The project started in 2021. A laboratory setup was completed for the technology development using a medium-throughput injection molding machine and a clean room environment for the production, printing and casting of Glassomer materials was established (see Figure 1). Processes and technology were optimized to allow for the production at high quality which was checked by glass and surface analysis. For scale-up, Glassomer announced a collaboration with ENGEL, which fosters the development of the Glassomer Process on ENGEL injection molding machines. A large-scale production line has been setup based on this cooperation (see Figure 2). Production equipment for post-processing was acquired to allow for large-scale production of glass parts. The high electricity requirements by the scale-up resulted in the need for new electrical connections at the production facilities. The newly installed, up-to-date electronic system enabled the operation of multiple injection molding machines and high-temperature ovens at the company site. First test and feedback projects have been executed including the fabrication of high-quality optical components like microlens arrays (MLA) and refractive lenses (see Figure 3). A cleanroom environment and an effective quality control system have been established for testing samples. For the QM system, an ISO9001 certification was achieved. Pilot projects for the fabrication of lenses, packaging, nozzles, jewelry and labware components were successfully executed.
For effective dissemination, Glassomer has launched a new homepage as part of the PR strategy, which (along with its makers, tp werbeagentur) has won the International Creative Media Award (ICMA) of Excellence. Glassomer regularly joins major international trade fairs like Photonics West and has taken part in numerous discussions relating to the future of the glass industry in times of energy shortage and high costs (see Figure 4). For customer information and attention, a regular newsletter was set up for customers and several supporting conference materials were designed (see Figure 5). Glassomer was featured in several media outlets: The VDI, podcast “Druckwelle” of ingenieur.de Nachrichten aus der Chemie, podcast “Maschinen Raum” conducted an interview with co-founder Dr. Frederik Kotz-Helmer, Articles were published in Mikrofertigung and Kunststoffe.de (see Figure 6). Co-Founders Rapp and Kotz-Helmer also edited the book “Additive manufacturing of glass” with contributions of major glass scientists around the world, highlighting the impact of the Glassomer Technology for on-demand manufacturing.
In the future, Glassomer will further scale-up the production capabilities and exploit the results and knowledge gained in the project. With the wide customer base built, Glassomer will continue to produce on-demand glass parts and increase the revenue especially for high-throughput injection molding. With the results achieved in the project it is now possible to build the next production lines fast and efficiently and produce glass parts on an industrial scale in high quality. The project enabled industrial access to a novel technology and with the support systems created, a foundation for future growth of the company has been laid.
