Glass Making by Rolling
Glass can be made in many different ways, but one common method is called rolling. This process uses three main ingredients: soda, lime, and sand. Sometimes, other materials such as gold are added to create special colors.
The ingredients are placed into a large furnace, where they are melted together at high temperatures. Once molten, the glass is rolled out by a machine that forms it into sheet panels. While the sheets are still warm, they are moved into another machine that cools them slowly, helping them set in their flat form. After cooling, the sheets are cut into smaller sections, cleaned, and then shipped to retailers and hobbyists for creative use around the world.
Glass produced by rolling comes in many colors and textures, depending on the manufacturer. In the United States, it is commonly available in opalescent, cathedral, or mixed styles. With so many options, the variety of glass available is almost unlimited.