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

Dec 7, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cause: Scientific Glassblowing is a specialized craft that requires a combination of skills. Effect: Skilled craftspeople use a variety of tools and techniques to create custom pieces of glassware for scientific and industrial purposes. These pieces are designed to meet the precise specifications of the client, and range from simple laboratory glassware to complex scientific instruments.

The process requires a high level of skill and precision, as even a slight mistake can render the glassware useless. To become a successful scientific glassblower, a person must have a thorough understanding of the physical properties of glass, as well as an artistic eye for design. it is important for a scientific glassblower to keep up with advances in technology, as new tools and techniques are constantly being developed to help improve the quality and accuracy of the finished products.

Steps How to Become

Gain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers will require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent before considering them for a job as a scientific glassblower.
Take Related Classes. Some employers may prefer applicants who have taken classes in glassblowing, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering.
Obtain an Apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is the best way to learn the trade of scientific glassblowing. Apprenticeships are usually paid positions with on-the-job training, allowing the apprentice to learn from experienced professionals.
Earn a Certificate. There are a few schools that offer courses and certification programs in scientific glassblowing. Completing a certification program can give applicants an edge in the job market.
Obtain Certification. After gaining experience and completing a certification program, many scientific glassblowers seek to become certified through the National Scientific Glassblowers Society (NSGS). This certification is a sign of professional excellence and can help applicants land higher-paying positions.

Being a skilled and efficient scientific glassblower requires a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge. It starts with a strong foundation of basic glassblowing techniques, such as tube cutting, flaring, and joining. Next, having an understanding of the properties of glass and how to work with them is critical.

having the ability to work in a lab setting and follow safety protocols is essential. Lastly, having the ability to use and troubleshoot specialized equipment is a must for successful scientific glassblowing. All of these skills create the foundation for a skilled and efficient scientific glassblower.

You may want to check Lampwork Glass Blower, Hot Glass Blower, and Glassblower for alternative.

Job Description

Design and construct laboratory glassware, scientific instruments, and apparatus according to customer or supervisor specifications.
Repair and maintain existing laboratory glassware and apparatus.
Operate specialized glass blowing equipment such as torches, lathes, grinders, and kilns.
Prepare materials such as tubing, rods, and sheet glass of various sizes and shapes for construction.
Perform calculations to determine properties of glass such as surface tension, viscosity, and thermal conductivity.
Monitor the glassblowing process to ensure quality of the product.
Use microscopes to inspect products for flaws and defects.
Make recommendations to improve the design and construction of laboratory glassware and apparatus.
Train and supervise junior glassblowers.
Adjust and repair laboratory equipment and scientific apparatus as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of glassblowing techniques and materials.
Ability to interpret and work from drawings and sketches.
Ability to use glassblowing tools and equipment.
Precision, accuracy, and good hand-eye coordination.
Ability to work in a safe manner.
Ability to identify and troubleshoot problems.
Knowledge of laboratory and safety regulations.
Knowledge of basic chemistry principles, particularly related to glassblowing processes.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance.
Ability to work as part of a team.

Being a Scientific Glassblower requires a great deal of skill and expertise. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to visualize the end product, as this will inform the entire process from start to finish. From designing and constructing the piece to troubleshooting any problems that arise along the way, having a strong sense of creativity and problem solving is essential.

having a thorough understanding of chemistry and physics is also paramount as this knowledge is necessary to manipulate the glass into the desired shape. Finally, an intimate knowledge of the latest technologies and safety protocols is essential in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process. All in all, having a strong set of skills and knowledge is essential for anyone looking to become a Scientific Glassblower.

Cold Working Glassblower, Glass Blowing Technician, and Artist Glassblower are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you rate your skill level as a scientific glassblower?
What experience do you have in designing and fabricating laboratory glassware?
How familiar are you with the various glassblowing tools and techniques?
Describe a project you have worked on that exemplifies your expertise as a scientific glassblower.
What strategies do you use to ensure a high level of accuracy and safety when working with scientific glassware?
How would you rate your understanding of the various chemical, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of glass?
Describe your experience with troubleshooting and repairing scientific glassware.
What challenges have you faced when working with different types of glass?
What processes and procedures do you employ when creating custom pieces of scientific glassware?
How would you go about training a new scientific glassblower?

Common Tools in Industry

Lathe. Used to shape and form glass into various shapes and designs. (eg: creating curved glass tubes)
Flame Working Torch. Used to heat and shape the glass. (eg: creating intricate designs)
Hand Blowing Tools. Used to blow glass into desired shapes. (eg: making a glass ball)
Glass Cutting Tools. Used to cut and shape glass. (eg: cutting long tubes)
Grinding and Polishing Tools. Used to grind, sand, and polish glass pieces. (eg: shaping the outside of a tube)
Hand Tools. Used for fine detail work and manipulation of glass pieces. (eg: creating an airtight seal)
Pliers and Grippers. Used to hold and manipulate delicate glass pieces. (eg: holding a thin tube while heating it)
Annealing Ovens. Used to cool glass pieces slowly and evenly. (eg: cooling a tube after blowing it)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGS)
International Scientific Glassblowers Society (ISGS)
British Scientific Glassblowers Society (BSGS)
German Association of Scientific Glassblowers (GASG)
Japanese Association of Scientific Glassblowers (JASG)
National Association of Scientific Glassblowers (NASG)
Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorators (SGCD)
European Scientific Glassblowers Association (ESGA)
Canadian Scientific Glassblowers Association (CSGA)
National Institute of Scientific Glassblowing (NISG)

We also have Senior Glassblower, Glass Artisan, and Lampworking Glassblower jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Glassworking. The craft of manipulating molten glass into desired shapes and objects.
Glass Blowing. The art of shaping molten glass into desired shapes and objects by blowing air into it.
Annealing. The process of cooling and tempering hot glass that has been worked, in order to reduce its brittleness and make it more durable.
Flame Working. The technique of using a flame to shape and manipulate hot glass.
Kiln-firing. The process of heating glass in a kiln to melt it and make it malleable.
Fusing. The process of joining two pieces of glass together using heat.
Casting. The process of pouring molten glass into a mold to create a desired shape or object.
Lathe Working. The technique of spinning a piece of glass while applying heat to shape it.
Grinding. The process of using an abrasive material to shape and polish glass.
Lampworking. The technique of using a torch or lamp to melt and shape hot glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scientific Glassblowing?

Scientific Glassblowing is the art and science of custom fabricating laboratory-grade glassware for scientific applications such as research, development, and experimentation.

What types of glass are used for Scientific Glassblowing?

Scientific Glassblowing typically involves borosilicate glass, quartz, and other specialty glasses, depending on the specific application.

What tools are used for Scientific Glassblowing?

Tools used for Scientific Glassblowing include blowpipes and hand torches, grinders, lathes, saws, torches, and a variety of other specialized equipment.