Studio Glass Batch LLC

Glasma 705 is a light barium formula created specifically for the studio glass market and school art glass programs. The inclusion of barium yields a true crystal quality rarely seen in plain soda-lime glasses commonly used in small studios and schools. The resulting higher index of refraction (brilliance) is immediately noticeable.

Users of Glasma glass batch get the benefit of the same equipment, process and quality control, chemistry and engineering expertise, and oversight of ingredients that such glassworks as Orrefors and Simon Pearce demand and receive. Consistency of formulation from production run to run is guaranteed with frequent test melts of samples. Consistency of pelletization, drying, and purity of ingredients is assured with rigorous controls throughout production.
Ingredients will not segregate from each other in the bag during shipment.

The fully dried pellets are small so there is no "popcorn" effect in the furnace. The result is a long working, colorless glass with a high index of refraction.

COST:
1)LOW MARKUP: "I have taken on the distributorship of Glasma glass batch because once I tried it in my own studio, I was convinced that it is the best product available. I can not imagine going back to any other batch, pre-melted glass, or cullet available in the United States. Since it is only cost effective to import by the container load of 19 metric tons and my needs are very modest, I must sell off batch to facilitate the importing of large quantities and maintain my relationship with Glasma AB. I am willing to resell this batch at a minimum markup (see About Us)." Bill Glasner - Operating Manager

2) LOWER ENERGY COSTS: Cullet and domestic batches often require a high-melt temperature of 2350°F or higher. Glasma705 can be easily melted and fined out at 2200°F and worked the next morning at lower temperatures as well.

3) MINIMIZE PRODUCTION LOSS: With Glasma AB's consistent batch production controls, you are assured of receiving the same fully mixed and pelletized formula every time. Product reject and loss of production time due to cord, batch stones, seeds, and unforeseen incompatibility from one production run to another are virtually eliminated.
4) CRUCIBLE/FURNACE LIFE: The lower melting temperature of Glasma705 will contribute to a reduction of wear on your crucible and furnace liner. Even high alumina refractory surfaces appreciate the 2200°F maximum needed to melt and fine Glasma 705.
5) YIELD PER LB: Glasma batches yield 82-85% melted glass by weight. Domestic batch formulations can yield as little as 76%.

COMPATIBILITY:
The studios and glass schools throughout Europe using the 705 since 2001 have done our compatibility testing for us. They are using the same colored glasses - Kugler, Reichenbach, Zimmermann, and Gaffer - that we use. Taking into account both coefficient of expansion and viscosity range, Glasma has formulated the 705 to be as flexible as possible in fitting a wide range of colors. The experience in American studios who have switched to 705 has been that colors which were compatible with domestic batch and cullet are compatible with the 705. (Of course each studio should test to confirm compatibility with the particular colors used)

SAFETY & HYGIENE:
Another benefit of the high standards of Glasma's production process is a consistency of pelletization that results in a minimum of dust and fine particles. This reduces the hazards of exposure to free silica both in the handling of the batch and the release of material out of the flue and gathering port. The 25 kg bags are easy to handle and store well in a dry location.

SUPPORT:
Glasma glass batches are being sold by a Bill Glasner, a studio glassworker with over 30 years of experience who has melted and worked the 705 formula since 2004.

Bill is available to share his experience and that of other studios, answer technical and process questions and make suggestions should you experience any problems. Kenneth Svensson, Managing Director of Glasma AB, traveled to the United States twice and visited studios and schools with Bill to take questions and receive feedback. Bill's relationship with him facilitates prompt response directly from Glasma AB.