When most think of glass blowing, they immediately imagine medieval artisans creating gorgeous vases, windows, goblets, bowls, and more. What many don’t realize, however, is that glassblowing extends past the realm of the aesthetic as well. Are you thinking of pursuing a career that combines the art of glassblowing with a more practical outcome? Then scientific glass blowing is an ideal profession for you.
What is scientific glass blowing? Essentially, it is a process used to create common glass lab supplies, including test tubes, beakers, graduated cylinders, and others. In some cases, scientific glass blowing is used to create intricate models as well, thus blending the dimensions of art and science into one cohesive whole.
Scientific glass blowing is much like contemporary glass blowing in that it involves the same tools and techniques. Some common equipment includes furnaces for melting, shaping, and cooling the glass, blow pipes, glass blowing rods, torches, and much more. Scientific glass blowing requires dexterity, precision, and steady hands, as the slightest hint of unevenness or jagged edges can ruin the entire piece.
If scientific glass blowing sounds like an ideal position for you, there are many ways to get started. The most obvious one would to be to acquire an apprenticeship or take a few courses to learn the basics of glass blowing. There you will learn how to work with different forms of glass as well as how to create difference shapes. This will become incredibly important in the long run, as precision is the key when it comes to creating quality test tubes, graduated cylinders, and other measuring devices.
If you already have a bit of experience in glassblowing, it’s time to expand your horizons. By investing your time in a scientific glass blowing association, you can do wonders for improving your skills, meeting contacts, and learning the latest in your craft. There are also workshops, seminars, and more to consider. By immersing yourself in your craft this way, you are doing more than just keeping your skills sharp—you are doing your part to make the art of glass blowing a prominent part of your life and the lives of others.
For many, scientific glass blowing is more than just a profession. It is their contribution to science, a way to provide the community with accurate, sterile equipment, resulting in new experiments and observations. Whether you’re a passionate science lover who wishes to contribute in a meaningful way or you simply enjoy creating practical tools, scientific glass blowing is a rewarding form of employment for many. Learn more today!
