Glass
The glass industry in West Virginia is uniquely situated at the intersection where art, science and technology meet. Glass products made in West Virginia are famous throughout our country and the world for their functional beauty and fine craftsmanship.
Beautiful art glass pieces are produced by companies such as Fenton Art Glass, Blenko Art Glass, and Glassworks WV for museums and as awards. Elegant dinnerware is produced by Judel Products for homes and restaurants. Attractive and functional lighting fixtures are produced by companies such as Davis-Lynch Glass for schools as well as hotels. Decorative glass gems and marbles are produced by companies such as Mid-Atlantic of WV and Marble King; Marble King is one of only four toy marble producers in the nation. Industrial flat glass and artistic stained glass are produced by companies such as AFG Glass, Blenko Art Glass, and Paul Wissmach Glass; Eagle Convex Glass uses flat glass to make shaped glass for appliances. Scientific glass products are produced by Schott Glass for chemical laboratories. Commercial fiberglass is produced by Guardian, John Mansville and Hollinee, often for special fiberglass-related products.
The artistry and usefulness of such glass products made in West Virginia shows the state and national need for such an industry. IOF-WV is involved in enhancing the technology of the glass industry to allow it to be able to compete in today's global marketplace.
IOF-WV Glass Issues in Brief
- Develop applied laser systems for improved crack-off and cutting operations.
- Improve combustion efficiency and control of batch tanks, and develop more economical oxygen sources.
- Use recycled fiberglass in manufacture of marketable products.
- Develop better refractory materials for glass furnaces and ceramic kilns.
- Improve energy and environmental efficiency of glass-melting technology.
Links to Participating Companies
Projects:
- ENHANCED CUTTING AND FINISHING OF HANDGLASS USING A CO2 LASER
- GLASS INDUSTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- REDUCTION IN CORROSION REFRACTORIES USING ENCAPULATED GLASS ADDITIVES
- GLASS COATING ENHANCEMENT
- SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AND IMAGING OF COLORED GLASSES
WVU Contact:
- Larry Banta
West Virginia University
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
(304) 293-3111 ext. 2334
Larry.Banta@mail.wvu.edu
Industry Contact:
- Beri Fox
Marble King, Inc.
(304) 337-2264
berifox@marbleking.com
