The services provided by American Glass Research have benefited numerous markets segments ranging from the glass manufacturer to the end-user.  We primarily serve the glass packaging industry, which includes the food, beverage, tableware, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, our expertise has been  utilized for the evaluation of tempered ware, kitchenware, and candle containers.  Our ever- expanding capabilities have also proven valuable to customers in flat glass, automotive glass, specialty glass, and even the ceramic/whitewares markets.

We invite you to peruse the following list of services-all of which have been successfully employed for goals ranging from preventative quality assurance to first response problem solving: 

Performance Testing
Our experienced team will work with you to recommend the most appropriate sampling and test protocal whether your interest lies in preventative quality assurance or first response problem solving. We can assist you to develop test strategies to meet your specific goals, timeline and budgetary needs.

Design Analysis
Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), our design team can quantitatively evaluate stresses generated under anticipated loads before expensive molds are created or any glass is produced.  Our iterative design service can determine the lightest glass weight possible for the specified blueprint geometry.  In addition to the pre-production benefits, a design analysis of an existing container experiencing performance problems can provide key insights into the root cause of the problem.  

Line Audits
An expert team can inspect a filling line to appropriately identify rough handling in the filling line which could lead to breakage or the creation of strength lowering damage that negatively affects the bottle's performance.   Using an impact sensor, we can quantitatively determine problematic locations that are generating severe impacts.  In addition to identifying critical areas, we will also write an expert report with recommendations for improvement.

Product Liability
Our product liability consultants are available to direct the technical phases of product litigation.  A written expert report, photos of the evidence, and a constructed drawing of the fracture system will be given.  Experts are also available for deposition and court testimony.

Fracture Diagnosis
Given all the fragments of a broken item, we can scientifically determine the root cause of breakage problems, which can range from manufacturing defects, to problems associated with abusive handling.  Common examples include types of inclusions within the glass from poor glass mixtures, filling line breakage, warehouse failures, consumer complaints, litigation pieces, or quality control failures below pass levels.

Glass and Packaging Technology Issues
Glass and packaging technology projects include problems with glass container quality such as cord, annealing, inclusions (stones, bubbles, embedded glass, or blisters), coatings, optical properties, and much more - as well as packaging issues, such as problems with labeling, decoration, contamination, or product interactions.

Tableware/Candle Testing
All of our testing services are also offered for tableware items such as drinking glass, bowls, dishes, coffee pots, ovenware, candleholders, and other decorative products.  These types of items use our performance testing, fracture diagnosis, and glass quality services, in addition to training seminars. 

Other Services
American Glass Research offers many services in addition to the capabilities listed above.  We are always adding services as the need arises.  As an equipped laboratory with glass experts, we are well qualified to meet the needs of the glass industry.