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There's some huge roadblocks ahead. First -- joints need to be ground. That's a physical, subtractive process that I see no way of getting around. Second, have
by Hasz 8y ago
There's some huge roadblocks ahead. First -- joints need to be ground. That's a physical, subtractive process that I see no way of getting around.
Second, have you ever seen 3D printed glass under a microscope? It's full of voids and the surface is awful (at least the last piece I saw). For high temp usage, this will not work. This is also a very specific kind of glass -- borosilicate mostly, with some pure quartz work as well, and it's going to have very different properties than even garden variety soda lime.
In short -- maybe 50 years. But, lacking the demand, I doubt we get there at all.
- petermcneeley 8y agoWhat about cast from investment that is printed. Post cast polish still required.
- Hasz 8y agoProbably doable, but for some small features, I imagine getting sufficient flow would be difficult. Molten glass is super corrosive, and the rheological properties vary widely. It's difficult to work with and highly temperature sensitive, all features that just make it a tricky medium. Totally doable, but not exactly easy.
- petermcneeley 8y agoThis is how many custom rings are made today. Of course the material for most rings is some type of precious metal. As for it taking 50 years, I can only say I hope not!