How to Be Industrial Glassblower - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Industrial glassblowing is a highly specialized craft that requires extensive knowledge and skill. The process of glassblowing begins with the selection of raw materials, such as silica, soda ash, and limestone, which are then heated to extreme temperatures in a furnace. Once the molten glass is formed, it is carefully shaped and manipulated by the glassblower using tools such as blowpipes, punty rods, and tweezers.

The end result is a unique and intricate piece of art that can be used for a wide range of applications, from scientific equipment to decorative pieces. The cause and effect of industrial glassblowing is that it allows for the creation of intricate and unique pieces of artwork, while also providing an opportunity for skilled craftsmen to practice their craft. industrial glassblowing enables manufacturers to produce durable glass products for a variety of purposes, such as scientific equipment or decorative pieces.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer to hire industrial glassblowers with a high school diploma or GED.
Earn a postsecondary degree in glassblowing. You may be able to find a certificate or associate degree program in glassblowing at a vocational school or community college.
Obtain experience. Many employers prefer to hire experienced glassblowers. You can gain experience through apprenticeships, internships, or volunteer positions.
Apply for a job. Search online job sites and contact local glassblowing businesses to inquire about job openings.
Complete on-the-job training. After you're hired, you'll likely need to complete on-the-job training where you'll learn the specific procedures and techniques used in your employer's shop.
Take safety courses. Some employers may require you to complete a safety course prior to starting work.

Industrial glassblowing requires a high level of skill and competence. To become a proficient industrial glassblower, one must possess a strong knowledge of the craft and understand the fundamentals of heat and temperature control. one must be familiar with the tools and techniques used in the trade, as well as safety procedures for handling and working with molten glass.

Furthermore, having an eye for aesthetics and design is essential in order to create aesthetically pleasing pieces. Finally, practice makes perfect, so a commitment to hard work and dedication to perfecting the craft is essential in becoming a successful industrial glassblower.

You may want to check Furnace Glassblower, Glass Blower Operator, and Glassblower for alternative.

Job Description

Design and create custom glass pieces for a variety of industrial applications.
Operate and maintain a variety of glassblowing equipment.
Operate annealing ovens and flame-working torches.
Perform detailed measurements and calculations.
Cut and shape glass according to specific requirements.
Assemble and fabricate intricate glass pieces with precision.
Repair and refurbish existing glass pieces.
Follow safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
Collaborate with other professionals to develop innovative solutions for challenging projects.
Educate customers on the proper care and handling of glass products.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Manual dexterity
Ability to work with hot glass
Knowledge of scientific principles of glassblowing
Understanding of safety protocols
Knowledge of tools and techniques
Eye for detail and precision
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Good communication skills
Knowledge of the different types of glass and their properties
Understanding of the art and craft of glassblowing
Ability to read and understand blueprints
Ability to work with a team of other glassblowers
Ability to calculate temperatures and pressure settings accurately
Ability to work with a variety of tools including torches, pipes, molds, and tools for cutting, trimming, and shaping glass
Knowledge of the different types of furnaces and cooling systems used in glassblowing

Industrial glassblowing is a highly specialized skill requiring precision, creativity, and a great deal of practice. As an industrial glassblower, having the right combination of knowledge, experience, and skill is essential for success. It requires a thorough understanding of the materials used, the nuances of the craft, and the ability to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

having a deep understanding of the physics and chemistry surrounding glass is of paramount importance. This knowledge allows industrial glassblowers to create intricate and beautiful pieces of art while also ensuring each piece is structurally sound and can withstand the pressures of its intended purpose. With these skills and knowledge, industrial glassblowers can create objects that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Lead Glassblower, Glass Blower Technician, and Cold Working Glassblower are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with industrial glassblowing?
How would you describe your knowledge of industrial glassblowing processes?
Describe a difficult project you worked on and how you overcame it.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with molten glass?
Describe the steps you take to ensure a high level of quality in your work.
What experience do you have working with high temperature furnaces and other equipment?
What challenges have you faced when creating custom pieces?
How do you stay up to date with industrial glassblowing trends and techniques?
How do you handle customer requests that require special attention or difficult techniques?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and precision in your work?

Common Tools in Industry

Torch. A device used to generate an intense flame, typically fueled by propane or natural gas. (eg. Oxy-Acetylene Torch)
Blowpipe. A long pipe with a mouthpiece at one end and a nozzle at the other, used to create air pressure when blowing glass. (eg. Standard Blowpipe)
Jacks. A tool used to shape and manipulate hot glass. (eg. Hand Jacks)
Paddles. A tool used to shape and manipulate hot glass. (eg. Wooden Paddles)
Punty. A metal rod used to shape, move, and support molten glass when it is being formed. (eg. Steel Punty)
Crucibles. A container made of heat-resistant material, typically made of clay or ceramic, used to hold molten glass. (eg. Clay Crucible)
Marver. A flat surface that is used to shape and cool molten glass as it is being formed. (eg. Wooden Marver)
Tweezers. Small tools used to handle small pieces of glass when forming a piece of glassware. (eg. Ceramic Tweezers)
Shears. Long-handled tools with curved blades used for cutting molten glass. (eg. Glass Shears)
Reamers. Tools with sharp tips used to shape and ream out hollow pieces of glassware. (eg. Diamond Reamers)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Glass Beadmakers
International Association of Glass Artists
Glass Art Society
American Scientific Glassblowers Society
International Association of Glass Producers
International Guild of Glassblowing
North American Glass Guild
National Institute of Glassmaking (Italian)
British Society of Scientific Glassblowers
Glass Art Association of Canada

We also have Production Glassblower, Glass Blowing Technician, and Glass Artisan jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Kiln. A device used to heat glass to a desired temperature for glassblowing.
Mandrel. A metal rod that is heated and inserted into molten glass to form specific shapes.
Blowpipe. A tool used to blow air into molten glass to shape it.
Pontil. A metal rod used to hold the glass as it is being worked on.
Annealing. The process of cooling glass slowly in order to relieve stress from the heating and forming process.
Flux. A chemical compound used to lower the melting point of glass.
Marver. A flat surface used to shape glass after it is removed from the blowpipe.
Glazing. The process of applying a thin layer of glass to a surface for protection or decoration.
Frit. A type of crushed glass that can be used to add color or texture to a piece of glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Industrial Glassblower do?

An Industrial Glassblower is an artisan who specializes in the art of shaping and sculpting glass. They create glass objects such as decorative ornaments, lighting fixtures, scientific instruments and more.

What skills are needed to become an Industrial Glassblower?

To become an Industrial Glassblower, one must have good hand-eye coordination, strong creative skills, patience, and the ability to work with hot materials. In addition, a knowledge of chemistry and physics is beneficial.

What tools are used by Industrial Glassblowers?

Industrial Glassblowers use a variety of tools including a furnace, blowpipe, paddles, tweezers, molds, and shears. Additionally, they may use chemicals such as borax and sulfur to help shape and color the glass.

What is the temperature of the glass when it is being worked?

The temperature of the glass when it is being worked by an Industrial Glassblower can range from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What type of safety equipment is needed for an Industrial Glassblower?

An Industrial Glassblower must always wear protective gear such as safety glasses, long-sleeve shirts and pants, thick gloves and leather boots when working with hot glass. Additionally, breathing protection is important when working with chemicals.