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Glass


6 X 6 Glass Slab
This project presented many challenges. Not the least of which was finding an appropriate firing schedule.
First we designed this without a dark back. The piece was placed "upside down" so that bubbles would bubble toward the back.

Firing Schedule

Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 400 1100 0
2 200 1250 30
3 AFAP 1500 1:15
3 AFAP 960 1:00
4 150 700 0:00

The block appeared to fuse properly. However, the block was unremarkable, and in fact, rather dull. Then we determined that placing color behind the block brought out the dichroic elemements.We fired the piece a second time with a dark background and added some dichroic "chunks".

Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 400 1100 0:00
2 200 1300 0:00
3 AFAP 1450 0:20
3 AFAP 960 1:15
4 150 750 0:00

After the second firing the dichro elements stood out much more effectively, however, the top layer was now wrinkly. In hopes of releasing the surface tension, we refired the piece, changing the soak time.


Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 400 1100 0:00
2 200 1250 0:30
3 AFAP 1400 0:30
3 AFAP 960 1:15
4 150 700 0:00

Unfortunately, the wrinkles remain, although the dichro chunks fused deeper into the surface: indicating that the fusion temperature was high enough.
Final Piece
Close up 6X6 Slab
After the third firing the piece was still wrinkly and we fired the piece upside down. We hoped that doing so would 1)flatten the surface 2)push the dicho chunks flush with the surface. We fired up to 1500 F.

Stage Rate Final Stage Temp Soak Time
(Deg F/Hour) (F) (hr:min)
1 400 1100 0:00
2 200 1250 0:30
3 AFAP 1500 0:30
3 AFAP 960 1:15
4 150 700 0:00

While the wrinkles were not as dramatic they remained, however, the dichro chunks did become flush with the surface.
Final Piece
Close up dichro and wrinkles.
Angled view of piece.