Fused glass is comprised of layers of glass that have been heated at a controlled rate of temperature increase until it softens, becomes more fluid, and fuses together at approximately 1500°. It must then be cooled properly, or annealed, to achieve a unified, unbroken piece of glass. Here is an example of fused glass:
Many layers of specially formulated fusible glass have been fused together, then cut and ground (called coldworking), and finally, re-fired to achieve this vibrant, colorful pendant.
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Often, the term fusing is used to describe the manipulation of the shape of the glass while it is in the kiln. This is actually a process called slumping and it occurs when the temperature in the kiln is around 1200° to 1300°. During slumping a ceramic or stainless steel form is used to cause the glass to take the shape of the mold, which is often a bowl or plate. The set of sushi plates shown above is an example of slumped glass. After fusing, coldworking, and re-firing to achieve a polished finish, these pieces were slumped to give them the desired shape.
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