What process in glassworking is similar to centrifugal casting in metalworking?

The process in glassworking that is similar to centrifugal casting in metalworking is spinning. In centrifugal casting, molten metal is poured into a mold that is rotated at high speed, causing the metal to distribute evenly against the mold walls due to centrifugal force. This results in a dense and uniform product.

In glassworking, spinning involves rotating a gather of molten glass at high speeds on a mold or support structure. As the glass spins, it is shaped by the forces acting on it, similar to how molten metal is shaped in centrifugal casting. This process allows for the creation of thin and evenly distributed glass forms, making it a direct parallel to the principles of centrifugal casting in metals, where the rotation helps achieve uniformity and density.

Other processes like molding and blowing involve different techniques and principles. Molding typically relies on gravity or pressure rather than centrifugal force, while blowing uses air pressure to shape the glass. Cutting, on the other hand, pertains to shaping or finishing a glass object after it has cooled and solidified, which is distinct from the shaping processes associated with molten materials.