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Glass can be used in a wide variety of settings.

Whether protecting our eyes from the sun, or allowing us to magnify objects, there are thousands of uses of glass, which is why it is one of the most manufactured products in the world.

In fact, the glass manufacturing market is worth over 250 billion dollars, and this figure is estimated to double over the next decade.

There are many different types of glass manufacturer, and here at Moore’s Glassworks, we fall into the custom bracket.

This means that we make products that are bespoke to our customers, and while we have a set list of items that we regularly produce, we do so in different sizes and with different characteristics as per our customer’s requirement.

But how can working with a custom glass manufacturer benefit you?

Let’s take a look.

7 Benefits of Working with a Custom Glass Manufacturer

Perfect Fit for Your Needs

Custom glass products are designed to meet your unique needs and requirements.

Whether you are looking for an item to perform a certain function or have a certain fit, a custom manufacturer will listen to the brief and create a product that is just right for you.

Some of the products we produce, such as vacuum viewports, need to be sealed and have a tight fit to function properly, so using a manufacturer who can deliver on the right measurements and make a product just right for the job at hand is vital.

Enhanced Functionality

No matter what the application for your item, it will be designed with maximum functionality in mind.

Whether you would like something that helps to improve energy efficiency, or light and sound insulation, or even to boost the safety for the people using it, this can be provided with a custom order.

Not only that, but the type of glass used, and the design of the product will always be done with strength, durability, and functionality in mind, meaning you are guaranteed a product ready to work for you in the best way possible.

Greater Flexibility

By working with a custom glass manufacturer, you get much more flexibility in how you would like your product to be designed.

Whether you need something that is large or small, thick or thin, round or square, the role of a custom manufacturer is to listen to your specific requirements and create the product that you need.

This versatility is one of the key reasons many people use this type of glass manufacturer when wanting products in different sizes and styles and that will fit perfectly into the appliance they are looking to use it with.

Increased Safety

When developing products that are to be used in industries such as science, medicine, and the military, the safety and security of your products must always be at the forefront of your mind.

Many of our products are used in high pressure situations, and often come under huge strain due to excess light or heat for example.

Custom glass products can be used for many different reasons, and a manufacturer will have this in mind when building it, making sure all of the materials and techniques being used will provide maximum durability and make sure it has all the features to carry out its requirements safely.

Cost-Effective

While a custom glass product may be more expensive to be manufactured initially, they can be cost-effective in the long run.

This is because what you are getting is a product that is built to last and that has been created using tough and durable materials.

Not only that, but the product will be the perfect fit for your job, and this tailored design should further boost the functionality and stop you needing to purchase a different product later down the line.

High-Quality Craftmanship

Custom glass manufacturers are highly skilled in creating glass products that are made to fit and built to last.

Here at Moore’s Glassworks, our glassblowers are highly skilled, and we also have the use of auto-lathes to make producing large amounts of identical products efficient and simple.

We also put all of our products through a rigorous quality control test, ensuring that nothing is exported that isn’t up to scratch.

Every good custom glass manufacturer will have a well trained and professional team taking care of every order and ensuring that every product is of the right dimension, quality, and is ready to perform the function is being built to do.

Unique to You

The final benefit of working with a custom glass manufacturer is that you are getting a product that has been made solely for you.

What this means is that whatever your need is for the product in question, the manufacturers will aim to produce something that is just right for you.

This means that what you are left with is a bespoke product that is unique to your needs and requirements.

This can have many benefits, including increasing the price of the appliance it is being used on, to providing extra safety and security measures, as mentioned earlier.

Custom Glass Manufacturing with Moore’s Glassworks

If you’re looking to work with a custom glass manufacturer to produce products for you, then why not check out what we can do for you today.

We produce a wide range of products in various dimensions and always ensure that every item that leaves us is in the best condition and of the highest quality that it can be.

Want to know more? Then get in touch today.

If you’re looking for a custom glass manufacturer that you can know you can trust to create great products and get them to you safely, there will be some key features of the business that you are looking for.

Placing bulk orders or ordering specialist products can be costly, and you don’t want to send this money to a glass manufacturer before knowing exactly who you are working with.

Here at Moore’s Glassworks, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and approach, and we want to help you find the perfect fit for your business and your glass products.

With that in mind, here are ten things you should look for when choosing a custom glass manufacturer.

Let’s take a look.

10 Key Characteristics of a Great Glass Manufacturer

A great custom glass manufacturer should have the following key characteristics:

1. Quality: A great custom glass manufacturer should prioritize the quality of their products above all else. They should use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to create products that are durable, long-lasting, and visually stunning. Some glass manufacturers, such as Moore’s, have a quality control procedure in place which rigorously tests every one of our products before it leaves our building and is shipped to you. This means that we will ensure the product is just as you ordered, with no defects or issues.

2. Expertise: There aren’t many things more important in any industry than experience and expertise in a chosen field. Your chosen manufacturer should have a team of experts who have a deep understanding of the art and science of glassmaking. They should be able to offer advice and guidance on design, materials, and installation, and should have the skills and knowledge to create custom glass products that meet the unique needs of their clients.

3. Customisation: The word custom is key here, and that is because we aren’t talking about any normal glass manufacturing plant which may mass produce components with identical dimensions. With a custom glass manufacturer, you are getting products tailored to the specific needs and preferences for you. They should be able to work with clients to understand their vision and create products that meet their exact specifications. While there may be set products, these will come in different shapes and sizes, and a good glass manufacturer should be able to produce individual items that fit the brief to the exact millimetre.

4. Innovation: A great custom glass manufacturer should be constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with glass. They should be using the latest technology and manufacturing processes to create products that are innovative, unique, and visually stunning. For example, automation is a key element of our glass manufacturing process and this allows us to create articles that are the exact dimensions requested in an efficient time with minimal waste.

5. Customer Service: In any business, customer service is key, and this is true for custom glass manufacturers. A good company should have a team ready to answer the phone and any emails that are sent in a quick time. The customer service team should be responsive to their clients’ needs and concerns, and should work closely with them throughout the design and manufacturing process to ensure that their expectations are met. A custom glass product is something specific to the client so co-operation when creating it is often key.

6. Sustainability: A great custom glass manufacturer should prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in their manufacturing processes. They should be using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to minimize their impact on the environment. Using recycled glass to produce their products and maintaining an eco-friendly approach is becoming ever-important in the glass manufacturing industry, so adopting this and using the innovative methods available are a key sign of a forward thinking business.

7. Attention to Detail: In custom glass products, every measurement has to be exact, and therefore a manufacturer should pay close attention to the details of their products, ensuring that every aspect of the design and manufacturing process is carefully considered and executed to perfection. As we mentioned previously, our products such as vacuum viewports and cathode ray tubes are designed to the exact millimetre, and any discrepancies could mean the product is unusable. This attention to detail ensures every product is safe and fit to use.

8. Reliability: Another one that could apply to all businesses, a custom glass manufacturer should be reliable and dependable, delivering products that meet their clients’ expectations on time and on budget. This falls into the customer service category a little as any issues that do occur should be dealt with quickly and the products should always meet the customer’s requirements.

9. Versatility: A great custom glass manufacturer should be able to create a wide range of custom glass products, from small decorative pieces to large-scale installations. They should have the versatility to meet the needs of clients in a variety of industries, from residential to commercial. Here at Moore’s Glassworks, we specialise in a wide range of products, from glass condom moulds to mutli-pin bases, and we are versatile enough to make these to varying dimensions depending on the customer’s wants and needs.

10. Speed: While the time it takes to create a product isn’t a deal breaker and it is truly quality that matters, if your chosen glass manufacturer can get products out in quick time and can fulfill your orders with time to spare this is definitely a bonus. This is another benefit of using a glass manufacturer that has access to automation and can create products efficiently without showing a drop in quality.

Quality Custom Glass Manufacturing with Moore’s Glassworks

We are a business who prides itself on creating high quality glass products that are exact to the customer’s request.

We use human glass blowers and our innovative auto-lathes to produce hundreds of glass products that are exported all across the world every year.

If you want to know more, or want to speak with our team about what we can do for you, then get in touch today.

Glass manufacturing is a complex process that involves a variety of potentially hazardous activities, such as working with high temperatures, handling heavy materials, and operating complex machinery.

At Moore’s Glassworks, we put the safety of our workforce first, and that’s why we have many procedures in place that are there solely for this reason.

It’s important for glass manufacturers to prioritize safety and take steps to prevent workplace accidents.

And with that in mind, here’s a guide on 7 steps you can take to ensure your glass manufacturing factory is safe.

Let’s take a look.

7 Practices for Preventing Accidents in Glass Manufacturing

Conduct Regular Safety Training

One of the best ways to prevent workplace accidents is to provide employees with comprehensive safety training.

There are many things that someone working within a glass manufacturing environment should be trained on, but some topics that you should focus primarily on are information on the hazards associated with glass manufacturing such as burns and injuries handling heavy objects, as well as best practices for working safely in the factory.

Training should be provided to all new employees and should be repeated periodically to ensure that everyone stays up to date with the latest safety protocols. At least once a year is a good benchmark to try and stick to to always have a workforce that is in the know.

Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employees who work in the glass manufacturing industry should be provided with appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, and steel-toed boots.

It’s important to ensure that PPE fits properly and is in good condition to provide maximum protection.

This isn’t a point that can be passed over, and having proper PPE in place that the workforce are told they must use is absolutely vital.

Regularly Inspect and Maintain Machinery

Machinery and equipment used in glass manufacturing should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they are in good working condition. Faulty equipment should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent accidents.

Here at Moore’s Glassworks, we have auto-lathes in place that can make the glass manufacturing process much more efficient and accurate. These are complex machines, and must be treated as such. All staff that use heavy duty equipment should be well trained on the machine in question, and the machine should always be serviced and checked so that is in perfect condition.

Not only does this keep it safe, but it will also ensure it is running at full efficiency and not costing your company energy and money.

Implement Safe Working Procedures

All glass manufacturing processes should be designed with safety in mind.

This may include creating safe working procedures for specific tasks, such as handling molten glass or operating machinery. These procedures should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed to reflect changes in equipment or processes.

Having processes in place is a great way of ensuring all of your staff are reading from the same hymn sheet and know the exact way to use a piece of machinery or handle a process without putting themselves, or their fellow staff members, at risk.

Encourage Reporting of Near Misses and Incidents

Encouraging employees to report near misses and incidents is a key component of accident prevention.

This allows the company to identify potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them before an accident occurs. For example, if there has been several near misses on a single piece of equipment within a month or so, this is a clear sign that something isn’t right, and by spotting this early and repairing any faults you are minimising the chance of an accident taking place.

Also, if there is a system of work in place that isn’t quite right, and incidents are occurring, this is a sign that a new process needs to be created and spread to your clients.

Conduct Regular Safety Audits

Regular safety audits can help identify potential hazards and provide feedback on the effectiveness of safety measures.

These audits should be conducted by an independent third-party to ensure objectivity and impartiality.

What this means is bringing in a fresh pair of eyes who can perform a complete assessment of your workplace. This may involve testing your machinery, looking through your safe working procedures, speaking to your staff and more. It can be easy to fall into bad habits, so by letting a third party come in you may spot some things that had passed you by and may be putting your workforce at risk.

Foster a Safety Culture

Creating a safety culture that values and prioritizes safety can go a long way in preventing accidents.

This involves encouraging employees to take ownership of safety and empowering them to report hazards and suggest safety improvements.

Your staff are the people that are on the factory floor, using the machinery and working with the glass. They are the ones putting themselves at risk, and the ones who will be best placed to spot any potential hazards. Having an environment where a safety first attitude is rewarded is ideal for keeping on top of any issues.

Safe Glass Manufacturing with Moore’s Glassworks

Safety is a critical consideration for glass manufacturers, and preventing workplace accidents requires a multi-faceted approach.

By implementing these best practices, glass manufacturers can reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer, more productive workplace for their employees.

At Moore’s Glassworks, we take the safety of our employees very safely. All of our staff are well trained in more than just glass manufacturing, and know the best procedures for staying safe whilst at work.

Want to know more, or need to speak to us about a project for your business?

Get in touch today.

Here at Moore’s Glassworks, we specialise in a select set of products that can be used throughout various fields, from medical to military and beyond.

We manufacture products ranging from glass condom moulds and cathode ray tubes to vacuum viewports and more.

One of the products we produce are photomultiplier envelopes.

But what is this? And how is it used?

Let’s take a look.

What is a Photomultiplier?

A photomultiplier is a type of detector that is used to detect and measure light.

There are several components to this tool, including a vaccum tube that contains a photocathode (this is used to convert light into electrons), a series of charged electrodes called dynodes (these help to emit further electrons), and an anode (the negative electrode which supplies electrons).

To put it simply, a photocathode is used to convert light into an electric signal.

When light is shone on a photoacthode, it emits electons, and these are then pushed towards the first dynode along a wave of high voltage electricity.

As the electrons and the dynode collide, even more electrons are produced. This is called secondary emission. This process is repeated again and again, until what you have left is a huge collection of electrons that have passed through many different dynodes.

This is the key part when it comes to amplifying the original signal.

With this abundance of electrons, an electric signal can be produced that is much stronger than the original light that was shone on the photomultiplier.

This piece of equipment is sensitive to very low levels of light, making them perfect in many different settings.

Where are Photomultipliers Used?

Photomultipliers can be used across many settings, including:

Medical – Photomultipliers are regularly found in such equipment as PET scanners.

Physics – You will often find photomultipliers in particle detectors. This is because they are ideal for detecting and measuring lifht emitted by subatomic particles. A famous example is the Large Hadron Collider. They can also be used in nuclear physics to measure the light emitted by radioactive materials.

Astronomy – Celestial objects such as stars are another thing that can be measures by photomultipliers, and you may often find them inside telescopes and similar equipment.

Environmental – Much like when looking up at the stars, a photomultiplier can be used to look down into the ocean and measure the luminescent organisms at the bottom of the sea.

There are many more settings in which these tools can be used to great effect.

But where does a photomultiplier envelope fit into all of this?

Let’s find out.

What is a Photomultiplier Envelope?

One of the key components of a photomultiplier tube not mentioned above is an envelope.

This is a sealed glass enclosure that holds some of the key components, such as the photocathode.

Not only that, but the envelope holds many of the dynodes as well, which are vital for the production of electrons.

In a nutshell, the photomultiplier envelope is the component that holds all of the key parts together. This is why making sure it is manufactured properly is vital, as a lot of work goes on inside these small pieces of glass.

How are Photomultiplier Envelopes Manufactured?

To create these tools, we use glassblowing.

This has been a process for manufacturing glass for centuries, and is our skilled glassblowers and auto-lathes are highly adept at performing.

Depending on the size and specifications, and quantity of objects desired, the manufacturing process may alter slightly, but here is a general run through of what often takes place.

1. We select the perfect sized glass tube for the job. This is either a tube already made or one that we mould into shape to make sure it is always the perfect fit.
2. Using a flame, we heat one end of the tube. This helps is to shape this part of the envelope. This end will later become the window through which light enters the envelope.
3. Once the glass mould is complete, we then can hand the perfect sized glass component over to you for the next steps of the process.
4. The inside of the tube is coated with a material that will act as the photocathode.
5. Dynodes are applied to the inside of the envelope.
6. Once all components are inside, the envelope is sealed. This is again done by the process of heating up the glass and melting it until it is completely shut and sealed.

After the envelope is manufactured, it is typically assembled with other components, such as the anode, and the entire photomultiplier tube is then tested and calibrated to ensure that it meets the required performance specifications.

Your photomultiplier envelope is now ready to go.

Photomultiplier Envelopes from Moore’s Glassworks

Every product from Moore’s Glassworks has been manufactured with quality in mind.

We use expert precision and high levels of quality control to ensure that everything we produce is always the best product it can be. From being the perfect length right down to the nearest mm, to being strong and durable enough to last long-term, no matter what use you have for your glass equipment.

Envelopes  for  photomultipliers  are  manufactured  in  many  different  configurations.

We offer a wide range of sizes, going from something as small as 19mm in diameter, to something on a much bigger scale, such as our 125mm items.

Our window materials also offer a wide range, with an option to usePyrex,  Schott  8250,  ultra-violet  transmitting  Schott  8337,  quartz  and  magnesium  fluoride.  End  windows  can  be  plano-plano,  piano-concave  or  domed  and  may  be  round,  hexagonal  or  square.

If you want to know more about what we can offer, our manufacturing process, or have any questions related to our photomultiplier envelopes, then get in touch with our team today.

For hundreds of years, glass has been one of the most popular materials in the world.

And it’s no surprise. Glass can be used in a variety of ways and comes packed with many benefits.

It has been in existence for centuries, and it is still used in many common applications, including windows, windshields, glasses, and in electronics.

Here at Moore’s Glassworks, we have been manufacturing glass for years, and have come to learn many different methods and uses of this wonderful material.

And that’s why we’ve created this quick guide on just what glass can be used for, and the many benefits it can provide.

Let’s take a look.

The benefits of using glass

Glass is a versatile material that can offer many benefits to your home and workplace. From providing natural light to protecting your privacy, glass can be used in any number of ways.

At Moore’s Glassworks, we specialise in custom products such as vacuum viewports, cathode ray tubes, and multi-pin bases, that are used for many different reasons, covering scientific environments and the military.

One of the huge benefits of using glass is that it is an environmentally friendly material. This is because it is made from all natural materials, unlike plastic and metal.

This means that it can be made sustainably and can be recycled, which makes it a brilliant choice of material to use for the planet. By reducing the quantity of raw materials required to create a product, you can reduce your cost and waste disposal efforts.

The recyclable nature of glass is one of the key selling points, and it is often used instead of plastic due to its environmentally friendly nature. In fact, recycling glass can reduce the amount of waste going into landfills by 50%. Recycling can also reduce your energy usage and air and water pollution.

Not only that, but it is also durable and easily cleanable.

In more common uses than what we specialise in, glass is a great material to use in interior design. Glass is an ideal way to enhance the spatial qualities of a room. It is also a highly versatile and functional material. Using glass in a kitchen splashback, for example, can provide practicality without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal, which is a huge benefit when choosing a material to use in your home.

While glass has been used for thousands of years to make practical items, recent advances in technology have opened the door to more creative uses. From designing a dazzling display of art to manufacturing transparent prisms, there are a myriad of options for using glass that are becoming more common and easily manufactured.

One of the most obvious benefits of using glass is its ability to flood your interior space with natural light. Increasing the amount of sunlight can brighten your rooms, lower your electricity bills, and improve the mood of your occupants. The transparency of glass also makes it a great material to use on some of our specialist products, such as our viewports.

When choosing the best glass for your needs, it is important to consider your specific application. There are many variations of glass, and it can range in terms of appearance, durability, and strength, so it is always wise to discuss with your manufacturer just what you require.

The Global Glass Manufacturing Market

The glass manufacturing market is growing, with the value estimated to nearly double to over $400 billion in the next ten years.

The reasons for this are varying, but at it’s heart, are the growing uses for this material. As electronics become more advanced, the use of glass in such devices is becoming more common, and it is this that is pushing the extreme growth of the manufacturing industry.

As mentioned earlier, glass products manufactured by Moore’s Glassworks are used throughout many different industries, and the uses are only growing.

In the global glass market, there are many of uses that do continue to promote growth, such as growing sales in cars, uses in construction, and food and beverage containers.

Glass is a wonderful material packed with benefits, and while some alternatives are being used in some instances, there’s truly no beating glass.

The Many Uses of Glass Throughout Time

Glass is one of the most important materials in the human era. It has played an instrumental role in many aspects of human life, ranging from navigation to the invention of optics.

The uses of glass differ depending on where in the world you are, changing for many reasons such as different climates, available finances, and more.

Early glass-making cultures are thought to have originated in Mesopotamia, where craftsmen made small vessels using labor-intensive techniques. They probably produced glass as an offshoot of ceramic-glaze production. The first glass objects consisted of beads, rods, and amulets and were colored with minerals.

By the mid-14th century, glass was largely limited to western Eurasia. This was due to the high costs of the raw materials needed to produce it. However, glass-making improved and led to new and more precise and efficient ways of creating glass products.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Bohemia became an important glass-producing area. Glass vessels, mirrors, and spectacles began to spread throughout western Europe, and these are still common glass products in today’s society.

Many of the glass objects manufactured in this time were used for drinking and food storage. Glass was also used for lenses and prisms. Without glass products, industries and research into such industries as astronomy and molecular biology would not have been developed as quickly as they were.

In the mid-19th century, the different uses and benefits of glass were beginning to be discovered. For example, the French chemist Edouard Benedictus discovered laminated glass and furthermore bulletproof glass.

In modern times, the evolution of glass usage is continuing to grow. More recent discoveries have helped create bioactive glass that help heal bone and soft tissue. Now only this, but engineers are continually working on developing truly unbreakable glass.

Today, there are many different types of glass. Each type has a unique chemical composition and physical properties. Despite its fragility, glass continues to be an essential material in our lives. From the glasses that help us to see, to the bulbs that light up our room, glass is found everywhere.

In recognition of the importance of glass, the International Commission of Glass has declared 2022 as the Year of Glass. The United Nations has also recently celebrated the many uses of glass.

Glass vs plastic

It’s easy to compare the two most popular packaging materials: glass and plastic.

Although the environmental impact of each is slightly different, glass is clearly the better choice for the planet. Only 9% of plastic is recycled, compared to 90% of glass in some countries.

Glass is made from silica and renewable materials. Plastic, on the other hand, is synthetic.

Plastic is lighter and more malleable than glass. However, plastic is much harder to recycle than glass. For the most part, plastic can only be recycled once or twice before it becomes unusable.

Glass is 100% recyclable at designated facilities.

And that’s not the only reason that many companies use glass instead of plastic for packaging. While glass may be the more expensive, products coming from glass packaging can be seen to be nicer. A popular example of this is Coca Cola being drank from glass bottles compared to plastic bottles.

At Moore’s Glassworks, we create specialist glass that is used for many different environments. From viewports to glass condom moulds and photo-multiplier envelopes, this glass is designed to work well under pressure and is tailor made for each specific need.

Glass is great for using in electronic devices as it is much more capable of withstanding high temperatures, and is tougher than glass.

Moore’s Glassworks

If you’re looking for custom glass manufacturing, then why not get in touch with Moore’s Glassworks.

We offer a wide range of products and can make glass items that are exactly the right fit for your requirements.

We use auto-lathes and ensure every product that leaves our manufacturing plant is of the highest quality.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The British glass industry contributes over £1 billion a year to the UK economy.

That’s a lot of money.

But how did it all begin?

Well, in this article, the team at Moore’s Glassworks will explore the history of glass manufacture in Britain, right from the earliest days, to the largest glassworks in the country today.

It will also look at how the glass industry has changed and what it means for the future.

Let’s take a look.

Who brought glass manufacturing to Britain?

Despite the fact that glass was manufactured in parts of Asia and Egypt for many centuries, there is little evidence to suggest that glass manufacturing actually took off in Britain until the later part of the Roman period.

In fact, most societies kept the secrets of how to make glass a closely guarded secret to try and keep the wealths this talent would bring to themselves.

The early 17th century saw a period of experimentation in the development of glass manufacturing. The early crucibles held 25kg to 50kg of glass. They were made from a fine white-firing quartz-tempered clay and were shaped in vertical or open forms.

Soon enough, as demand for glass grew, something bigger was needed.

The first glass industry in Britain was founded in Wearmouth, North of England. To begin with though, the furnaces were unstable and often broke down.

The crucibles were replaced by new, more stable designs, with later ones holding up to 85kg to 100kg of glass.

During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, glass manufacturing in Britain grew quickly. In fact, it was encouraged by government policy. Aristocratic families owned estates on both sides of the Channel and they were able to sell glass ingots to their workers.

By the middle of the eighteenth century, glass production in Britain was largely dependent on imports. It was predominantly manufactured in the Weald of Sussex and Surrey. The area was rich in coal. In addition, French glassmakers relocated to new areas where coal was abundant.

In the early 1800s, the development of a cylinder sheet process for glass-making increased the volume and quality of British glass. In addition, the window tax was abolished, and prices of glass were greatly reduced. The cylinder sheet process was imported from Germany in 1834.

In the mid-1800s, a number of sites were identified in the Weald, including the site of an early glassworks at Arras. Some sites were excavated in the 1960s, but there is also evidence that there are other unrecorded locations.

The first glassworks in Britain

By the seventh century, glass was being made in Jarrow and Wearmouth. At the same time, a team of glassmakers from Gaul was working at Glastonbury. These migrant workers were using their knowledge of the continent to produce quality glass in England.

In the late 16th century, the glass industry in England received a major stimulus. The new furnace technology reduced the cost of making glass, and the new materials allowed for the creation of higher quality English glass.

In the post-Restoration period, glassmakers tried to replace the variable composition of the earlier period with more carefully measured fluxes. They also began to apply for a series of patents. They hoped to create a more solid, clear glass.

During the seventeenth century, the glass industry expanded dramatically. The government encouraged immigrants to work in the industry. Several migrant families were based in established glassmaking centres in the Weald.

By the early nineteenth century, the Chance Brothers’ glassworks in Smethwick, West Midlands, was producing window glass and optical glass. They also produced Houses of Parliament window glass.

The Stourbridge glassmaking industry became one of the largest in the western world, and its engineers spread to the New World. The industry was considered among the best in the world.

The Biggest Glassworks in Britain

Historically, the biggest glassworks in Britain were situated in the North East, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, the Midlands and London. The British glass scene has changed a great deal since the 19th century, but there are still a few surviving structures. In the 20th century, studio glass started to grow in popularity.

The British glass industry is a resilient one, thanks to a high demand for glass. In the 21st century, data indicates that the UK’s glass industry produces the most glass for food packaging in the world.

In the eighteenth century, the Weald of Sussex and the Weald of Surrey were well established domestic glass production centres. The Catcliffe Glasshouse, built in 1740, is the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Western Europe. The cone is now a museum.

In the early nineteenth century, the Chance Brothers glassworks was established in Smethwick, West Midlands. They made a range of specialist glass for use at Crystal Palace. They were also the first factory in Britain to produce glass for the Houses of Parliament. This is a Grade II listed building. They also produced glass for the 1851 Great Exhibition.

There were three giant glass companies in the North East during the nineteenth century. Burtles Tate & Company operated a glassworks near Oldham Road, Manchester. They produced Topas Opalescent glass. They also produced bottles and novelties.

Another renowned glassmaker, John Derbyshire, set up a Flint Glass Works in Salford. His designs are famous. They often feature JD initials on either side of an anchor. He also set up the Regent Road Flint Glass Works in Salford in 1873. He was succeeded by his brother James Derbyshire.

In modern times, the technology and tools at hand have improved dramatically, meaning that glass manufacturing plants can create identical bulk products in a fraction of the time. The ease of exporting has also made the British glass industry able to ship across the world with ease.

Moore’s Glassworks

There are still an abundance of glassworks throughout Britain, and there’s a reason for that.

Glass is everywhere you look.

In your car, your home, even balanced on your nose helping you to read this.

Many glass manufacturers produce different types of glass aimed at different markets and products.

For example, here at Moore’s Glassworks, we specialise in custom products such as vacuum viewports, cathode ray tubes, glass condom moulds, and multi-pin stems and headers.

We use auto lathes to produce products that are just the right dimension for you, and ensure every product we create is of the highest quality.

If you would like to know more, then get in touch today.

Glass blowing is an ancient art form that has been practised for centuries. Before the technique was invented, glass was made by various other methods, but now, in places such as Moore’s Glassworks, expert glassblowers continue to use this method.

Our team are experts in glassblowing, and that’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on glassblowing, how it started, who did it, and what it can be used to do.

Let’s take a look.

How was glass made before glass blowing?

Before glass blowing, glass was made by pouring liquid glass into a furnace and slowly cooling it.

Then, a glass craftsman would mold or sculpt the piece using a solid iron rod known as a pontil. This process resulted in complex shapes and forms, such as handles.

It is not known when glass blowing first started, but it likely began during the 2nd millennium BC.

It was first invented in Syria and before the method was picked up by ancient Romans.

The first blown glass pieces were thinner and more viscous, and easier to work with.

During the Roman period, glass blowing became popular and glassmaking workshops were set up in many areas of the Roman world, including Lebanon.

Around this time, the products people would mostly make were glass vessels.

They shaped thin strands of glass around a central core of clay or sand and then rolled it on a smooth surface. It is believed that these ancient craftsmen may have used metal tools to make patterns in the molten glass.

Glassmaking was a serious business for the Romans in the first century BC.

There is a famous story by the write Petronius, which tells that a craftsman presented a glass piece that was unbreakable to King Tiberius.

When the glass was thrown to the ground, it didn’t shatter, but merely dented. The craftsman was asked to show others his technique, as he was the only person in the world who supposedly knew it.

The craftsman was excited and believed he had made big money, but Tiberius had other plans.

Eventually, Tiberius beheaded the craftsman without warning. It is believed the reason was that Tiberius was worried that this new, unbreakable glass was going to devalue all other currency, so he eradicated the only person who knew of how to make it.

How has the technique of glass blowing evolved?

The technique of glass blowing has been around since ancient times.

Though the methods have changed over time, the basic concept has remained the same. In fact, there is evidence that glass-making dates back to the Phoenicians’ time, circa 50 BCE.

These ancient glassmakers blew air into the glass to shape it and create beautiful pieces. The technique was later adopted by glass-blowers in the western world.

Glass blowing is a complex and time-consuming process. Its roots date back to the first century BC, when the Syrians first started blowing glass. This process later spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Craftsmen in the Roman empire began using molds in conjunction with the technique of glass blowing, and they began to experiment with gold and silver inlays and colors.

By the 4th century AD, glass-blowing was widespread in the Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean regions. By that time, the technique was practiced by people in Egypt and the Middle East.

The technique of glass blowing has evolved and become more complex as the centuries have passed.

Modern glass blowers use different techniques and materials. Many studios offer tools and classes for glassblowers to learn how to make glass objects. A skilled glassblower can shape virtually any vessel form or create a wide range of glass objects.

Who are the most famous glass blowers?

Some of the world’s most celebrated glass blowers have been making art for decades.

Some, such as Jason Lee, have been blowing glass for more than two decades and their work has become a benchmark for other glassblowers.

Unfortunately, glassblowing can be a tricky industry to get into, but when you do get in, it can be elusive, with many opportunities to create products to sell.

Probably the most famous glass artist is Dale Chihuly.

Chihuly studied glass at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he received a full scholarship before receiving a Fulbright Fellowship and going on to study in Italy, where he learned the techniques of Murano glass masters.

The American artist is best known for his large installations and colorful glass pieces, but he has also created many smaller works which are just as revered.

Among his work are chandeliers and freestanding pieces that are huge, grand items that can contain hundreds of individual glass pieces.

Chihuly is also a strong advocate for making art accessible to people of all backgrounds and levels of education. In addition to funding individual artists, the Dale and Leslie Chihuly Foundation also supports glassblowing workshops and schools.

Another glass artist, Takeshi Sano works with an older style of glass blowing.

His pieces are created through a process called “lost wax casting,” which is multi-staged and time-consuming.

The artist is passionate about glass and is known for creating glass works of art out of his SANOSANO studio in Japan that have a unique aesthetic voice.

Equipment needed for glass blowing

In glass blowing, it is necessary to have various tools that will help you.

Some of these tools are essential for the creation of beads, and are called mandrels.

They are usually made of metal and can come in different sizes. Mandrels help mold the molten glass into desired shapes, and are essential in the final stages of glass blowing.

Mandrels also help the glass to cool and flatten out after it has been blown.

Another piece of equipment needed for glass blowing is a glass pipe.

This type of blowpipe allows consistent air to be blown into the molten glass.

Most glass pipes have a shaft near the handle and allow for movement of the project.

Glass shears are another tool needed for glass blowing. These tools have a long handle and short blade, which gives you leverage when cutting the glass. You can also use regular utility shears to cut glass.

A glass temperature controller is also essential for glass blowing.

It helps hold glass at a specific temperature and ramps it up and down.

These are usually digital, although there are analog and mechanical ones available.

Most glass blowing studios have a furnace under control, but you can also find annealers and small units that serve as garages for hot glass.

Many glass manufacturers, such as Moore’s Glassworks, use auto-lathe machines to aid their glass production, and these machines are a great way of supplying accurate products. If you want to know more about our auto-lathes, then check out our auto-lathe guide here.

Glass Blowing at Moore’s Glassworks

We have a team of experienced and highly-skilled glass blowers who ensure quality products every time.

If you want to know more, or have a project in mind, then get in touch today to see what we can do.