Yup. Here's a solar powered 3D printer that fuses sand into glass

In a world increasingly concerned with questions of energy production and raw material shortages, this project explores the potential of desert manufacturing, where energy and material occur in abundance.
In this experiment sunlight and sand are used as raw energy and material to produce glass objects using a 3D printing process, that combines natural energy and material with high-tech production technology.

Solar-sintering aims to raise questions about the future of manufacturing and trigger dreams of the full utilisation of the production potential of the world’s most efficient energy resource - the sun. Whilst not providing definitive answers this experiment aims to provide a point of departure for fresh thinking.

www.markuskayser.com

Jon Danforth on The Home Power Hour

I will be interviewed about Maker Faire:NC on The Home Power Hour radio show on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 10:00AM.  The show is on WCOM 103.5FM.  Internet stream is here. I'm recovering from a cold so cross your fingers for me!