Pot glass

Pot glass refers to a type of glass manufacturing process where the molten glass is made in a refractory crucible, often referred to as a "pot," rather than in a large, continuous furnace. This method allows for the production of smaller batches of glass and is particularly useful for specialty glasses, colored glasses, and glasses requiring precise control over the melting process.

The "pot" is typically made of a ceramic material that can withstand high temperatures. Raw materials are added to the pot and heated in a furnace until molten. Once the glass is molten and homogeneous, it is removed from the pot using various tools and techniques, such as ladling or gathering, for further processing into the desired shape.

The pot glass method is advantageous for several reasons. It allows for greater flexibility in composition compared to continuous tank furnaces, as changing the batch composition is easier and less disruptive. It also allows for better control of the melting atmosphere, which can be important for achieving specific colors or properties in the final glass product. Furthermore, it is suitable for producing small quantities of glass that would be uneconomical to manufacture in a large tank furnace.

Historically, pot glass was the primary method for glass production. While continuous tank furnaces have become more prevalent for large-scale production of commodity glasses, the pot glass method remains important for specialty applications and artistic glassmaking. The term "pot glass" can also sometimes refer to the specific types of glass made using this method, particularly those with unique compositions or colors not easily achievable in tank furnaces.