Various glass making techniques are used globally, with float glass and glassblowing being the most common. The best method depends on the intended use and raw materials. Float glass involves pouring liquid glass over molten tin, while glassblowing inflates the glass to create a vessel. Historical methods produced wavy patterns in the glass. Glass can also be rolled or molded for specific purposes. Knowledge of manufacturing techniques is important for art conservators working with glass objects.
A number of glass making techniques are in use around the world. Float glass and glassblowing are two of the most common and important methods. The best manufacturing method depends on how the glass will be used, as different techniques can bring out different characteristics in the finished product. It is also important to select appropriate raw materials. For things like science glass and kitchen containers, the glass needs to be durable, resistant to high temperatures, and very strong.
In the production of float glass, manufacturers pour liquid glass over a hot bath of molten tin. The two components do not mix and the glass forms a thin layer on top. The resulting sheet of glass can slowly move through the plant to cool until it is ready to be cut. Manufacturers using this production method have extremely large facilities to house all the different stages of production.
Historical methods of making sheet glass were less reliable and tended to create wavy patterns in the glass. The distinctive appearance of older glass plates is often attributed to the aging of the glass over time. This is actually not the case; the glass had the same ripples and curved look when it was new.
Glassblowing involves inflating the glass to empty it and create a vessel. You can create a freeform object or blow it into a mold. Historically, glass was made by rolling clay molds into molten glass, waiting for it to cool, then breaking the mold to remove it and leave the finished glass vessel behind. When this technique was replaced by glassblowing, it was a significant development in the history of glassmaking.
Glass can also be rolled in a manufacturing method in which partially molten glass is squeezed between giant rollers to create a flat sheet. For tiles, glassmaking techniques can include cooking the glass paste in molds until it melts and creating slumped glass using textured molds to emboss and shape the glass during the cooking. Glass tile makers may also use glass shards fired in a mold to create a solid, patterned piece of glass.
Art conservators must be familiar with glassmaking techniques if working with glass objects. It can be important in understanding how a piece was made. If it has a problem, such as instability due to impurities, knowledge of manufacturing techniques can help the conservator repair the glass appropriately. While glass is normally extremely strong and stable, some antique pieces are fragile and require special care.
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