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This extensive collection of information and tutorials was created by Joseph W. Walas during his time at East Carolina University and was originally hosted on the Chemistry Department's web site. Upon his retirement from the University in 2011, the site needed a new home and we here at ILPI were happy to help ensure that this resource would continue to be maintained.
We rearranged some of Joe's original content and will be adding to it as time permits. We consider his resources to be a valuable partner to our Glassware Gallery which explains how to use various pieces of glass equipment, but in the larger picture it is a terrific resource for both established and aspiring scientific glassblowers. Ideas, suggestions, and contributions are always welcome.
Joe was responsible for all scientific glassblowing services at East Carolina University. He provided design consultation, technical information, material, vendor recommendation, fabrication of new glassware, repairs, modification of existing apparatus and practical application of resources to customer needs. He offered basic instruction in scientific glassblowing and participated in glassblowing outreach/demonstrations.
Joe was responsible for administrative and operational activities, supervision of staff and glassblowing services to UTC's Research, Hamilton Standard, Carrier, Pratt & Whitney and Otis Divisions. He served on the UTRC Emergency Response Team, Group Leaders Development Team and the Communications Committee. Note: this unit is now Raytheon Technologies Research Center
Joe was responsible for all glassblowing and glass-shop activities for Olin Research and Olin Corporate Divisions. He chaired the Research Laboratory Services Productivity Improvement Team and was a member of the Emergency Hazard, Safety Review and Inspection Teams.
Joe provided consulting and fabrication services to a variety of different schools and corporations. His clients included Yale University, Yale Medical School, Wesleyan University, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Zygo Corp., US Surgical Corp., Southern New England UltraViolet Corp. and many others.
Joe provided glassblowing services to all the major science research departments at UMass/Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire, Amherst College and UMass/Worcester Medical School. He served as an instructor of Scientific Glassblowing and developed and taught a course in creative glassblowing.
Joe has been actively involved in the American Scientific Glassblowers Society. At the National level, his positions included:
Joe also had the opportunity to chair a number of ASGS National Committees:
Contact Information: For questions or comments about these glassblowing resources please contact us by email.
Disclaimer: Glassblowing has inherent hazards that can result in burns, cuts, injuries or even death. While every effort has been made to convey best safety practices, the materials presented herein can not anticipate every possible risk or hazard associated with a given glassblowing activity. The reader is responsibile for assessing and mitigating any and all such hazards or risks before commencing any activity connected with his or her use of these materials. Neither the author nor ILPI assumes responsibility or liability for injuries, losses, claims or damages to the reader or other parties that may result from the use or misuse of these materials.
by Joe Walas and/or ILPI, all rights reserved unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions and comments (include the URL if applicable) to us by email.