Annealing Moretti/Effetre Beads

Question: What is the proper way to anneal beads that I have made using Moretti/Effetre glass.

Answer:  There are two ways to anneal beads.  I'll tell you the best way first and the alternative way second.  This is sort of long without any pictures.  Sorry about that!

Moretti glass anneals between 920-968 degrees.  Most beadmakers anneal in the center at 940 degrees.

Method #1 - Best Way: Buy yourself a good bead annealing kiln with either a pyrometer or a kiln controller.  If you won't be traveling with your equipment get one that is made with the hard fire bricks.  These hold heat much better and evenly.  They are more cost effective and will have a much longer life.  Any of the good glass suppliers will have great kilns.

While you are making your beads have the kiln at the annealing temperature of 940 degrees.  As you finish each of your beads gently flame anneal your completed bead by allowing it to slightly cool and pass it through the flame several times to bring the entire depth of the bead to approximately the same temperature.  Then place the bead still on the mandrel inside the hot kiln for storage while you make more.

After you are completely done making beads for the day then anneal everything that is in the kiln.

    With Kiln Controller:  If you have a kiln controller set it to anneal for 30 minutes (smaller beads - up to 15-20mm)  or to anneal for 60 minutes (larger beads over 20mm) .  The program will then automatically hold the proper temperature for the selected time.  Then automatically slowly cool until the temperature reaches 600 degrees.  The kiln will automatically turn itself off.  Don't open it until the kiln reaches room temperature.  This is great if you work in the evening after dinner because once you are done everything is automatic.

    With Pyrometer:  If you don't have a kiln controller make sure the pyrometer reads 940 degrees and leave it there for 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your bead size.  After the time has passed slowly begin turning down the pyrometer until it passes 700 degrees.  Then the kiln can be turned off and left closed until it reaches room temperature.  This slow cooling is important if you are using a kiln that is lined with a fiber blanket.  These kilns cool very quickly, sometimes too fast and will cause cracks.  This is especially true if you work in a cold area.

Method #2:  If you don't own a kiln but have access to one this is an acceptable way to anneal.

This method is called "Batch Annealing".  First make your beads and cool them as slowly as possible.  This can be done in either a fiber blanket or a crock-pot filled with vermiculite set on the highest temperature.  Turn this off when you are done for the day.  The next day you can retrieve your beads and either remove them from the mandrel or leave them on.  This step is not considered annealing!

To anneal your beads.....Take them to the cold kiln and put them inside.  Slowly raise the temperature over at least one hour until it reaches 940 degrees.  Hold the kiln at this temperature for the proper amount of time (30 minutes for smaller beads or 1 hour for beads over 20mm).  Then slowly cool the kiln by turning it off and allowing it to cool overnight before opening it.

If you are using a pottery kiln it will work just fine.  But, don't use the cones for the pottery controller.  These cones will raise the temperature properly but once reached the kiln will turn itself off, this is not enough for annealing glass.  They must be held at 940 degrees for at least 30 minutes for proper annealing.  Use a pyrometer and adjust it manually to get the temperature regulated and held for the necessary time.