Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Field Trip


The Material Science: Glass class (CT-7) went on a field trip and visited two local business. First we met at Fire and Light who specializes in cast recycled glass to create one of a kind glasses, bowls, plates, vases and other items. 90 to 93% of the glass is recycled from local homes and businesses.


150 pounds of clear glass is heated to 2450˚ then poured into graphite molds one piece at a time. After the glass cools (about a minute) it is placed in an annealing oven (lehr) set to 900˚ and the pieces slowly cools to 90˚.


Don't miss Fire and Lights second sale on October 16 and 17, 2010 at the Arcata Community Center.


Next was a visit to Hilliard Lamps, specializing in foiled and fused glass with cast bronze components


Silica Bronze ingots are heated to 2050˚ and poured into a flask, the top half called the cope and the bottom half is the drag.


Glass is cut into very small pieces and then wrapped with copper foil. Once the pieces have been placed they are soldered together.


For more pictures you can click on the Hilliard pics or Fire and Light pics.