used a mixture containing a photochemical initiator to absorb blue light, a resin and high concentrations of silica nanoparticles.

The researchers say the new method could potentially be used to produce almost any type of three-dimensional glass object. The team is exploring the possibility of using the new method to produce glass components for luxury watches or perfume bottles.

Compiled by the Qianzhan Economist's APP Information group 

Source: www.qianzhan.com