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 Today, I’m thrilled to be part of groundbreaking research in this area, working as an industrial post-doc, dividing my time between KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the deep-tech startup Nobula 3D, both located in Stockholm, Sweden. During the first year of my studies at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland I decided I wanted to spend a year studying chemistry abroad and so, I travelled to Stockholm within the Erasmus+ exchange program. What was initially meant to be just two semesters has turned into nearly a decade—and counting! During this time, I completed my bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees at the Department of Materials Chemistry at Stockholm University (SU).  SU played a crucial role in my professional development, as this is where my true passion for science was awakened. The education and experiences I gained at SU, prepared me to secure competitive internships at the University of Tokyo and AstraZeneca, where I began to refine my scientific focus. That focus ultimately led me to the exciting world of additive manufacturing.

During my PhD studies under the supervision of Prof. Aji P. Mathew, my research centred on processing various bio-based materials through fused deposition modelling (FDM). I worked on developing polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites, reinforced with bio-based nanomaterials like cellulose and chitin. This work aimed to create sustainable and efficient materials for addressing critical water treatment challenges. By combining the biodegradability of PLA with the unique properties of various nanomaterials, I explored ways to improve the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and adsorption capabilities of the resulting composites. In addition to material development, I optimized the FDM process to ensure precise fabrication of functional 3D filters suitable for removing various contaminants, such as heavy metal ions and microplastics, from water. This hands-on experience with additive manufacturing deepened my understanding of both the materials and the technology, laying the foundation for my current work in the innovative field of glass 3D printing.

Up until recently, glass was considered the last frontier within the additive manufacturing industry, however science has caught up and several different solutions have emerged lately. Nobula 3D, the startup I currently work for, has patented the solution to process and 3D print glass utilizing the Direct Glass Laser Deposition (DGLD™) technique. DGLD™ technology enables multiple-beam CO2 laser irradiation to create a small hot-zone of approximately 300 µm in diameter, allowing for highly localized heating of thin glass filaments (Ø ~200 µm). This precise, non-contact focus not only reduces the laser power required to reach temperatures above 2000˚C, but also minimizes the risk of material contamination during the printing process. As a result, it facilitates the creation of high-quality glass components with intricate designs and high resolution.

It is a real treat to be among the first in the world to work with laser-based glass 3D printing technology. I am very grateful to my mentors, especially my supervisor Prof. Michael Fokine, whose passion for glass science and optics continues to inspire me, and to Nobula’s application engineers/glass 3D printing experts, Sheng-An Yu and Helena Kågebrand. While 3D printing glass is the most fun part of my work, it represents just a fraction of what I do. My main focus as a materials chemist lies in identifying different types of glass that can be drawn and spooled into thin filaments, which can further be processed with the use of Nobula’s 3D printers. Currently, we are primarily 3D printing using fused silica glass filaments, but in a near future we are planning to expand our material portfolio to i.a. borosilicate glass and other multi-component glass. Moreover, my past experience with biomaterials will soon come in handy, as my current research goal is to develop new, sustainable coatings that can be applied directly onto the different types of glass fibers during the spooling process.

At the CeramicAM conference and awards

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel and spread the word about Nobula worldwide. Representing such an innovative technology like laser-based glass 3D printing has opened doors to amazing discussions and fruitful collaborations with experts from all around the world. In September, I had a chance to present our work during CeramicAM conference organized in sunny São Carlos, Brazil. A personal highlight of the event was being granted the Best Oral Presentation Award, funded by JECS Trust. As part of the award, I have been granted a free registration to the upcoming young Ceramists Additive Manufacturing Forum (yCAM), which will take place in Toulouse, France in April. I am thrilled to have joined the ranks of young ceramists and look forward to connecting with fellow researchers in the field at the upcoming forum.

  Figure illustrating the capabilities of Nobula’s laser-based glass 3D printer. First-ever glass 3DBenchy model printed using Nobula’s standard fused silica glass filaments (Øfilament ~200 µm).

Photo: Helena Kågebrand.

Natalia Fijoł
KTH Royal Institute of Technology / Nobula 3D
natalia@nobula3d.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-fijo%C5%82-611202122/