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Notes | Simplified Plasma Filling Process
What I have for you below is a simplified Plasma Filling Process that I use today with notes from my talks with Wayne Strattman, and his book The Art of Plasma: Creating lighted Sculpture with Gas, Glass, and Electricity and, Amy Lemaire, who teaches the Plasma Design course at the Salem Community College Glass Education…
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⚡ Now Introducing: The Research Lab Ribbon Burner
After years of design, testing, and refinement, the Research Lab Ribbon Burner: Blower and Mixer is here! Built for safety, mobility, and ease of use, this all-in-one system solves long-standing challenges with older or DIY setups—perfect for both seasoned benders and newcomers. Featuring a compact venturi mixing system and adaptable design, it’s the next step…
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🆓Materials of High Vacuum Technology, Volume 3: Auxiliary Materials by Werner Espe
“Materials of High Vacuum Technology, Volume 3: Auxiliary Materials” by Werner Espe, published 1966, focuses on a diverse range of auxiliary materials essential for high vacuum applications, detailing their requirements, composition, and practical uses. The book covers luminescent materials (phosphors), elastomers (rubber and rubber-like substances), sealants such as oils, greases, waxes, and cements, as well…
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🏛️ The Research Lab Library
Step inside the Research Lab Library, where the glow of neon and plasma meets the quiet hum of a well-thumbed archive. Here, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of books, articles, videos, and rare documents gathered from across the globe—some freely available online, others unearthed, scanned, or translated through countless hours of research. This library…
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🆓Modern Vacuum Practice, Third Edition
“Modern Vacuum Practice, Third Edition” — serves as an accessible and practical introduction to high vacuum technology, tailored for technicians, engineers, and scientists who use vacuum systems in their work. The book avoids complex mathematics and kinetic theory, focusing instead on real-world applications and hands-on guidance. It covers the principles of vacuum generation, system design, leak…
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🆓Materials of High Vacuum Technology, Volume 2: Silicates by Werner Espe
“Materials of High Vacuum Technology, Volume 2: Silicates” by Werner Espe, published 1966, focuses on silicate materials used in high vacuum applications, covering their manufacture, composition, and properties. The book specifically discusses technical glasses, quartz glass, quartzware, Vycor glass, ceramic materials, mica, and asbestos. It delves into how these materials are made, their chemical makeup,…
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Plasma & Professionalism | Example of Documentation for Plasma Light Sculpture
Whether you’re making your first plasma piece or exhibiting at a gallery or donating to a fundraiser, good documentation is more than just a formality—it’s a mark of care, professionalism, and accessibility. Providing clear instructions helps curators, collectors, and technicians understand how to safely install, display, and maintain your work.
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PD-7K – LumaShell Case (3D Models Only)
Designed with both workshop safety and visual appeal in mind, the PD-7K LumaShell is a downloadable 3D-printable enclosure for your PD-7K plasma transformer. Whether you’re teaching a class, testing in the studio, or showcasing your work, the LumaShell offers a clean and protective housing to elevate your setup.
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Beyond the Spark Coil: Troubleshooting Vacuum Leaks in Plasma Sculpture
Ever struggled to find a vacuum leak in your plasma sculpture, even with a spark coil? In this post, we dive into a real question from the community—exploring the differences between spark coils like the Eco and BD-10AS—and walk through practical methods for leak detection when the usual tools fall short. From sensory cues to…
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EP 59: Neon Insights: Alta Robbins’ Valve Innovations with Greg Wilson
In today’s podcast, I’ll be joined by Greg Wilson, the President of Alta Robbins, a leading provider of precision engineering solutions, known for their high-quality valves. With a wealth of knowledge in valve engineering and a deep understanding of the needs of the neon industry, Greg is here to share his insights and expertise with…
