A Polish company has developed a unique technology of consumer glass processing utilising fusing and slumping processes. Fusing is based on connecting glass fragments into a single panel with creation of an artistic or decorative element. Together with glass fusing it is possible to shape it, texturise its surface; the slumping technique encompasses forming of fused glass or single glass panels and bending of glass panels and plates. The company is looking for a commercial partner from industry.

A Polish company has developed a unique technology of consumer glass processing utilising fusing and slumping processes.

Fusing is based on connecting glass fragments into a single panel with creation of an artistic or decorative element. The connection is caused by high temperature and the sole weight of the glass. The fused glass outer dimensions are only limited by the furnace chamber size. Their thickness ranges from 1 to 5 cm. Both colourless and stained glass can be used, other techniques of glass decoration, e.g. drowning metals in glass, and staining can be used. Together with glass fusing it is possible to shape it and texturise its surface using moulds and dies.

The slumping technique encompasses forming of fused glass or single glass panels and bending of glass plates. This technology is used for manufacturing of decorative glass in the form of commercial products (dishes, glass plates) and services for individual customers. Colourless and stained pieces of glass usually have different coefficients of thermal expansion, which is due to differences in their physical and chemical properties.

Flat glass panels are used in fusing techniques in order to obtain multi-layered plastic structures. These are complex and staged processes of thermal processing of glass allowing to effectively connect pieces of glass with different coefficients of thermal expansion, and also to avoid incurring post-processing stresses inside ready fused-glass products.

Innovative Aspects:
Fusing is a relatively new technique for glass processing. Detailed experiments with multiple kinds and grades of glass are needed in order to achieve satisfactory results. This technology does not incorporate typical processes of industrial glass smelting. Fusing processes occur at lower temperatures and their commercial implementation does not require high investments.

Main Advantages:
Developing processes of cheap glass firing allows to retain low manufacturing costs. Products made with this technology have a unique multi-layered structure and very interesting glass surface textures. It is possible to drown non-ferrous metals, sands and other decorative elements inside glass layers, which increases product marketability. Possibility of using many colours for stained glass opens vast creative potential for designers and artists. Slumping, glass forming and shaping can be used in co-operation with furniture manufacturers, bent glass is used by architects in residential and commercial interiors. It is possible to reuse waste glass in both flat and bottle glass cullet.

• Design and Modelling / Prototypes
• Ceramic Materials and Powders
• Waste Management

• Industrial manufacture
• Waste management

• Home furnishing and housewares
• Other Consumer Related (not elsewhere classified)
• Other Industrial Products (not elsewhere classified)

• Joint venture agreement
• Commercial Agreement with Technical Assistance
• Financial resources