Everyone, when digging into their memory, will realize they have already encountered a glass bead.
Shiny, matte, or iridescent — commonly called “rainbow” — the glass bead was one of the most treasured possessions in our childhood. As we grew older, our rainbow bead transformed into a crystal ball, known as a fortune-teller’s orb, with which we spent entire evenings dreaming about our future.
The sphere is a shape that forms the fundamental building block of all matter surrounding us on Earth and throughout the universe. From atoms all the way up to planets — everything is spherical in shape.
In our homes, there are many glass beads used for playing, some people display decorative beads in cabinets, but most importantly, numerous glass beads are hidden inside various devices and instruments. These are technical beads manufactured using various technologies. Based on their production method and precision, they are classified into pressed beads, tumbling beads, and precisely ground beads. Such beads can be found, for example, in perfume spray nozzles, washing machine and dishwasher check valves. For instance, when using spray paint, the paint is mixed beforehand with a so-called shaking bead. Similar shaking beads are used by diabetic patients who need to inject insulin, present in every dose of insulin.
When we step outside of our homes, we continue to encounter glass beads in our daily lives. Tiny glass beads form the basis of all reflective layers. While driving, numerous glass beads “watch” us from both horizontal road markings and the reflective surfaces of traffic signs.
Every student who has ever used or uses a fountain pen also interacts with glass beads. First, grinding beads are used in ink production to homogenize the ink suspension. Second, each ink cartridge contains a glass bead molded inside, which acts as a valve closure when the cartridge is inserted into the pen.
Decorative beads can be seen in shop windows, where colorful glass beads are often used. Crystal glass beads are also commonly found as table decorations, especially at wedding receptions. Some women may have noticed glass beads in their perfumes, serving purely as decoration, but they can also be found in two-component bath emulsions that require mixing before use.
At playgrounds, you’ll see children playing with marbles, which in their professional form are also made of glass. We offer a wide selection of so-called “rainbow marbles,” popular among collectors and recommended by the Czech Marble Association (www.kulicky.com) for their tournaments.
The industrial use of glass beads is also widespread. They are extensively used in paint manufacturing within bead mills, where beads mix the required suspension. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, precision-ground glass beads are used in valves and bearings.
Glass beads are even found deep underground. In mines, each mining locomotive is equipped with a spark arrester on its exhaust pipe containing glass beads that, together with water, prevent sparks from escaping and causing underground explosions.
If reading about glass bead applications has tired you, you can even use glass massage beads, whose acupressure effects are very beneficial and pleasant.
If you wish to purchase any glass beads, you can do so in our online store.
Pharmaceuticals
Industrial Water Filtration
Drinking Water Filters
Precisely Ground Beads
Safety Closures
Milling – Homogenization
Aerosol Sprays
