Name: Active Crystal Printing, InstaCrystal, DuraCrystal Description: As a supersaturated fluid, it appears as a clear solution with a slight tint based on desired color. InstaCrystal is typically stored in vials with small shock absorbing gravitic wells so as to not kickstart the crystallization process by accident due to it being knocked around. When crystallized, it appears as a smooth crystal with a color based on desired chemical tint, monocrystals form in Hexagonal dipyramids for Instacrystal solutions, while Duracrystal forms in a diamond cubic lattice. Abilities: INSTACRYSTAL Quickly crystallizes fully, a gallon of solution being able to crystallize in three seconds. Can be used with Liquid Nanomachines on the outer edge of the fluid to allow for manipulatable crystal growth, but the presence of the nanomachines in the matrix causes a bit more instability in the structure Allows for quick structures to be made on the spot Structures can be later broken down to be put back into a supersaturated solution, 1 gallon of crystal being broken down in 5 hours, allowing for it to be reused, as well as any included Liquid Nanomachines to be reused Mohs scale of 7, similar to Quartz DURACRYSTAL Creates a durable, strong structure from a supersaturated solution, perfect for use in larger structures and in finely-crafted products that desire a remarkable hardness and resistance to wear and tear Can be repaired through Molecular Printing deposition of further material Thick pieces of Duracrystal are remarkably hard to damage, even when specifically targeting available cleave points directly Mohs scale of 10+, similar to nanocrystalline diamond & C-Axis Rhenium diboride Conditional Abilities: Both materials are chemically inert when crystallized, making them useful for use in medical fields and as containers for chemical solutions Can be used in electrical circuitry as an insulator Thin pieces of clear Duracrystal without defects can be used as a replacement for glass because of its remarkable hardness Duracrystal can be used as focal lenses on photonic weapons Limitations: INSTACRYSTAL Due to its rapid crystal growth, natural defects can occur, which weaken the overall structure, even more so if impurities are in the structure The solution is very sensitive to shock, if not protected by shock absorbers, even the slightest jolt can set off the crystallization inside its containment vessel Crystals degrade over time from natural wear and tear, making Instacrystal unsuitable for long term constructs Stress on cleave points of the crystal cause it to quickly crack and damage Cracks weaken overall integrity of lattice, making it more susceptible to future damage Once crystallized, it cannot be changed from its given shape until put back into a soluble solution and recrystallized again If nanomachines are used to control the solution, they cannot be used again following crystallization until it has been put back to a supersaturated state DURACRYSTAL Once crystallized, it cannot be changed from its given shape until put back into a soluble solution and recrystallized again, a process which takes a week for one gallon of Duracrystal to fully break down into the solution Although difficult to target due to the lattice structure, attacking the cleave points of the lattice is a sure fire way to cause damage Has no give once fully crystallized, making it unsuitable for uses that require a degree of flexibility Slowly grows, one gallon takes 73 hours to fully crystallize The slow growth process means that it must be monitored constantly to prevent the formation of faults or the integration of impurities into the structure, as such, growing Duracrystal is regularly scanned with ENDI throughout the growth process to track every molecule accurately How does it work: Using a finely crafted supersaturated solution, Instacrystal and Duracrystal both begin the re-crystallization of the material in their respective solutions once triggered by a proper catalyst, usually a slight discharge of kinetic energy; Instacrystal typically being activated through its release from its containment device, and Duracrystal being activated by a fine-tuned kinetic jolt distributed equally across the solution. Flavor text: Invented by a Hylotl Manufacturing Corporation in the late 2900s, Duracrystal and Instacrystal have since skyrocketed in popularity for their uses in manufacturing and various sciences. Instacrystal has particularly become popular in niche communities of those who enjoy adding Liquid Nanomachines to the solution, giving them a magic flair, as if they had the ability to control crystals at their whim. Referenced Technologies: Controllable Liquid Nanomachines Attainability: [Open] Tags: [Industrial] Category: Materials
