A simple putty to enable the shaping of silica glass
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Tirichenko, Iuliia
Saiz, Eduardo
Hong, Yinglun
Butler, Christopher
Elizarova, Iuliia
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Glass has been used for centuries, and its compositions and applications are continuously evolving. Advancements in glass shaping are being made from micro to macro scales. However, robust fabrication of increasingly complex glass parts remains a significant challenge in industrial applications which also demand more sustainable manufacturing processes. Novel additive manufacturing technologies could offer useful alternatives, but working with glass has proven complex. We have created a “glass putty” composed of micron-sized glass powder and resin that can be shaped at room temperature by 3D printing, plasticine-like moulding, stamping, and green machining. Our approach enables multiscale, high-quality transparent glass components with properties comparable to commercial materials while reducing manufacturing hazards. The adhesive nature of the putty allows its modular assembly to produce colour gradients. The putty can be reshaped in case of errors, reducing the part rejection rate. Such a multiscale and multitool forming approach to glass manufacturing unlocks the true freedom of design when working with this challenging material and will help to realise its true potential in any desired application.
Date Issued
2025-10-01
Date Acceptance
2025-09-02
Citation
Materials and Design, 2025, 258
ISSN
0264-1275
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Materials and Design
Volume
258
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
114687
Date Publish Online
2025-09-02