A very special material…

Glass differs from other materials in its very particular physical-chemical characteristics. Its viscosity varies directly in function of its temperature : fluid when fused (around 1400° for normal glass), it becomes progressively thicker as it cools (around 800°C) and finally reaches a stage where it gains a solid elasticity at ambient temperature.

The amount of time during which glass has a thick consistency that makes moulding possible is called the working stage : it varies in function of the composition of the glass, which can be made more or less sensitive to variations in temperature, and its malleability which can be regained by a brief heating.

It reaches a remarkable level of plasticity and can thus be moulded by hand, poured, pressed, drawn, laminated, blown, glued. At 500°C it begins to solidify and becomes breakable.