Waltham, MA
Three-dimensionally Printed Glass Testing
Scope/Solutions
In 2017, SGH collaborated with the MIT Media Lab on an exhibit for Milan Design Week. The exhibit, Glass II, showcased intricately curved columns created with three-dimensionally (3D) printed silicate glass. We helped the team by designing post-tensioning support for the columns and performing physical testing in our Applied Science & Research Center. Looking to advance their research with a new geometry, MIT retained SGH to perform additional testing on 3D-printed glass samples in 2024.
SGH tested nineteen samples to determine the compressive strength of the assembly. Highlights our work include:
- Conducting tests on a single glass unit with flat-plate boundaries and on a stacked assembly
- Testing with wooden and/or aluminum mounts to simulate use-case loading conditions
- Using a hydraulic testing machine with a 600 kip capacity
- Targeting a load rate of 1 kip/sec and manually controlling the rate of compression to compensate for deformations as the glass pressed into the mounts
- Monitoring the load and displacement throughout the testing using data acquisition software
Project Summary
Solutions
Evaluation
Services
Applied Science & Research
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Specialized Capabilities
Materials Science
Key team members



Additional Projects
Northeast
University of Massachusetts, Boston Harbor Campus
DCAM retained SGH to conduct a study for the repair of the plaza and two substructure levels, and to design remedial work to address existing deterioration and extend the useful life of the facility.
Northeast
New England Conservatory, Student Life and Performance Center
The New England Conservatory wanted to create a hub for students by providing gathering spaces, dormitories, a library, practice rooms, and performance venues all in one new building. SGH provided building enclosure and building science consulting services for the project.