Recently, Gary Smay presented a guest lecture at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania on the topic of "Basic aspects of glass as a material when used to manufacture glass containers". Gary was invited to participate in a newly developed  Chemistry Course built around "The Science and Art of Glass".  The course was designed to provide first year students an opportunity to explore some real-world applications for the course material while striving to improve critical thinking skills. "First Year Seminar Courses help students develop essential academic skills and gain a sense of community. The discussion of recycling and problems with post-consumer cullet supported those goals. ", said Theresa Thewes, PhD, Department of Chemistry at Edinboro.

AGR International CEO, Henry Dimmick Jr will be  presenting the paper that he co-authored along with Brian Collins and Gary Smay entitled "Comparison of SEM/EDX Analysis to Petrographic Techniques for Identifying the Composition of Stones in Glass" at the 75th Conference on Glass Problems.  The conference will be at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, November 3-6.  AGR will also host an Exhibit Booth (Location 19) to answer questions regarding the analytical services we provide to the industry. Contact us to make an appointment.

These timeless papers have been carefully selected from our archives of published work from Preston Laboratories. The research that is presented provides key background information that will enhance the reader’s fundamental understanding of glass strength, static fatigue, container testing, stress development as well as other topics of discussion that were pioneered by American Glass Research. We hope that you find these papers enriching and that they further your understanding of these enduring principles.

American Glass Research will be attending the glasstec International Trade Fair to be held in Dusseldorf, Germany October 21-24. Bill Slusser, Peter de Haan, and Alexander Broda will be available and welcome the opportunity to discuss any breakage issues, training requests, testing requirements, lightweighting programs or any analytical needs you have. Visit our booth located in Hall 14 at Stand C30 or contact us to make an appointment to meet with one of our experts. 

After a long and prestigious career at American Glass Research, Gary Smay has announced his retirement from full time duties. Gary started at American Glass Research in 1970 after completing his studies at the University of Pennsylvania.  He is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in the areas of surface protection of glass containers and glass coatings. He also is established as a world class seminar instructor in the subject areas of Coatings, Cord and Annealing Stresses and Fracture Diagnosis.

Gary started as a Research Chemist in the Butler office and has risen to the top level of his division as Manager of Consulting Services. His leadership led to the continuous growth of the division in the areas of Consulting, Training and Testing.

Over Gary’s impressive career he has:

In July, Bill Slusser and Gary Smay travelled to Yantai, China to present three seminars to Changyu Glass Ltd. These seminars marked the first time a Chinese glass manufacturer had hosted in-plant sessions. The seminars were entitled;  “Evaluation and Lightweighting of Glass Container Designs”, “Testing and Fracture Diagnosis of Glass Bottles” and “Coating Technology”.  The participants gained greater insight into the key principles of designing a bottle, diagnosis of glass bottle failures and the key variables to consider in achieving superior surface protection. The seminars were all very well received and Changyu Glass has expressed interest in obtaining additional AGR training in 2015.