2023-11-02 10:25:05
If someone had told our great-grandparents that the glazier profession would be disrupted by lasers, software and “smart” glass, they probably wouldn’t have believed you. But today glass is no longer just a transparent material. Indeed, it may be a true technological marvel. However, despite advances in the tools and materials they use, the expertise and usefulness of glaziers often remain unknown to the general public.
So what developments has the glazier craftsmanship undergone? How does technology affect the tools and glass used by glaziers? How has the importance of safety and durability of glazing evolved? What is the role of the glazier in ecology and glass recycling?
During this month, we have chosen to highlight craftsmanship through a series of three articles. Discover the answers to these questions with this second article, dedicated to the glazier profession.
History and evolution of the glazier profession
Glazing as a craft has come a long way since its ancient beginnings. To begin, let’s explore the historical roots of the craft and how it has evolved over time. In particular by adapting to technological progress and responding to the changing needs of society.
The origins of the glazier profession
It all started with the first forms of glazing discovered in ancient Egypt. Manual techniques, rudimentary wooden or metal tools, and the use of natural materials such as sand were common. Glaziers of old were true artisans, shaping glass by hand to create art objects and windows.
However, it was only during the industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century that glazing experienced a real upheaval. Indeed, machines enabled mass production, revolutionizing the supply of glass. The two world wars also stimulated an increased demand for glass for reconstruction, leading to innovations in production techniques.
What are the training and skills of a glazier?
A glazier’s abilities go far beyond just handling glass. A competent glazier has extensive knowledge of different types of glass and their properties. His expertise therefore allows him to choose the most suitable material for each project. He must also have a keen eye for precision, as a simple mistake can render a part completely unusable.
In the past, becoming a glazier required years of learning and practice. Today, while knowledge of materials and manual techniques remains essential, training has had to adapt. The integration of modules on modern tools, new cutting and installation techniques have become essential. And with the advent of digital technology, a modern glazier must also master several software programs.
The technological impact on glass and tools
The world of glazing has not remained on the sidelines of the technological revolution. From the tools to the windows used, every aspect of the profession has had to align with technological advances. Now let’s dive into the innovations shaping modern glazing.
Use of modern tools
Today’s glaziers no longer rely solely on manual tools. Indeed, technology has transformed their profession, offering them precision and efficiency at every step. Laser cutters, for example, make it possible to make cuts with great precision, even for complex shaped windows in a historic building. What would have taken days of work is now done in a few hours.
Then, with the introduction of CNC machines, the production of glass in large quantities became more uniform and of higher quality. For example, for a building that requires specific windows, these machines reproduce the same design with unparalleled precision every time.
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