Selecting the Perfect COE Glass

Which COE Glass Should You Choose for Your Artistry?

Choosing the right type of COE (Coefficient of Expansion) glass is crucial for glass artists. Each type has unique properties, making it essential to understand the differences and applications of various COE glasses. This guide will help you navigate the world of COE glass, ensuring you make an informed choice that suits your artistic needs.

Understanding COE

The COE measures how much a material expands when heated. In glassmaking, this is vital because different COEs indicate different thermal behaviors, affecting the compatibility and integrity of the final product. Using glass with mismatched COEs can lead to cracks and structural failures, making it essential to choose wisely.

Popular Types of COE Glass and Their Uses

COE 33 (Borosilicate)

• Advantages:
  • Cost: Low-cost clear glass; inexpensive silver glass.
  • Quality: Exceptional clarity.
  • Properties: Highly resistant to temperature changes, suitable for high-heat applications like scientific glassware and artistic tubing. Unique colour-changing properties in different types of flames.
  • Availability: Commonly available in rods and tubes, especially coloured ones.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires high melting temperatures and oxygen supplies.
  • Limited availability of sheet material.
  • More susceptible to devitrification than soft glass.

Top 3 COE 33 Glass Manufacturers

When it comes to COE 33 borosilicate glass, several manufacturers stand out for their high-quality products and reliability. Here are some of the top names in the industry:

1. Schott AG

   • Known for their exceptional borosilicate glass, Schott AG offers a wide range of products for scientific, industrial, and artistic applications. Their glass is renowned for its clarity, thermal resistance, and consistency. 

2. NorthStar Glassworks

   • A leading name in the US, NorthStar Glassworks provides a vast selection of borosilicate glass colours and types. They are highly regarded in the lampworking and scientific glassblowing communities.                                    

3. Glass Alchemy

   • Another prominent US-based manufacturer, Glass Alchemy is known for its innovative colour formulations and high-quality borosilicate glass. They cater to both artistic and functional glass needs.                                            

COE 90

• Advantages:
  • Quality: Highly compatible and supported by technical services.
  • Properties: Versatile for torching and kilnforming.
  • Availability: Available in various forms like billets, frits, rods, and sheets.
  • Selection: Extensive colour variety.
• Disadvantages:
  • When utilizing rod for glass beading, it requires more time and heat to melt (which can be an advantage when learning).
  • Limited number of manufacturers means a limited range.

Top 2 COE 90 Glass Manufacturers

1. Bullseye Glass Co.

   • Specializes in COE 90 glass, providing extensive technical support and a vast colour selection. Historically, Bullseye sheet glass was considered the most expensive, but this is no longer the case.                                        

2. Uroboros Glass

   • Known for their high-quality COE 90 glass, Uroboros provides a variety of colours and forms, catering to both artists and industrial needs.      

COE 96

• Advantages:
  • Finish: Many manufacturers provide a nearly texture-free surface, making for easy cutting.
  • Quality: Consistent texture, high compatibility.
  • Properties: Less prone to trapping air and suitable for multiple techniques.
  • Availability: Extensive colour variety in frit and sheet.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited rod colour selection compared to COE 90 or 104. Glass beaders have shown a preference for COE 104 or COE 90.

Top 5 COE 96 Glass Manufacturers

1. Oceanside Glass & Tile

   • Offers COE 96 glass with a variety of colours and forms, suitable for various glassworking techniques.                                          

2. Reichenbach

   • Known for a vast range of colours and high-quality glass, Reichenbach is a favorite among artists.                                                 

3. Kugler

   • Offers a wide selection of colours and consistent quality, making it a top choice for many glassworkers.                       

4. Wissmach Glass

   • Provides a variety of COE 96 glass types, known for their vibrant colours and reliability.  

5. Youghiogheny

   • Offers high-quality COE 96 glass with a wide colour palette, suitable for various artistic applications.                      

COE 104

• Advantages:
  • Cost: Less expensive rods.
  • Quality: Ideal for detailed torch work.
  • Properties: Lower melting temperature.
  • Selection: Wide rod colour selection.
• Disadvantages:
  • Imported, with a potential for increasing prices.
  • Higher susceptibility to devitrification.
  • Limited availability of sheet material and frit.

Top COE 104 Glass Manufacturers

Effetre Moretti - Renowned for their COE 104 glass rods, popular among flameworkers for their diverse colour palette.           

COE 120 (Satake)

• Advantages:
  • Properties: Long working time and low melting point, useful for detailed work without needing oxygen.
  • Selection: Various colours not available in other glasses.
• Disadvantages:
  • High cost due to importation.
  • Difficult to control with regular torches.
  • Limited colour selection.

Top COE 120 Glass Manufacturers

Satake Glass - Provides COE 120 glass, ideal for artists needing longer working times and lower melting points.

COE 82 (Clear Float) and COE 108 (Schott Clear)

• COE 82:
  • Advantages: Economical.
  • Disadvantages: Limited colour options and higher melting points. Requires accessories like frit/enamels and utilizing fiber blankets or molds for more diversity.
• COE 108:
  • Advantages: Exceptionally clear.
  • Disadvantages: Unreliable compatibility with other glasses and limited use cases.

Top Manufacturers of COE 82 (Clear Float) and COE 108 (Schott Clear)

COE 82 (Clear Float)

1. Pilkington - A leading float glass manufacturer known for their high-quality and versatile clear float glass used in various applications.   
2. Saint-Gobain - Renowned for their innovative and sustainable clear float glass products. 
3. Guardian Glass - Offers a wide range of float glass solutions with excellent clarity and durability. 

COE 108 (Schott Clear)

1. Schott AG - The primary manufacturer of COE 108 glass, known for their exceptional clear glass used in scientific and precision optical applications. Their products are highly regarded for their quality and consistency. 

Choosing the Right Glass for Your Project

Selecting the appropriate glass involves considering the specific needs of your project:

• For Beginners: COE 104 is recommended for its affordability and ease of use.
• For Scientific and High-Heat Applications: COE 33 (Borosilicate) is the go-to choice.
• For Versatility in Colour and Texture: COE 96 provides extensive options and high compatibility.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of COE glass can seem daunting, but understanding the basics of each type can greatly enhance your glass artistry. By making informed decisions, you can ensure the quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal of your creations. Happy glassmaking!