Annealing lamp is spelled /əˈniːlɪŋ læmp/. The word annealing refers to the process of heating a material to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly to make it more ductile or less brittle. A lamp is a device used for illumination. An annealing lamp, therefore, is a lamp used for heating and cooling a material during the annealing process. The spelling of the word is derived from the process of annealing and the common spelling of lamp.
An annealing lamp, also known as a glassworking lamp or an artist's lamp, is a specialized heat source used in glassblowing and other glassworking techniques. It consists of a flame produced by a gas burner, typically fueled by propane or natural gas, and is connected to a compressed air source for proper combustion and control. The lamp is designed to deliver a hot and consistent flame that is crucial for the annealing process.
Annealing refers to the controlled cooling of glass to relieve internal stresses and increase its durability. In glassblowing, the workpiece is reheated using the annealing lamp after the initial shaping in order to maintain the glass at a specific temperature range. The lamp provides a steady heat source to regulate the rate of cooling and prevent thermal shock, which can cause the glass to crack or shatter.
The annealing lamp is characterized by a long, narrow flame that ensures an even heat distribution throughout the workpiece, which is typically rotated or moved continuously to achieve uniform heating. The lamp's adjustable flame allows glassworkers to achieve different levels of heat intensity and precise temperature control.
Beyond glassblowing, annealing lamps can also be used in various artistic processes that involve heating glass, such as glass sculpting, beadmaking, and lampworking. Their versatility makes them indispensable tools for artists and craftsmen in manipulating and shaping glass materials.
A small alcohol lamp used by dentists for heating the gold leaf in the operation of filling a tooth-cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "annealing lamp" is a compound word consisting of two parts: "annealing" and "lamp".
1. Annealing: The word "annealing" comes from the Middle English word "anelen" which means "to set on fire" or "to kindle". It evolved from the Old English word "onǣlan", meaning "to set on fire" or "ignite". The verb "anneal" refers to the process of heating a material, typically metal or glass, and then slowly cooling it to relieve internal stress and improve its properties.
2. Lamp: The word "lamp" has its origins in the Middle English word "lampe" borrowed from Old French "lampe", which stems from Latin "lampas" meaning "light" or "torch". It typically refers to a device that provides illumination.