Tips & Techniques

Why did you choose a "96" C.O.E.? The Spectrum line of stained glass products was formulated to the nominal "96" expansion long before we elected to manufacture a Tested Compatible line for kilnforming and other Hot-Glass work. We chose the "96" Expansion because it facilitates the creation of glasses with "friendly" forming characteristics. The wide variety of glass types we manufacture demands a formulation that has great flexibility. Because many other glassmakers, as well as suppliers of blowing batch, frit, color bars, etc., chose "96" for similar reasons, we decided to build upon this "family" rather than reformulate our products to the C.O.E. "90" range. What's the difference in kilnforming at "90" and "96"? Really very little. What you learn with one glass will largely apply to the other. System 96 is a lower temperature glass -- that is, it takes less time / heat for S96 products to reach a given viscosity than it does common COE 90 products. Understanding this, and looking over the S96 Firing / Annealing Guidelines, a kiln crafter will quickly adapt to the differences. What do you mean by "working range"? To blowers and other manipu

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