Balancing technology and tradition in glass production

Through archaeological discoveries, we know that glass containers have been made for close to four thousand years. That covers a substantial amount of known human history. The technological advances over this time have been truly remarkable, completely transforming the ways that glass bottles and other containers are produced. However, this does not mean all traditional techniques have fallen by the wayside in favour of 21st century technology. For practical reasons, several traditions associated with making glass containers are still with us today, some of them dating back for centuries. One thing which has always remained true about glass containers is that they are about a good deal more than holding food or liquids. People have always viewed glass as something which should have aesthetic qualities as well as practical ones. The earliest known glass containers were found covered in decorative paint and markings. This is very clearly a natural human instinct, and the practise of decorating and styling glass remains to this day. It is perhaps fair to say that in most cases, bringing aesthetic qualities to glass relies more on traditional methods than it does new technology. The high level of demand for glass means that automated technology is essential to production. Around the world there are plants which run day and night, working to create approximately one new glass bottle every second in order to meet demand. While this is necessary when creating glass containers for mass produced items, there remains a demand for the qualities of uniquely designed and handmade glass bottles. This gives a personal touch to certain products which tends to accentuate their value. Whether it is in large production factories where many thousands of bottles are created each day, or in less automated facilities where a far lower number are crafted, we take pride in the fact that our blank mould gauges and blank mould reamer products are trusted to ensure accurate measurements and precise sizes. Some of the most dramatic changes in glass container production have happened over the years that we have served the industry. We have continued to embrace technological advances while retaining our appreciation for traditional techniques where they are needed.

For more information on Balancing technology and tradition in glass production talk to Penico Gauges Ltd