Glass crucibles are heat-resistant containers used to melt glass for creating pieces. They are made of refractory materials and come in various sizes and designs. Care must be taken to avoid spillage and injury. Choosing a crucible requires considering the type of glass and project.
A glass crucible is a durable, heat-resistant container used to melt glass in a furnace for the purpose of creating glass pieces by melting, blowing, and other processes. These devices are made of refractory materials, specialized bricks, ceramics, and other compounds that can withstand the extremely high temperatures of the kiln. They are available in a range of sizes and designs for different applications. For people who have access to the right raw materials, it is also possible to make a glass crucible.
The crucible looks a bit like a large flower pot, and some may have holes in the bottom for throwing activities. A dish can slide under the crucible to catch the drops, a potential problem if the device is overloaded or there is a problem melting the glass. Molten glass can damage a furnace, especially if it is allowed to build up, and users should take care to avoid spillage when working with a glass crucible.
To use a glass crucible, the operator loads it with glass and places it in the furnace, bringing the furnace temperature up to a working heat suitable for the type of glass. Extreme heat characterizes glass furnaces and care must be taken around the crucible and furnace to avoid injury. When the glass melts, the glazier can start working on it with the help of tools such as crucible tongs to safely grip the glass crucible from a distance.
Some glass crucibles have a coating to prevent sticking. Such coatings can introduce impurities and cannot be used with some types of glass processing where purity is critical to the integrity or appearance of the glass. In other cases, the glass will stick to the sides of the device and the operator will need to clean it after use to remove the adhered glass and prepare it for the next firing. Operators also regularly inspect their glass crucibles for signs of cracks, pitting and other problems that could be affecting their performance.
Choosing a glass crucible requires thinking about the type of glass you will be handling, the size of the furnace, and the types of projects involved. Instructors and mentors can assist individuals with choosing an appropriate crucible if they are unsure which product would be most appropriate. As people develop experience and skills, they may gravitate towards a particular brand based on their experience with it and could amass a collection of crucibles for different needs.
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