UpNano pioneers 3D printing of intricate fused quartz objects, unlocking new possibilities in precision manufacturing.
In a significant advancement for the field of additive manufacturing, UpNano GmbH has announced the development of a novel process for 3D printing small, complex objects using fused quartz. This innovative technique, created in collaboration with Glassomer GmbH, combines high-precision two-photon polymerisation (2PP) 3D printing with UpNano’s NanoOne printing system to produce parts in the millimeter and centimeter range with micrometer-scale features.
The new process addresses the longstanding challenge of manufacturing minute, intricate glass objects, particularly those requiring high-quality fused silica (SiO₂). Fused silica is prized for its superior optical properties, biocompatibility, chemical inertness, and exceptional heat resistance, making it invaluable across various industries.
Markus Lunzer, team lead of Materials & Application at UpNano, explained the three-step process: “The first step is to design and print the desired structure using all the advantages 2PP 3D-printing offers. The second step is to remove organic binder material followed by a high temperature sintering process, the third step.”
Central to this breakthrough is the newly developed nanocomposite “UpQuartz,” which contains SiO2 nanoparticles and a specially designed polymer matrix compatible with 2PP 3D printing. The process begins by printing a ‘green part,’ which then undergoes thermal treatment to remove the polymer matrix, resulting in a ‘brown part.’ Final sintering at 1,300°C produces the finished fused silica object, with an isotropic shrinkage of about 30% that can be easily compensated for using UpNano’s software.
This development marks a significant leap forward in 2PP 3D printing capabilities, following UpNano’s recent advancements in material testing and the production of holistic embedded microfluidic chips. The company believes this new technique will find applications in engineering, chemical, medical, and research fields where high-resolution, high-precision glass parts are required.
As the additive manufacturing industry continues to evolve, UpNano’s latest innovation promises to open up new possibilities for the production of complex quartz objects, potentially revolutionizing various sectors that rely on high-performance glass components.
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Alexa Sipes is a U.S. tech journalist with 5 years of experience, now writing for 360TechInsights. She covers emerging technologies and industry trends across North America, Europe, and Asia. Sipes’ concise reporting offers readers valuable insights into the latest tech news, innovations and the companies behind them.
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