How Recycled Glass Awards are Made
Glassmaking is an ancient art, and has changed little over the centuries. A time-travelling Roman or Egyptian could arrive at a glass foundry this morning and likely be working at capacity by lunchtime (if not distracted by a smartphone or food truck).
Here's the process:
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Window pane glass (from residential donation or construction demolition) is crushed into small pieces.
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The crushed glass is mixed with metals or metal oxides.
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The mixture is fed into a glass furnace at a slow, controlled rate.
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The furnace reaches temperatures between 1,427 and 1,538 degrees Celsius (2,600 and 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit). The melting point of the glass depends on its composition.
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Once heated, the metal ions absorb certain wavelengths of light (varying depending on the metal) which lead to the appearance of color.
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Once it reaches casting temperature, the molten glass is cast (poured by hand) into a graphite mould.
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Since glass solidifies quickly, it is easily removed from the mold by sliding a cherry wood spatula under it and lifting off the mold.
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Glass will crack if it cools too quickly, so the piece is moved to an annealing oven to eliminate stress and slowly bring it back to room temperature.
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Once cool, the glass is ready for sandblasting.
A recycled glass award is the perfect planet-friendly alternative to an engraved crystal or acrylic trophy.
Many thanks to the non-profit Aurora Glass Foundry for teaching us about the process and creating our beautiful recycled glass awards.
