If you’re a lampworker, glass artist, or scientific glassblower, you’ve probably heard about borosilicate glass. However, what is it? In what way is it different to other glass? What is more, how do you select the borosilicate glass tubes or colors to work with?
In this blog, we will deconstruct:
- What is borosilicate glass?
- The available different types and grades of contracts
- Borosilicate glass, popular colours, and its uses
- Borosilicate glass available for sale, and Where do I find coloured borosilicate glass and tubes?
ABR Imagery is a company that tries to provide artists and related professionals with the best quality of glass in the most affordable price.
What Is a Borosilicate Glass?
Borosilicate glass is a kind of glass containing silica and boron trioxide as its primary constituents. This unique composition renders it very resistant to thermal shock, chemical corrosion and mechanical stress.
Key features include:
- Great heat resistance (resistant to low and high temperatures)
- Low heat expansion
- Unsurpassed chemical stability
That is why borosilicate is used:
- Scientific labware
- Glass and lampworks
- Lighting applications
- Luxury gadgets (think Pyrex™)
Our ABR Imagery store includes a full-featured selection of borosilicate glass tubes, rods, and colors to fit your project.
Types of Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass comes in several types or grades, typically defined by clarity, purity, and intended use:
Clear Borosilicate Tubing
- The classic choice for scientific glassblowing, lampworking, and functional glass art.
- Available in many diameters and wall thicknesses.
- Brands: Simax, Schott, Northstar Clear.
Colored Borosilicate Glass
- Rods or tubing of metals, oxides and rare earth elements are injected.
- Applied to produce bright, glaring glass artwork.
- Famous commercial color brands such as Northstar, Glass Alchemy, TAG (Trautman Art glass), and others come into existence.
Scientific Industrial Grade
- Special clear glass of very high purity, to lab specs or eng specs.
- Application: Lab glassware, Reactors, lighting parts.
At ABR Imagery, we can assist your selection of the borosilicate glass tubes and types that suit your creative or technical requirements appropriately.
Borosilicate Glass Colors: Unleash the World of Creative Options
The choice of color is one of the most thrilling things about using borosilicate.
Popular Borosilicate Glass Colors include:
- Opaque Colors: Solid, consistent tones like white, black, or vibrant opaque reds and blues.
- Transparent Colors: Jewel-toned, see-through options perfect for layering and encasement.
- Striking Colors: Change when heated and worked in a reducing or oxidizing flame (e.g., silver-striking glass).
- Colour-Change Glass: Like to change hue with light, or with thickness (e.g. CFL-reactive glass).
ABR Imagery carries hundreds of different colored rods and tubing in borosilicate glass that is made by the finest companies around, so we are the one place to get it all.
How to Choose the Right Borosilicate Glass Tubes
When selecting borosilicate glass tubes, consider:
- Diameter and wall thickness (for strength and shaping)
- Compatibility with your torch and working style
- Clarity and color options for your design
- Brand and batch consistency
At ABR Imagery, we can help you pick the best size and grade for your work, whether you’re making pendants, marbles, scientific apparatus, or pipes.
Borosilicate Glass for Sale: Why Buy from ABR Imagery?
When searching for borosilicate glass for sale, you want more than just good prices—you want expertise, quality, and reliable supply.
Why choose ABR Imagery?
- Industry-leading brands (Northstar, Glass Alchemy, TAG, Simax, Schott)
- Huge in-stock inventory, including borosilicate glass tubes, rods, frit, and tools
- Fast, secure shipping worldwide
- Expert support for beginners and professionals alike
We take pride in being a trusted partner to glass artists for over 20 years.
Where to Buy Borosilicate Glass Tubes
Ready to get started?
You can shop a complete range of borosilicate glass tubes, colored borosilicate glass, and tools on our website:
Shop Borosilicate Glass Tubes at ABR Imagery
We’re committed to helping you bring your creative vision to life with the best materials available.
Final Thoughts
Borosilicate glass is the foundation of scientific glassblowing and modern lampworking. With its durability, color range, and adaptability, it’s the top choice for artists and engineers alike.
At ABR Imagery, we’re here to support your craft with premium borosilicate glass for sale, expert advice, and unbeatable service.
