Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NOBULA (Nobula – Breaking the glass ceiling in Additive Manufacturing through laser-assisted glass 3D printing)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-08-01 do 2024-07-31
Commercially available glass manufacturing methods present a set of drawbacks that make glass processing an energy- and cost-inefficient process. Nowadays, large-scale infrastructure, cleanroom environments, extremely high temperatures, and the use of corrosive chemicals is required, which suppresses the drive for innovation in various engineering applications, where glass could normally be implemented as the material of choice.
Processing glass via additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, could be a potential remedy to these shortcomings. Up until recently, glass was considered the last frontier of additive manufacturing. However, the emergence of novel technologies for processing glass via 3D printing opens a wide range of possibilities for implementing glass in various sectors of industry in a time-, cost- and energy-efficient manner.
At Nobula, our vision is to transform how the world innovates by enabling glass 3D printing. We envision a world where glass and laser-based manufacturing enable meaningful breakthroughs that improve lives, fuel discovery, and create a better future for all.
We are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing using glass and laser technologies. Our mission is to empower innovation and production across industries—unlocking new possibilities in life sciences, photonics, and beyond through accessible, high-performance glass additive manufacturing.
Nobula is focused on advancing our Direct Glass Laser Deposition (DGLD) technology. Our glass additive manufacturing system is protected by multiple pending patents and is designed to produce high-resolution glass structures (100-250 µm). This technology eliminates the need for expensive cleanroom infrastructure and has already gained traction in the EU, US, Asia, and South America. Key applications include microlenses, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, organ-on-a-chip, optics, fiber optics, and decorative arts.
Processing glass via additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, could be a potential remedy to these shortcomings. Up until recently, glass was considered the last frontier of additive manufacturing. However, the emergence of novel technologies for processing glass via 3D printing opens a wide range of possibilities for implementing glass in various sectors of industry in a time-, cost- and energy-efficient manner.
At Nobula, our vision is to transform how the world innovates by enabling glass 3D printing. We envision a world where glass and laser-based manufacturing enable meaningful breakthroughs that improve lives, fuel discovery, and create a better future for all.
We are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing using glass and laser technologies. Our mission is to empower innovation and production across industries—unlocking new possibilities in life sciences, photonics, and beyond through accessible, high-performance glass additive manufacturing.
Nobula is focused on advancing our Direct Glass Laser Deposition (DGLD) technology. Our glass additive manufacturing system is protected by multiple pending patents and is designed to produce high-resolution glass structures (100-250 µm). This technology eliminates the need for expensive cleanroom infrastructure and has already gained traction in the EU, US, Asia, and South America. Key applications include microlenses, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, organ-on-a-chip, optics, fiber optics, and decorative arts.
The key achievements of the past 12 months are listed below:
1. Implementation of new beam splitter and circular polarization optics layout improved laser stability from cold start with an error margin of ± 0.5%.
2. Software package, including custom Nobula slicer software and Pronterface, is updated and ready to be used by expert operators.
3. Stable, robust and low maintenance feeding system was developed.
4. New 3D stage module was designed. The component is stable, reliable and possess several backup options.
5. Process to smoothen single flat layer of material was developed. Moreover, method for implementing transparent and smooth horizontal windows within the printed structures was developed.
6. Several new materials were tested both as filaments and substrates. Apart from fused silica, the proficiency of printing borosilica Schott glass filaments was achieved. Among new substrates zirconia, borosilica, soda lime and fused silica substrates of new thickness (0.5 mm and 0.15 mm, instead of standard 0.3 mm) were tested.
7. Pilot-ready prototype with implemented laser safety is complete. Pilot launch is planned for October 2024.
1. Implementation of new beam splitter and circular polarization optics layout improved laser stability from cold start with an error margin of ± 0.5%.
2. Software package, including custom Nobula slicer software and Pronterface, is updated and ready to be used by expert operators.
3. Stable, robust and low maintenance feeding system was developed.
4. New 3D stage module was designed. The component is stable, reliable and possess several backup options.
5. Process to smoothen single flat layer of material was developed. Moreover, method for implementing transparent and smooth horizontal windows within the printed structures was developed.
6. Several new materials were tested both as filaments and substrates. Apart from fused silica, the proficiency of printing borosilica Schott glass filaments was achieved. Among new substrates zirconia, borosilica, soda lime and fused silica substrates of new thickness (0.5 mm and 0.15 mm, instead of standard 0.3 mm) were tested.
7. Pilot-ready prototype with implemented laser safety is complete. Pilot launch is planned for October 2024.
1. Machine learning method aimed to control printer settings without the operator’s input is being developed. The work was initiated earlier this year, however proved to be a challenge without additional funding.
2. The first beta test is planned to gather feedback on the current system. The external feedbacks will guide our product development towards product market fit.
2. The first beta test is planned to gather feedback on the current system. The external feedbacks will guide our product development towards product market fit.