Re: Writing inside a glass tube

Aug 22, 2003 7 Replies
D

Hi Joe,



I purchased a 2"x2-1/2" x3/4" glass block, as a gift for my wife. In the middle of the glass is a single 3 dimensional, long stem, rose with the words "I love you" printed underneath the stem. It is visible from all sides. When turned 90 degrees the rose looks like a rose and the printing is just a straight line. I was told , by the salesperson, that it was done with two lasers. When the beams intersected they created enough heat to melt the glass on the inside of the block, thus making the design. They had all sorts of designs, dolphins, dogs, cats, flowers, churches, etc. they are really quite nice. You can probably find them in any store that sells tourist items. I don't remember who made them and I can't find the box it came in. Granted this would require a pretty sophisciated setup to do, but what you are asking is being done by someone :-)



Daymon


Hi All,
>
>I have a small glass capillary tube ( about 3mm in diameter,
>12 inches long flint glass). Would like to write something
>inside the glass tube to begin with. Later I want to create
>some art if I am successful with the writing. A sharp metal
>would not even make a scratch. Is there any other way to
>write, by etching or scoring etc.?
>
>Thanks for any input.
>Joe
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M

These things are available all over the place. If you don't want to get into lasers, then I would suggest making your own attachment to a vibrating etcher, the kind used to put names or license numbers on to tools. What you would have to do is get hard wire, like music wire, bend the tip, file it sharp and then attach it to the vibrating nose of the tool - epoxy?, shrink wrap? then use the end of the wire as a vibrating scribe inside the tube.

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B

One solution would be to coat the interior of the tube with wax as a resist. carve the writing into the wax and then use etching cream You'd need a steady hand though. Much steadier than I have.

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M

Does this mean you'll be posting photos of your first efforts in this area? ;>)

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I

Alternative, possibly easier solution, at least not involving much optics. Obtain some silicone tubing, of diameter that will easily slip into the tube. Laser print your writing onto some "pressNpeel" transfer paper. Cut into a strip that will fit inside the tube rolled up. Insert into tube, insert silicone tubing along with it, inflate tubing to press firmly against walls. When confident it's in the right position, heat up to around 150C or so to fuse the toner to the glass. Remove tube. Wash out pressNpeel paper using water and a pipe-cleaner. You now have a toner image on the wall of the tube. This may suit, or you can use it as an etch resist (I think it will stand up to glass etching solution, but am not sure)

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J

Did I miss something or is 3 mm larger than I think it is?

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M

3mm is just under 1/8" inch (25.4 mm to inch) writing would have to be about that tall (1/3 of circumference) to be readable, subject to distortion by curved glass, perhaps as small as 1/16"

-- Mike Firth Hot Glass Bits Furnace Working Website

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