Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a 3D printer that produces intricate glass designs with the push of a button.
The machine uses molten glass as its “ink,” contained in a “kiln cartridge” that heats up at 1,900 degrees until it is molten and pliable, Fast Company reports. “In a lower chamber, the glass is softened through a heat treatment process called annealing and funneled through an alumina-zircon-silica nozzle,” the article says.
Mediated Matter is the MIT research group responsible for the invention, which has been used to create glass vases and prisms.
Here are some screenshots of the device. You can learn more and watch the video at Fast Company.
Related Stories
| Jan 25, 2013
Applied Software Earns Autodesk MEP Systems Engineering Specialization Designation
Designation underscores firm’s success in supporting and educating customers in MEP design and BIM.
| Jan 9, 2013
Panasonic and Bluebeam preview new architect app at CES 2013
Panasonic and Bluebeam Software collaborate to develop and introduce the 4K tablet and software to the design and construction industry.
| Jan 3, 2013
Top BIM/VDC articles of 2011-2012
A compendium of BD+Cs top building information modeling and virtual design + construction articles from 2011-12.
| Jan 2, 2013
Global data center market to ‘slow’ to 14.3% this year
Total global investment in data centers is expected to slow down somewhat this year but still increase at a respectable 14.3%, according to DCD Intelligence.
| Jan 2, 2013
BIM market value to hit $6.5 billion by 2020
Sales of BIM software and services are expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 17.3%, to a market value of $6.5 billion in 2020.
| Nov 28, 2012
Cummins announces ratings classification for data center power systems
The Data Center Continuous ratings span the range of Cummins Power Generation’s high horsepower diesel generator sets, from 1 MW up to 2.5 MW, and will apply to both 50 Hz and 60 Hz configurations.
| Nov 5, 2012
Trimble acquires Vico assets, extends design-build-operate capabilities
Software to add 5D management to Trimble’s Solutions for vertical construction contractors.
| Oct 4, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Gold Winner: Wake Forest Biotech Place, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Reconstruction centered on Building 91.1, a historic (1937) five-story former machine shop, with its distinctive façade of glass blocks, many of which were damaged. The Building Team repointed, relocated, or replaced 65,869 glass blocks.
