> On Sep 9, 2016, at 6:58 PM, Fred Cisin <ci...@xenosoft.com> wrote: > > On Fri, 9 Sep 2016, Guy Sotomayor Jr wrote: >> Actually it actually *does* exist and is reasonable to manufacture. Here’s >> the >> article: >> http://www.nrl.navy.mil/media/news-releases/2015/transparent-armor-from-nrl-spinel-could-also-ruggedize-your-smart-phone >> >> It’s basically a sintered process where the ceramic is formed (this >> particular one is called spinel) >> and the process is to put the powder in a press, raise the temperature and >> evacuate the air. >> The result is a clear crystal that has better properties than glass. The >> size of the piece is only >> limited by the size of the press. > >>>> Ah yes, but can you make in sheets 60 feet by 10 feet by 1 inch thick and >>>> withstand the pressure of 18,000 cu ft of water? :) > > THAT would be a big heated vacuum press
…and if someone decided they needed it, it would get built. To “cure” some of the composites on the 777X, Boing is building 3 autoclaves that are 28 ft wide and 120 ft long so it’s not outside of the realm of possibilities. What *is* cool about the process for “transparent aluminum” is that it’s scalable. To get bigger pieces you just need a bigger press. Unfortunately it probably will never be as cheap as large scale glass making which can be done on a continuous process. TTFN - Guy
