CUVGLA503A
Refine kiln cast glass techniques

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design and produce a variety of glass forms using kiln casting techniques.

Application

Glass artists apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. At this level they demonstrate a well-developed command of the specific techniques, tools and equipment used to produce kiln cast glass.

This work is carried out independently with mentoring and guidance as required.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Develop ideas for kiln cast glass

1.1 Evaluate work opportunities offered by kiln casting glass

1.2 Research ideas for kiln cast glasswork from other historical and contemporary references

1.3 Research, adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches with consideration of intellectual property requirements

1.4 Create designs for a range of kiln cast glass forms to meet professional practice needs

2. Establish requirements for kiln cast glass

2.1 Investigate safety issues for kiln cast glass

2.2 Set up work space, materials, tools and equipment according to safety requirements

2.3 Establish and follow safe work practices

2.4 Plan firing schedules for different forms

2.5 Investigate and test processes for kiln cast glasswork

2.6 Monitor key safety issues during the production of work

3. Kiln cast glass forms

3.1 Determine suitable forming methods or combination of techniques

3.2 Make kiln cast glass items to design requirements in relation to form and function

3.3 Define the form using glassworking techniques

3.4 Prepare articles for further surface treatment and finishing

3.5 Use appropriate finishing techniques on kiln cast items

4. Refine kiln cast glass techniques

4.1 Show command of kiln cast glass techniques within a coherent body of glasswork

4.2 Identify and resolve technical problems in kiln cast glass projects based on developing expertise

4.3 Use ongoing experimentation with techniques to refine ideas

4.4 Develop own ways of working with the kiln cast glass process to create individual style

5. Evaluate own kiln cast glasswork

5.1 Evaluate development of own kiln cast glasswork with others and seek feedback

5.2 Identify ways in which techniques may be further developed as part of a professional glass practice and build ideas into future work

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with others about kiln cast glass practice and challenges

critical thinking and analytical skills to:

evaluate the needs of particular work projects, including design briefs for work

research and evaluate historical and contemporary trends to inform ideas

literacy skills to read specifications and requirements

problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical kiln cast glass problems

numeracy skills to work with numerical features of kiln cast glass processes, including measurements of materials

self-management, planning and organising skills to:

evaluate kiln cast glassworking opportunities in own practice

set up a kiln cast glasswork space

technology skills to safely use kiln cast glass tools and equipment

technical skills to produce single forms, larger forms and sets or families of forms, including:

multiples

related series

modular forms

assembled sectional forms.

Required knowledge

features of advanced kiln cast glass techniques, including:

structural support for large scale work

making and joining modules

refractory mould-making techniques

combining kiln cast glass with glass components made using other techniques

adding colour to the casting glass

finishing techniques

elements and principles of design and their specific application to the production of glassworking

physical properties and capabilities of the range of materials, tools and equipment used in kiln cast glassworking

kiln cast glass techniques, including:

use of open moulds

investment (closed) moulds

forms: flat, tall and hollow

thin and thick casts

simple and complex forms

firing and annealing requirements of the kiln cast glass process

work space requirements for glasswork, including ways of organising and maintaining space

ways of exploring, adapting and extending techniques and materials to achieve different effects in kiln cast glass

cleaning and maintenance techniques for tools and equipment used in glasswork

intellectual property issues and legislation associated with professional glass practice

sustainability considerations for professional glass practice

OHS requirements for kiln cast glasswork.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

evolve and refine kiln cast glass techniques through a demonstrated process of experimentation

produce a coherent body of professional glasswork that demonstrates well-developed kiln casting techniques to create both single works and multiples of related works

research kiln cast glass in the context of historical and contemporary glassworking as a source of ideas for own work

use safe and sustainable work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a safe work space for glassworking

materials, tools and equipment used to produce kiln cast glasswork.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of kiln casting technique within a body of work produced by the candidate

evaluation of processes used by the candidate to evolve and refine kiln casting technique

direct observation of kiln casting in progress, including exploration of, and experimentation with, techniques

questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect work place demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUVACD510A Manage kiln operations

CUVACD511A Make moulds and casts

CUVACD515A Manage specialised finishing processes

CUVGLA502A Investigate glassworking materials and processes.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Work opportunities may relate to:

brief for kiln cast glasswork

commissions from others

competitions

creation of individual items or sets

local demand

retail opportunities

self-generated ideas.

Kiln casting glass may include one-off and related ranges of:

architectural glass items

bowls and platters

cylinders

figurative and abstract sculptures

geometric forms

jewellery

lighting

modular forms

open and closed forms

related series

vessels.

Intellectual property requirements relate to:

copyright laws

design licensing regulations

extent to which the work may be used

moral rights law

procedures for seeking permission to use the work of others, including systems for the administration of copyright

protocols for the adaptation of work by others

trademarks regulations.

Designsmay include:

drawings

maquettes.

Materials may include:

abrasives:

alumina

cerium oxide

powder and paper

silicon carbide

glass colours

glues:

UV glues

2-part epoxies

mould-making and casting materials:

alginate

clay

microcrystalline wax

pottery plaster

resin

silicone

mould additives:

grog

sand

silica

wire

range of compatible clear and coloured casting glass

resist materials:

glue

latex

shellac

vinyl.

Tools may include:

abrasive tools, including:

associated consumables

engravers

grinders

decorating tools

glass cutters and breaking tools

measuring devices

modelling, cutting and carving tools

mould-making tools

tools for applying pattern and texture

turntables.

Equipment may include:

abrasive equipment, including:

consumables

grinders

linishers

polishers

compressor

electronic equipment for design work

kiln

personal protective equipment (PPE)

sandblaster

spray booth and spray gun.

Safe work practices may include:

correct disposal of waste materials

dust and fume extraction

ergonomic safety

managing risk

procedures for using kilns and other specialist equipment

reporting accidents and incidents

safely using tools and equipment

using clearly designated wet and dry areas

using PPE.

Firing schedulesmust take into account:

complexity of the form and its mould

glass manufacturer’s recommended annealing schedules

material condition of the mould

number of moulds in the kiln

thickness of the form

type of glass being used

type of kiln being used

type of mould:

open

closed.

Testmay include:

making kiln cast glass maquettes to refine:

the form

investment processes

molten glass feeding methods

different casting glasses

applied and incorporated colours

finished work presentation.

Processes may include:

casting:

mould

plunge

reservoir

side flow

cold working

pâté de verre

plunge casting

using moulds:

investment

multi-piece moulds.

Suitable forming methods may include:

assembly

finishing

kiln casting

model making

mould making.

Coherent body of glassworkis:

conceptually resolved

technically resolved

thematically connected

documented in terms of its development

subject to critical feedback by others.

Technical problemsmay include:

limitations of own technical skill required for:

model and mould-making processes

cold working techniques

limited availability of space for:

production of work

storage of work in progress

displaying finished results

other limitations, such as:

limited availability of and/or access to specialist tools and equipment

equipment and machinery breakdown

inadequate skills and knowledge required for selected firing processes.

Ways in which techniques may be further developedmay include:

collaboration

further study

intensive workshops

mentored guidance

new projects.


Sectors

Visual communication – glass


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.