Volumetric heating in digital glass forming

Abstract

This research study investigates the use of volumetric heating in Digital Glass Forming (DGF) to enhance heat absorption and deposition rates in the glass printing process. A 1070 nm wavelength laser and various art glasses with colorants are explored to improve the volumetric heat absorption capacity of the soda-lime glass. A coaxial configuration is implemented to achieve uniform heating in filaments. The achieved deposition rates (V̇ = 15.7 mm3 /s) surpass previous reports in the literature. The study examines the behavior of glass material during printing and identifies different morphologies under varying conditions. Limitations include heat absorption restrictions within the glass and the occurrence of bubbles inside the filament. Simulation results suggest an optimal deposition rate where the glass can be deposited at higher speeds without encountering bubbles or defects by carefully adjusting the Optical Penetration Depth (OPD) of the glass filament This research contributes to overall DGF process, optimizing deposition rates, and identifying areas for future research. It demonstrates the potential of volumetric heating and lays the groundwork for advancements in glass manufacturing processes.