Corning Incorporated
METHODS OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR GLASS STRUCTURES

Abstract:

A method for forming a structure includes providing a glass or glass ceramic tubular structure (110) having an interior (150) and exterior surface (160) and at least a partially closed end region (140); heating the glass or glass ceramic tubular structure (110) to at least its softening point by: providing a laser beam; directing the laser beam (130) down the interior surface of the glass or glass ceramic tubular structure (110), at least some of the laser beam (130) directed at an angle greater than a predetermined incidence angle; and the laser beam (130) impinging on the closed end region (140) where at least some of the laser beam (130) is absorbed by the closed end region (140) of the glass or glass ceramic tubular structure; and moving at least one of: the glass or glass ceramic tubular structure or the end region relative to each other to form at least a two-dimensional shape from the glass or glass ceramic tubular structure.