The Sweet Science of Scientific Glass
The conventional glass bong is a marvel of technological progress. Not only because it incorporates relative density and silicate engineering, but also because this knowledge is used to smoke herb! Pipes have consistently evolved to maximize the user's enjoyment. This is most evident in scientific water pipes.
Scientific water pipes are designed to emulate the qualities of containers used in laboratory sciences. Sometimes this simply means the bong is made of clear borosilicate glass(the material used in most scientific research), but often this extends to the shape of the bong as well. Scientific bong shapes are variations of a bubble beaker, pyramid beaker, and straight tube. The shape of the pipe should't be a concern beyond aesthetic value and preference; the most important qualities to consider are size, weight, percolation, and sturdiness. Traditional beaker designs maximize durability and convenience, being shaped specifically to allow a reliable grip and standing when placed on a flat surface.
Aesthetically, most scientific glass bongs offer a clear, professional look for smokers. Not only do they go with any decor, but you can also see everything inside. This is great for people that like to see the way smoke moves through their pipe. Despite the emphasis on clarity, many glass makers include colored accents on the outside and inside of their bongs. Illadelph's signature series is notable for having colored coil condensers, mouthpieces and downstems. Often, these colored accents are translucent.
Scientific glass pipes are designed with function as a priority, so they tend to have relatively advanced construction. Many have one or more percolators that make smoking easier on your lungs by filtering and distilling the smoke. They also tend to include downstems (removable or fixed) and ice-catchers (to cool down smoke).
Most well-known glassmakers primarily focus in scientific glass pipes, including Zob, Grav Labs, JM Flow, and many others.