We're used to thinking of glass as an ancient material that's extremely complex to shape. But what if there was a way to work it like plastic? Glassomer project, born in 2021, has set itself the goal of developing a technology that allows obtaining glass products with typical polymer processing processes.
Born from a university intuition in Germany and then developed thanks to European funding, Glassomer transformed a visionary idea into an innovative start-up, which has now become an SME.
Glassomer is glass that can be worked as a polymer
The heart of technology is a nanocomposite: a plastic material filled with microscopic sand particles (silica). This compound is easily worked, through injection molding or 3d printing, just like any polymer.
Once the desired shape is achieved, the plastic part is removed and the piece is heat treated. The end result? A solid, durable, and ready-to-use glass component.
Less energy, less CO₂
One of the most interesting aspects of the innovation introduced by Glassomer is the drastic reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional glass processing methods. The processes are in fact much less energy-intensive and cut CO₂ emissions, offering a sustainable alternative for the supply chain.
From Idea to Market: Scalability is Reality
The European project allowed Glassomer to demonstrate the process's industrial scalability, investing in advanced molding machines and equipment. The company now employs around 20 people and collaborates with clients in sectors such as precision optics, laboratory instrumentation, and automotive.
With an approach that combines versatility, precision, and sustainability, Glassomer's technology could redefine the potential of glass in industry and science.
