In this article, I have discussed the basic meaning of glass beads, their classification and where you can use them. Most people think these are only decorative items. But this is not true. Let’s see some useful applications of glass beads in several industries including road safety and maintenance.
Glass Beads Meaning
Glass beads are small & round pieces that are made up of glass. Usually, you can see them in decorative pieces, jewelry and on the roads. Because they have a shiny and reflective shade which makes them visible from a distance. Moreover, it is possible for you to clean the surface of metal, plastic and glass with glass beads.
How Glass Beads are Made?
First, you melt the glass at a very high temperature (900 to 1000 degrees Celsius). After that the molten glass is poured into a mold or shape that you want.
When they get an exact shape, you should extract them from molds. But still they have some roughness in shape. Therefore, the next step is to clean them for industrial use.
Types of Glass Beads
Reflective Glass Beads
Mainly, this type of glass beads are used on the roads. For this you add small tiny particles of beads into the paint. This mixture is then applied on busy roads. But you may try to sprinkle the layer of beads on wet paint. These both ways give you highly visible markings on the roads.
Lampwork Beads
Lampwork beads are handmade beads made from molten glass. This name comes from the name “oil lamp” that was used to melt this glass. Molten glass is then placed in different types of shapes. Right now, you can melt these beads with an oxygen torch or gas.
Millefiori Beads
Its name “Millefiori” represents an Italian technique which means “a thousand flowers”. These beads are made by layering different colors of beads together. Then stretch it into a long rod with the shapes and shades you want. You often see them in necklaces, bracelets and decorative items.
Faceted Beads
Faceted beads have flat and cut surfaces that reflect light from every side. This cut gives them a shiny and sparkling look. Mostly, you use these beads in jewelry, handbags and fashion wear products.
Seed Beads
These beads are very tiny even under a millimeter to several millimetres in size. They are round glass beads. Seed beads come in many different sizes and shapes. You could choose to create patterns, textures or borders in crafts to attract people.
Bugle Beads
You will see a hole in the center of bugle beads. because they come in cylindrical shapes. Their upper surfaces may come in plain, twisted or cut styles. Specifically, these tubes are used on the dress to make embroideries and design necklines.
Dichroic Beads
If you want to make antique pieces of jewelry, you could try dichroic beads. The reason is that they are made from glass that has multiple microscopic layers. Usually, these layers are of metal oxides. These layered beads change their color with light and view angle.
Fire-Polished Beads or Czech Glass Beads
When you need to design jewelry at less cost, you have the choice to select fire polished beads. This Czech glass bead is famous for its soft shine and sparkle. They are cut by a machine and heated in a kiln. Their final look matches with the real crystal but has less price.
Chevron Beads
They are famous for their 12 branch star pattern. These beads go through a complex manufacturing process which makes them more expensive. In Africa, these beads are used as a magical stone. Therefore, these beads are very rare and highly valued in some countries.
Crackle Beads
Crackle beads show a cracked look from inside. These cracks are created due to their unique style of creation. Actually, these beads are heated and then fastly added into cold water. Mostly, you could find them in fancy jewelry.
Foil Glass Beads
You get foil beads with a thin layer of gold and silver on foil glass beads. You might also find a sandwiched foil between two layers of colored beads. Basically, this is used to give them an inner shine.
Pressed Glass Bead
The creation of these glass beads is clear from their name “Pressed”. Because they are pushed into the mold with pressure. This pressure creates a specific shape. For example: circle, square, cylindrical and star.
Venetian Glass Beads
These beads were firstly manufactured in Venice, the city of Italy. So, people give them the name of Venetian glass beads. You will find a wide variety of colors and shapes in these types of beads. In Italy, they are used as a status symbol and trade item as well.
Uses of Glass Beads
- Glass Beads For Road Marking: Right now, glass beads are used as road markings at large scale. Actually, the lines that use glass beads reflect more strong light. This reflection helps drivers see lanes, crossings and signs clearly at night or even in rain.
- Use of Glass Beads in Chemistry: You are allowed to use glass beads in chemistry labs also. In labs, they spread heat evenly in flasks or test tubes. Plus, you also see them in chromatography and distillation setups to control boil and stop splashes of chemicals.
- Glass Beads For Jewelry Making: As you know, your bracelets, necklaces and earrings are mostly made with these beads. They come in many shapes, sizes and finishes, so you may easily match them with any design.
- Glass Beads For Crafting: As a Crafter, you have an option to use beads in your DIY projects. Actually, they are easy to stick, place and hang. And make items colorful in a few seconds.
- Glass Beads For Weighted Blanket: You can use micro glass beads for your weighted blankets. As a blanket they give you a soft plus warm effect. In addition, they are washable.
- Glass Beads For Suncatchers: Suncatcher is a decorative item. You may see it near windows and on balconies. Beads provide them glow and reflect bright shades from sunlight in your room.
- Glass Beads For Embroidery: Glass beads add shine and texture to embroidery work. You should apply them to outline designs, fill patterns or highlight borders.
- Glass Beads For Reborn Dolls: The weight of reborn dolls are due to these glass beads. They are filled inside their body, hands and feet. Mostly, companies prefer beads over sand or plastic fillers. The reason is their fine texture and balance.
- Glass Beads For Gas Fireplace: In fireplaces, glass beads have replaced the use of wood and coal. Basically, they give a stylish look to your home. Plus, they do not melt and release less smoke.
Purpose & Function of Glass Beads
Well, these small beads have powerful use in several industries. On roads, they reflect light and provide you a safe drive. When it comes to labs, they control heat and support your experiments. If you consider crafts and jewelry, they bring style and detail. In simple words, they are used in almost every field.
Glass Beads For Road Marking Price?
You can get them at an average cost range of $350 to $500 per ton. You may find high reflective or coated beads at a higher cost. Moreover, your local suppliers also change prices on the basis of packing and transport.
To Sum Up
So, you learned several interesting facts about glass beads and their uses. As you see, these tiny beads are very useful in our daily life. Therefore, you can apply them on roads for safety and attach them with your jewelry & crafts for decoration.
If you want road marking glass beads, contact a professional supplier in China like us. We can offer you top quality products at factory rates which are compliant with all global standards.
We Have Answers To Your Questions
How to make glass beads from recycled glass?
For this, you clean the collected beads then crush them into small pieces. After that, melt them on fire and place them in desired molds.
How to Make Glass Beads From Bottles?
If you want to make glass beads from old glass bottles the process will remain the same. Therefore, polish the bottles then cut them into pieces to melt and mold.
Are Glass Beads Safe For Sandblasting?
Yes, glass beads are safe to clean the surface of metal and glass. Basically, they gently remove rust, paint, oil etc.
How to Use Reflective Glass Beads in Paint?
You can mix reflective glass beads directly into road paint or sprinkle them on wet paint. So, when the paint dries, the beads stick on the surface and reflect light from car headlights.
