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There is something about the snow globe that is popular with our customers, which is why it is one of the most popular items in our holiday product line. One snow globe is composed of a hand-cast resin or ceramic base, precision-fit glass or acrylic dome, purified water and decorative figurines, all of which must fit and seal perfectly over years of use. With over 19 years in manufacturing and monthly production of over 1,500,000 pieces, all aspects of the snow globe manufacturing process have been streamlined and controlled into repeatable process at MornsunGifts. This article shows you some of the major considerations we have when making every globe, from production to sealing, and how we guarantee every globe is internationally compliant.

Preparing the Base: Where Assembly Begins

Prior to the installation of the dome, each base should be checked. The bases of our snow globes have differing sizes depending on the type, and are made of bisque, terracotta, resin or ceramic. Traditional Santa Claus, nutcrackers and home favors are made with ceramic bases and resin bases are suitable for architectural model figurines, religious crafts, or intricate designs.

The following are inspected: dimensional accuracy, glaze or paint finish, and flatness of the sealing rim on each base. The flatness of the rim, within tight tolerances, is required for the dome to be securely attached to a base, even if there is only a slight warp in the base. Gasket groove (either molded or rubber ring) is examined for uniformity and debris. Debris in the groove can cause a leak path and this is a critical cleaning step, rather than a dust removal step.

Dome Placement: Alignment, Gasket, and Figurine Positioning

The biggest component in snow globes is the dome. The dome (glass or acrylic) is then checked to see if it is clear, if it is scratched and if it is in the same size. The quality team checks the dome height and inner diameter against the base rim as it can make a difference of a millimeter and that can make a difference to the seal.

The base is set in a jig and the gasket is inserted in the base groove. The gasket material is chosen in accordance with the material of the globe fluid, and is not easily swollen or hardened with time. The dome is then dropped straight down (not tipped) on the gasket in order not to pinch or roll the ring. Under a controlled pressure, the dome is pushed down uniformly all around its perimeter until it is securely in place.

Before the closing of a dome, the position of figurines is set in the dome. The direction of the statues and any fairy or angel figurines, a miniature buildings and similar elements are measured, each figure is fastened to the base and checked for clearance from the dome walls. All figurines are glued with waterproof glue. This stage also checks if the "snow" particles (whether size and quantity) is loaded to specification, the number of the particles in the globe will affect the visual quality of the final globe.

Filling and Water Treatment: The Invisible Quality Factor

Once the dome has been installed and the figurines have been checked, the globe is filled with treated fluid. Using purified water and additives which stop bacteria growing and algae developing, we avoid the cloudy water that is the bane of badly produced snow globes. The pH and concentration of additives are determined by testing in batches and the quantity of filling is monitored to ensure the proper air pocket for the smooth flow of snow.

Filling is done in a controlled environment to reduce the number of airborne contaminants. Trapped air is able to rise and is dislodged before sealing. The dwell time is brief but significant: a bubble against a figurine or beneath the rim of the dome could mar the look or compromise the seal.

Final Sealing: The Control Point That Defines Durability

Final sealing makes sure that a snow globe withstands shipping and display at the store, and will last for years of ownership. Sealing can be accomplished by either fitting a structural adhesive over the compressed gasket or by mechanically crimping the gasket. The adhesive is uniformly distributed in a continuous bead around the dome-base junction; both gaps and excess adhesive are considered defects. The put-together globe is then placed in a regime of controlled temperature and humidity for a curing process, so that the adhesive has attained maximum strength before manipulation.

All sealed globes are leak tested. Common tests include a weight test before and after a settling period, visual inspection for weeping around the joint, and tilt testing to stress the seal. Failed globes are reworked or rejected, no globes are allowed to go to packaging without passing. This may seem strict, but it reflects our quality control philosophy: never compromise on quality for the customer.

Inspection, Packaging, and the Role of Our Team

The snow globes are transported to the final inspection where they are compared to the approved snow globe sample for scene arrangement, clarity of fluids, snow performance and finish quality. We have a team of professional designers and sculptors who collaborate with the production team to ensure the sculptures we create in the studio match what is delivered in the box. Packaging is designed to withstand transport shock and has been tested to ensure domes and bases remain safe during export and through the shipping lines available at our Xiamen port.

Conclusion

The process of assembling snow globes is a series of value-added process controls from the initial inspection of the resin or ceramic base through to the ultimate leak test performed on a closed and sealed dome. Each of these factors of dome placement, gasket seating, water treatment and final sealing requires precision, and the precision we demand for each order comes from our experienced employees and scientific quality control team. This measured process is why our snow globes are a reliable option in holiday decor and as gifts for the home for brands all over America, Europe, Australia and worldwide.