Glass Blowing

  • glass bulbs refracting light

Services

A scientific glassblowing facility is an indispensable part of any modern research team. The Glass Facility, found within the Department of Chemistry, is responsible for assisting in the design and fabrication of all glass scientific equipment, as well as repair of existing equipment. 

  • photo of Benj Revies blowing glass

  • photo of glass instrument

  • glass instrument with fire

  • photo of glass instrument

Services

  • Design and construct custom glass scientific apparatus
  • Repair of existing equipment
  • Contract work for users outside of the Department or University

Common Materials worked with (for anything else please contact the Glass Facility for details)

  • Pyrex, Kimax, Simax (Borosilicate) sizes 1mm - 100mm tubing up to limited short lengths of 160mm maximum diameter
  • Quartz (Fused Silica) sizes 1mm - 30mm tubing
  • Glass to metal seals Electrode through wires (tungsten, platinum, gold)

Courses

CHEM:3560:0001 (004:156:001) Advanced Methods in Chemical Research: Scientific Glassblowing Fundamentals

An introduction to the basic manipulations of Borosilicate Glass for the purpose of fabricating basic scientific apparatus.

Rates

$65/hour for University of Iowa clients ; $100/hr for external clients. Flat rates can be negotiated on a per project basis.

Facility Hours

8am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday
Walk-In Consultation Hours: Wednesdays 1pm - 5pm and Fridays 8:30am - 12:30pm
Other consultation times available by appointment

Contact 

Benjamin Revis
Location: W152 CB
Phone: (319) 335-1337
Fax: (319) 335-1270
E-mail: glassfacility@divms.uiowa.edu

Shop Inquiry

Add the MFK number above for UI related requests. Please enter in the following format: XXX-XX-XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXX-XXXXX-XX-XXXX. For more information, please visit: https://finapps.bo.uiowa.edu/glaccman/introduction/introduction/mfk.