3d printing using only solar power.

If you have a big enough magnifying lens, you can melt sand into glass. If you have a computer controlling movement of the focal point, some interesting manufacturing possibilities emerge. Here is an example of such a device. The primary energy source for this device is solar. The energy takes the form of focused heat, provided by the Fresnel lens on top of the structure. The device also uses solar panels for powering the electronics that controls movement of the platform.



This device has the desirable feature that the products can be made exclusively from materials found in the immediate surroundings. For example, the bowl on the upper right was made with fused together sand. While it's clear this particular system isn't built for long term service, it does show that direct-solar manufacturing for some items could be possible.