Mould Making for Glass

This book is a comprehensive guide to mould-making techniques for casting glass, covering materials, recipes, methods, and applications. It provides practical information on sourcing, storing, using, and recycling materials and includes examples of work from well-known artists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Unless glassblowers are involved, all glassmakers require molds that can be fired in a kiln as part of the process of producing new pieces. This book is your comprehensive and essential guide to all mold-making techniques for casting glass, with detailed information on materials, recipes for mold mixes, methods, and applications. Mould Making for Glass will help you determine which methods are suitable for different types of work and cover all the basics of how to make your mold. Discover practical information on sourcing, storing, using, and recycling materials, as well as how to develop your own recipes and methods for specific projects. Finally, learn where to start writing kiln firing programs, including annealing and cooling, and explore the work of well-known cast glass artists through beautiful photographs.

Materials:
Glass is a versatile material that can be cast in a variety of ways, each with its own set of materials and techniques. The most common materials used in glass casting are glass powder, glass frit, and glass cullet. Glass powder is a fine powder made from recycled glass, which is melted and then ground into a fine powder. Glass frit is a mixture of glass powder and a binder, which is melted and then ground into a paste. Glass cullet is small pieces of broken glass that are melted and then ground into a fine powder.

Recipes for Mold Mixes:
There are many different recipes for mold mixes, depending on the type of glass being cast and the desired outcome. Some common recipes include:

Silica Sand: Silica sand is a common ingredient in mold mixes for glass casting. It is a cheap and readily available material that provides good strength and durability to the mold.

Borosilicate Glass: Borosilicate glass is a high-quality glass that is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. It is commonly used in glass casting for its durability and clarity.

Alumina Oxide: Alumina oxide is a white powder that is used as a binder in glass casting. It provides good strength and durability to the mold and helps to prevent cracking.

Methods and Applications:
Glass casting can be used to create a wide range of objects, from small decorative pieces to large architectural installations. The following are some common methods and applications for glass casting:

Blown Glass: Blown glass is a traditional method of glass casting that involves blowing air into a molten glass bubble. The glass is then shaped and manipulated into the desired form.

Pressed Glass: Pressed glass is a method of glass casting that involves pressing glass powder and frit into a mold. The glass is then heated and cooled to form the desired shape.

Slump Casting: Slump casting is a method of glass casting that involves pouring molten glass into a mold and allowing it to slump and flow into the desired shape.

Sand Casting: Sand casting is a method of glass casting that involves pouring molten glass into a sand mold and allowing it to cool and solidify.

Conclusion:
Mould Making for Glass is a comprehensive and essential guide to all mold-making techniques for casting glass. It provides detailed information on materials, recipes for mold mixes, methods, and applications, and helps glassmakers to determine which methods are appropriate for different types of work. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced glasscaster, this book will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to create beautiful and durable glass objects.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789940046