Everything begins with the careful selection of raw materials. | | The primary components for the high art of glassmaking are quartz sand, lead oxide and potash. | | The careful and precise mixing of components is performed here by machine. | | People and their abilities are the heart of the manufacturing process. | | The molten glass is evenly distributed on the pipe through alternate turning, blowing and forming with a wet wooden ladle. | | The ancient guild tradition lives on: here in the "Bohemian style". | | At a temperature of approximately 900°C, the molten glass is blown into a mold made of cast iron or damp wood. | | In principle, little has changed in the making of glass since the "invention" of the glass-blowing pipe approximately two thousand years ago. | | For the making of the especially attractive cased crystal, the so-called "color cups" must be prepared in advance. | | The cased crystal is created by blowing the glass bubble into the "color cup". The colored glass must be heated in the furnace for this purpose. | | The body determined the blow mold is created by continual blowing with the mouth and simultaneous turning. | | After separation from the pipe, the glass bodies, still at approx. 500°C, are placed in the annealing furnace and cooled to room temperature. | | A feeling for the material and a critical eye are part of strict quality control procedures. | | The combination of handwork and automated manufacturing procedures ensures Nachtmann's success and secures the company many friends among lovers of fine crystal. | | Efficient production ensures success and increases quality. | | The idea is just the start: glasscutters create lasting works of art with their tools. | | The brilliance of the lead crystal can first unfold its full radiance with the aid of the rigth cut. | | A fine line between craft and art: the delicate work of the glasscutter. | | The final touches - the brilliance of the lead crystal is the result of conscientious finishing work. | | The stained layers are removed and cutting areas lightened with the modern mirror finish polish. All traces of acid are removed and processed. | | Inspection is important - every piece is subject to precise quality control. | | Heart and soul have been invested into every piece of lead crystal from Nachtmann _ and it is treated accordingly. | | Whether goblets, cups, vases, bowls or lightning glass, all the different pieces have one thing in common: their perfection. | | Up to 70 different product series are packaged each day and sent on their way to glass lovers throughout the world. | | The future has already begun at the Weiden plant. The lead crystal plant was the first in Europe to use the enviromentally friendly polishing method with fluorosulphuric acid. Nachtmann has been awarded numerous ernvorimental prizes for this procedure. |
