Glass fusing involves heating glass in a kiln to a soft point, allowing it to be manipulated into various objects. It is easier to learn than glassblowing and can create anything from necklaces to bowls. Safety equipment is necessary, and compatible glass must be used to avoid cracking or exploding. Supplies can be obtained through […]
Art glass is decorative glass created by individual artists using small-scale kilns. Vintage glass can include factory glass art. The studio glass movement began in the 1960s in the US and has gone international. Glass art covers a broad spectrum of objects and can range in price from cheap to staggering. Art glass primarily refers […]
Glass wool is a fibrous material used for insulation and air filters. It is made by spinning glass into fibers and can be cut into mats or blankets. It is available at home improvement stores and can be used for sound insulation or in aircraft. Glass wool is strong and resistant but can cause irritation […]
Glass tinting reduces light or radiation passage and can be used for glare reduction, heat reduction, privacy, and decoration. It can be done by adding chemicals during creation or adding film later. Tinting reduces UV radiation and heat, and window film is used for privacy. Tinted windows pay for themselves in energy savings. Auto tinting […]
Glass requires more energy to recycle than plastic due to its initial production process. However, glass can last longer and preserve taste better. The “reduce, reuse, recycle” hierarchy prioritizes reducing and reusing products before recycling. Recycling uses fewer natural resources and prevents excess landfill waste. The more research that is done on this topic, the […]
Low-E glass controls heat transfer while allowing visible light to pass through. The U factor measures heat transfer, with lower U factors indicating higher energy efficiency. The glass reflects long-wave radiation energy to keep heat in desired locations. It is available in high, moderate, and low gain panels for different climates. Low-E glass is coated […]
Safety glass is designed to resist shattering and minimize the risk of injury. It can be toughened or laminated, with tempered glass breaking into rounded pieces and laminated glass holding pieces in place. It is stronger than conventional glass and can prevent serious injury or death. Safety glass is a type of glass that is […]
Laminated glass is used for car windshields and in places where safety is important. It consists of two layers of glass with a PVB interlayer that prevents shattering. Invented by French chemist Edouard Benedictus, it was first used in gas mask eyepieces during World War I. The production process involves pressing the layers together and […]
The first marbles were made from clay and were shaped by hand. Martin Christensen invented the first automatic marble worker in 1902, which improved production. The game of marbles grew in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. Modern machines use a furnace and colored glass strips to create perfect spheres. Marble working is also used […]
Optical glass is a specialized glass used in optical devices like telescopes and eyeglasses. It requires precise formulation and handling to be free from impurities. Glassmaking techniques have been refined since the 1600s, and lens making is a precise art. Optical glass is expensive due to the labor involved, and alternatives like specialty plastics have […]
Sheet glass is a flat and distortion-free type of glass used for windows, mirrors, and tables. It can be made through a roller or flotation process, but can be brittle and expensive to replace. It is available in different weights and thicknesses, and can be purchased through glass companies or hardware stores. Buyers should consider […]
Water glass, or sodium silicate, is a versatile solution used in building materials, textiles, and fire safety. It can create seals and increase binding properties, and can be used to repair mufflers and preserve artifacts. It is commonly used in lumber processing and concrete. Also known as sodium silicate, glass of water is a solution […]
Flint glass is a highly transparent and refractive optical glass. It was developed in the 1600s using powdered flint and became the standard until lead glass was discovered. Flint glass is now primarily used for optical lenses, while antique collectors seek out leaded glass tableware, which can command high prices. Modern manufacturers still produce authentic […]
Glass is a versatile substance that has been used by humans since 12,000 BC. It is a supercooled liquid that can be made from natural sources like silicate-rich rocks or by man using silica, soda, and lime. Glass is a rigid liquid that retains liquid properties while behaving like a solid. It is preferred for […]
Borosilicate glass is a durable type of glass that can withstand extreme temperatures and chemical corrosion, making it popular in scientific instrument making. It was invented by Otto Schott in the 19th century and was once used for kitchenware. It is now mostly used for laboratory glassware and high-precision lenses. It is resistant to chemical […]
Glass cockpit upgrades replace analog gauges with digital displays, providing pilots with more efficient and organized information. The system improves situational awareness, monitors aircraft systems, and eliminates unnecessary distractions. Additional training is recommended before using the system. Highly sophisticated systems feature multi-function and primary flight displays, engine indication, and crew alert systems. The term “glass […]
Heat resistant glass is used in industrial, construction, and cooking applications to prevent thermal shock. Borosilicate glass has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion and is used for laboratory equipment, trays, and serving dishes. Tempered glass is stronger and used in cookware and fireplace screens. Glass ceramic is used for hobs, fireplace screens, and fire-resistant […]
Spandrel glass is an opaque and reflective material used to cover building materials and create a seamless exterior. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and can cover arches and columns. The manufacturing process involves a “fire frit” that strengthens the glass and makes it resistant to thermal conditions. It can be used for both interior and […]
The martini glass is designed to be functional, with a V-shaped cup and long stem to prevent warming of the drink. It showcases the garnish and prevents separation of ingredients. The glass has become an icon of sophistication and is associated with celebrities. Decorative designs and accessories have become popular. A subtype of cocktail glass, […]
Glass ionomer cements are dental materials used for bonding and filling teeth. They have a tooth-like appearance and can be used for various dental procedures. They were first released in 1972 and require a short time to set. There are six types of applications, and they can be used for both permanent and temporary restorations. […]
