Where can I get custom glass castings or molds made?
I would like to know what type of glass manufacturer you would have to go to get some castings made so that you can pour melted glass in them to form shapes. Any good companies you can point me in the direction of would be appreciated.
You will need graphite or iron molds. If you are going to pour glass, you need a furnace capable of 2000F and an annealer capable of lowering the temperature slowly over several days depending on the thickness. Alternatives are pressed glass and kiln casting. Kiln casting of unique examples can be done with molds made of a 50/50 plaster and silica flour mix.
One source of graphite http://users.ticnet.com/mikefirth/glos-src.htm#EDW
other info
http://users.ticnet.com/mikefirth/what-can.htm
http://users.ticnet.com/mikefirth/molds.htm
December 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
You will need graphite or iron molds. If you are going to pour glass, you need a furnace capable of 2000F and an annealer capable of lowering the temperature slowly over several days depending on the thickness. Alternatives are pressed glass and kiln casting. Kiln casting of unique examples can be done with molds made of a 50/50 plaster and silica flour mix.
One source of graphite http://users.ticnet.com/mikefirth/glos-src.htm#EDW
other info
http://users.ticnet.com/mikefirth/what-can.htm
http://users.ticnet.com/mikefirth/molds.htm
References :
December 30th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
if you have access to a kiln, try a process known as slumping: put a piece of glass, which is purchased flat and usually square although you can also get cut pieces like a circle, on top of the mold. Heat the kiln to the point that the glass melts, 1200-1300 degrees Fahrenheit. As the glass deforms and "slumps", it will take the shape of the mold. The heat is maintained for a certain amount of time based on the type of glass and the finish desired. Then the kiln is cooled to around 1050 degrees, where it is "soaked" to relieve stresses on the glass, and then slowly cooled to room temperature.
You can purchase slumping molds here:
http://www.americanglasssupply.com/
http://www.artglassfusingcenter.com/
http://www.slumpys.com/SlumpysStore/default.aspx
It doesn’t say specifically that you can to pour already-melted glass into the molds, but I don’t see why not. You may want to ask the manufacturers directly to be sure
References :