Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Glassblowers, moulders, benders, and finishers shape molten glass according to patterns.
Glassblowers, moulders, benders & finishers heat the glass to a pliable stage using gas flames or ovens, rotating the glass to heat it uniformly. They inspect, weigh, and measure products to verify conformance to specifications, using instruments such as micrometres, callipers, magnifiers, or rulers, and record manufacturing information, such as quantities, sizes, or types of goods produced.
Glassblowers determine types and quantities of glass required to fabricate products, place the glass into dies or moulds to form products, spray moulds with oil solutions to prevent adhesion of glass, use compressed air to blow tubing into specified shapes, and Operate electric kilns that heat and mould glass sheets to the shape and curve of metal jigs.
A high school diploma is a sufficient qualification for the moulder job description. Most workers either have previous experience or learn on the job from experienced employees. The skills required are operation monitoring, quality control and communication. Arm hand steadiness, near vision, control precision, manual dexterity and quick reaction time are some of the abilities required.
Fibreglass molders and fabricators work in glass factories and other places where glass is used. They are exposed to work hazards like extreme heat emitting from the ovens or kilns, and injury from tools.
To be successful, workers are required to possess knowledge of raw material, tools and equipment used, production process and quality control process, and have technical knowledge about gauges and other measuring instruments.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MFA Ceramic and Glass Design
- M.A. Ceramic Designing
- BFA Ceramic and Glass Design
- Certificate Ceramic Designing
- Diploma Glass Designing
Tasks
- Inspect, weigh, and measure products to verify conformance to specifications, using instruments such as micrometers, calipers, magnifiers, or rulers.
- Record manufacturing information, such as quantities, sizes, or types of goods produced.
- Heat glass to pliable stage, using gas flames or ovens and rotating glass to heat it uniformly.
- Blow tubing into specified shapes to prevent glass from collapsing, using compressed air or own breath, or blow and rotate gathers in molds or on boards to obtain final shapes.
- Set up and adjust machine press stroke lengths and pressures and regulate oven temperatures, according to glass types to be processed.
- Shape, bend, or join sections of glass, using paddles, pressing and flattening hand tools, or cork.
- Develop sketches of glass products into blueprint specifications, applying knowledge of glass technology and glass blowing.
- Determine types and quantities of glass required to fabricate products.
- Place rubber hoses on ends of tubing and charge tubing with gas.
- Superimpose bent tubing on asbestos patterns to ensure accuracy.
Progression Routes
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