So where did the inspiration for the Solar Sinter come from?

The Solar Sinter originates in the previous project the Sun Cutter. My experience working in the desert cutting plywood with the Sun Cutter to produce sunglasses made me think of the vast amount of material which occurs in the deserts of this world. With plenty of energy in form of sunlight the idea was born.

Have you considered working with other natural forms of energy?

I think sunlight is the energy of the past and the future. I am also interested in other forms of natural energy such as wind or the tides but for the moment sunlight dominates in my thinking. I also think that it is very important to think of where the energy is needed and then look at the resources which are close by. 

Did you encounter any problems during the design and manufacturing process of the Solar Sinter? Was it easy to find the materials you needed?

The large fresnel lenses are not easy to come by, on a student budget at least, but in the end I found a manufacturer in Japan who supplied them at a reasonable price. Most of the other parts are pretty easy to purchase online.

Glass bowl produced from the fresnel lens (that acts like a printer head), heating up the sand in the machine, all controlled by a computer

The desert is a fairly inhabitable place: was it difficult working in such extreme conditions? Did it have any effect on the equipment?

I think it is probably easier for a machine than for humans to survive in the desert. Still there were several issues that I encountered which I hadn't prepared for, mainly due to time constrains. Of course the heat became a problem for the electronics which would be an easy one to solve if you were in London but being in the desert there was no way to get spare parts. Being the first test with this machine, there is a list of things that will be taken into account for the next testing period.

Markus adding more sand to the machine and making it even, to build up the layers of glass

How have people reacted to seeing your machine? Do you feel it will encourage businesses to consider the possibilities of using alternative forms of energy in industry?

The reaction to this project truly has been overwhelming. I think that it has delivered what it was all about: to get people dreaming about great potential. It might be too early to say that industry will start with the development of solar production tomorrow but I think the reaction shows that the potential is being recognized.

Close up of the lens moving across the sand and buidling up a structure

Do you plan to develop the project any further? What will become of the machine?

I definitely will develop this machine further, provided I can get the funding for it, but I also see further development with this process in various other applications. I see potential in areas like architecture and science as well as in terms of community projects building solar workshops where sunlight is plentiful. 

Markus's 'office' and the computer that directs the lens in his machine 

Would you consider yourself an artist, inventor or something else?

I consider myself a designer. 

Any other projects you’ve got coming up in the future?

YES.

Well, we'll just have to wait and see what they are, won't we? For more of Markus Kayser's work and more on the background of Solar Sinter and Sun Cutter, click here.