The History and Future of Custom Glass in Minneapolis, MN

Even before humans developed the glassmaking techniques that we are familiar with today, people put naturally occurring glasses to work as weapons, jewelry, artwork and even money. Glass has a fascinating history, and modern glassmaking techniques are constantly changing and developing to create some of the most amazing types of custom glass in Minneapolis, MN for homes and businesses. Although glass can be found as a naturally occurring material, manmade glass has become an essential component in construction, art, commercial operations and everyday life.

Ancient glassmaking

The first glass that was used by people was not manmade, and was instead found and gathered to be used. Glass that occurs naturally is formed when certain types of rocks, commonly sand, are heated to very high temperatures and then cooled rapidly. Obsidian, for example, is a type of glass that is created when molten rock cools rapidly. Lightning storms on beaches or in deserts can also create glass when the lightning strikes the sand. Although they aren’t as frequent as volcanic eruptions or lightning storms, meteorites impacting the earth can also produce glass.

While nobody is exactly sure when the first manmade glass was made, most historians peg the first instances of glassmaking as having taken place in Eastern Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3500 BC. Initially, glassmaking was a very slow and grueling process, since the glass melting furnaces that were used were very difficult to heat to adequate temperatures. The invention of the blowpipe by Syrian craftsmen in the first century BC streamlined the production of glass and made the process easier and cheaper. From there, the demand and production of glass rose and flourished, and the popularity of handcrafted glass continues to this day.

Modern techniques and future innovation

Modern glassmaking employs a variety of techniques that make widescale production possible. One of the most significant innovations in glassmaking was the development of float glass production in 1959. Today, 90 percent of flat glass is still manufactured through the float technique. This technique works by floating molten glass over a bed of molten metal, such as tin. As glass continues to be in peak demand, new techniques are being developed to increase the efficiency of production and ensure that needs for glass can be adequately met. Glass is being produced to be cheaper and lighter than it has ever been before, and many people have begun using glass as a form of packaging that is more environmentally friendly than other options such as plastic or Styrofoam.

Your source for custom glass in Minneapolis, MN

At Custom Glass & Screen, we have a passion for creating custom glass in Minneapolis, MN for a variety of residential and commercial applications. For decades, we have been providing our clients with unique custom glass pieces, including tabletops, custom doors, railings, cabinets and more. Glassmaking techniques have come a long way since ancient Egyptian civilization, and the demand for beautiful custom glass products continues to grow. Our highly trained experts would be more than happy to assist you with any and all of your custom glass needs, so stop by, send us an email or drop us a line today for more information.

Categorised in: Custom Glass

This post was written by Writer