What is glass fusing?
Glass fusing is the process of joining glass together using extremely high temperatures in a kiln. Glass can be fused in either a glass kiln or a ceramic kiln. The key difference between the two kiln types is where the heating elements are positioned. Glass kilns have elements in the top of the heating chamber. This keeps the desired temperature even throughout the surface of the glass and reduces the risk of thermal shock. Ceramic kilns are designed to heat stacked shelves of items (ceramic or bisque) from the sides. Ceramic kilns can reach much higher temperatures than glass kilns.
At 1000° glass begins to soften; if you have used glue to adhere pieces of glass together, it will begin to burn off. As the glass reaches 1200-1400° it will conform to a mold. Edges will soften and adhere to any other glass touching it (it will also stick to kiln shelves and molds if not prepared properly!). As the temperature rises to 1500°, glass will move into its desired thickness of ¼ inch. A full fuse takes place at around 1500°; this is where two or more pieces of glass become one solid smooth piece. Above that temperature, glass becomes increasingly liquid.
At 1000° glass begins to soften; if you have used glue to adhere pieces of glass together, it will begin to burn off. As the glass reaches 1200-1400° it will conform to a mold. Edges will soften and adhere to any other glass touching it (it will also stick to kiln shelves and molds if not prepared properly!). As the temperature rises to 1500°, glass will move into its desired thickness of ¼ inch. A full fuse takes place at around 1500°; this is where two or more pieces of glass become one solid smooth piece. Above that temperature, glass becomes increasingly liquid.
Here is an example of different firing schedules
All kilns heat differently. You may need to make adjustments to these schedules based on your kiln and the glass being used.
All kilns heat differently. You may need to make adjustments to these schedules based on your kiln and the glass being used.
