How to Be Glass Blowing Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Glass blowing technicians use a variety of tools and techniques to create a wide range of glass products, from art pieces to scientific instruments. The process begins by heating the raw materials in a furnace until the temperatures reach 2000-3000 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the glass is hot enough, the technician uses tools like tweezers, metal rods, and molds to shape the molten glass into the desired form.

As the glass cools, the technician may add colorants or other materials to create unique effects. The final product is a one-of-a-kind piece that can be used as an artwork, a functional tool, or a decorative object. The success of any project depends on the skill and experience of the glass blowing technician, as well as on the type of material used and the quality of the tools.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer to hire glassblowing technicians who have at least a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Pursue postsecondary education. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed postsecondary education in glassblowing or a related field, such as engineering or industrial design. This education can be obtained through a certificate or associate’s degree program.
  3. Develop your skills. Glassblowing technicians must be skilled in the use of a variety of tools and machines, including grinders, drills, lathes and sanders. They must also be able to work with a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and plastic.
  4. Gain experience in the field. Glassblowing technicians typically gain experience through on-the-job training. Many employers offer internships and apprenticeships to those interested in learning the trade.
  5. Obtain certification. Although certification is not always required, it may help you stand out from other applicants. Certification programs are offered through the National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers Association and other organizations.
Becoming an expert glass blowing technician requires dedication and a desire to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry. To remain knowledgeable and capable, technicians must constantly practice and develop their skills, attend workshops and seminars, and read trade magazines and other publications. They must also keep up with changes in technology related to the equipment they use and make sure they are aware of new safety regulations. By taking these steps, technicians can ensure they remain knowledgeable and capable of performing their job effectively.

You may want to check Flame Working Glassblower, Glass Blower Operator, and Cold Working Glassblower for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Prepare and assemble glass blowing equipment and tools according to the specifications of a job order.
  2. Operate furnaces to melt and shape glass into desired forms.
  3. Verify the accuracy of measurements for glass components.
  4. Join pieces of glass using techniques such as fusing, cutting, grinding, and polishing.
  5. Create custom glass objects such as sculptures, lighting fixtures, and decorative glassware.
  6. Inspect the quality of products to ensure they meet customer standards.
  7. Repair and maintain glass blowing equipment.
  8. Design and construct molds for specific projects.
  9. Clean workspaces to maintain a safe and organized environment.
  10. Handle customer inquiries and provide pricing information as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of glass blowing techniques, tools, and equipment
  2. Ability to work with high temperatures
  3. Knowledge of safety protocols
  4. Ability to read and understand blueprints
  5. Attention to detail
  6. Ability to work with a variety of materials
  7. Ability to follow instructions and specifications
  8. Excellent hand-eye coordination
  9. Good problem solving skills
  10. Excellent communication skills

Being a Glass Blowing Technician requires a wide range of technical skills. At the most basic level, a technician must have a thorough knowledge of the principles of glass blowing, such as the properties of glass, techniques of heating and forming, and the use of molds and tools. They must also have a strong understanding of safety protocols and a keen eye for detail in order to craft pieces with accuracy and precision.

In addition, having a good eye for aesthetics is essential to create aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical glass sculptures. Finally, an ability to think critically and solve problems quickly is key to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the glass blowing process. All of these skills, when combined, give a technician the capability to create intricate and beautiful pieces of glass art.

Lampworking Glassblower, Master Glassblower, and Senior Glassblower are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in glassblowing?
  • How proficient are you in using a torch and other glassblowing tools?
  • How familiar are you with the safety protocols related to glassblowing?
  • Are you comfortable working with customers on special orders?
  • How comfortable are you with troubleshooting problems with finished pieces?
  • What methods do you use to ensure the quality of your work?
  • Describe a time when you overcame a difficult challenge in glassblowing.
  • What techniques do you use to create intricate designs?
  • How do you stay organized while working on multiple orders simultaneously?
  • How do you stay up to date on the latest glassblowing techniques and processes?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Glass Blowing Torch. A small torch used to soften and shape glass for artistic and functional purposes. (eg: Nortel Minor MAPP Gas Torch)
  2. Molds. A device used to create a desired shape in the glass. (eg: Pyrex Blowing Mold)
  3. Lathe. A machine used to spin glass rods, tubes, and other forms of glass for shaping and decorating. (eg: Hot Head Lathe)
  4. Pliers. A hand tool used to manipulate and remove glass pieces from molds and other tools. (eg: Glass-Lined Long Nose Pliers)
  5. Files. A tool used to shape, polish, and smooth glass surfaces. (eg: Diamond File Set)
  6. Heat Gun. A device used to heat glass pieces so they can be bent into desired shapes. (eg: Wagner Heat Gun)
  7. Gaffer Tape. A type of tape used to secure molds and other tools while working with hot glass. (eg: 3M Gaffer Tape)
  8. Air Pump. A device used to inflate and deflate glass pieces as needed. (eg: Small Air Pump)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGS)
  2. The International Flame Working Artists (IFWA)
  3. The International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB)
  4. The International Society of Glass Artists (ISGA)
  5. The Studio Glass Movement Association (SGMA)
  6. The Glass Art Society (GAS)
  7. The American Scientific Glassblowers Society of North America (ASGSNA)
  8. The International Society of Glassblowers (ISGB)
  9. The British Society of Scientific Glassblowers (BSSG)
  10. The Bachelors of Fine Arts in Glass (BFAG)

We also have Artist Glassblower, Production Glassblower, and Free-Form Glassblower jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Flame Working. A type of glassblowing technique that uses a torch and fuel gases to heat, shape and form glass.
  2. Marble Blowing. A technique used to create marbles out of molten glass.
  3. Annealing. The process of cooling glass slowly in a controlled environment to relieve internal stresses.
  4. Kiln Casting. A technique where objects are formed by melting glass in a kiln and pouring it into a mold.
  5. Furnace Working. A process where glass is heated in a furnace, melted and formed into shapes.
  6. Cold Working. The process of shaping glass with tools and techniques such as grinding, cutting and polishing.
  7. Pate De Verre. A technique where glass is melted and poured into a mold to create unique pieces of art.
  8. Frit Blowing. A technique where powdered glass is suspended in air, melted and blown into shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary duties of a Glass Blowing Technician?

The primary duties of a Glass Blowing Technician include creating and forming glass pieces, repairing and restoring glass items, and designing and constructing custom pieces.

What qualities are necessary to be a successful Glass Blowing Technician?

To be a successful Glass Blowing Technician, one must have excellent manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination, strong problem-solving and creative skills, and a high level of patience.

What type of artistic ability does a Glass Blowing Technician need?

A Glass Blowing Technician needs to possess artistic abilities such as spatial awareness, sculpting, painting, and drawing.

What tools and materials are commonly used by Glass Blowing Technicians?

Commonly used tools and materials by Glass Blowing Technicians include glass tubes, rods, crucibles, torches, tweezers, shears, pliers, molds, and grinders.

What is the average salary of a Glass Blowing Technician?

The average salary of a Glass Blowing Technician is $35,000 per year.

Web Resources

  • Scientific Glass Blowing Shop | UD GLASSBLOWING SHOP sites.udel.edu
  • Scientific Glass Technology | Salem Community College salemcc.edu
  • Purdue’s Scientific Glass Blowing Lab offers unique services www.purdue.edu
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