From contemporary co-ops to state-of-the-art skyscrapers, glass has become a crucial element in architecture, construction, and designing projects.
Its sleek and sophisticated appearance, matched with its high functionality, makes it a popular option. Flat glass is a widely used type of glass boasting incredible chemical inertness and producing various opacities. Here, we discuss what flat glass is and its manufacturing process:
What Is Float Glass?
Flat glass, typically referred to as float glass, is made by floating molten glass, silica, potash, sand-lime, and soda on a sheet of molten tin.
The method offers glass sheets of uniform thickness and incredibly flat surfaces.
Plate Glass vs. Float Glass
Plate glass was a popular construction and architectural option during the older times. Engineers would manufacture this type of glass through grinding, polishing, and refinement.
But soon, companies realized plate glass posed multiple safety hazards and poor energy efficiency. Instead, they started using float glass created by Pilkington Brothers, Ltd. of England.
How is Float Glass Made?
In the 1950s, the Pilkington Brothers introduced the float glass process as an economical solution to the automotive and architectural world. During that era, flat glass production methods created glass through extensive grinding, polishing, and irregular surfaces.
The float glass process involves floating a glass ribbon on the molten tin to create a naturally smooth surface. Engineers employ this method to make clear, tinted, or coated glass for vehicles and buildings.
Why Choose Float Glass?
Choosing flat glass offers you various benefits, including:
- Engineers treat and cure float glass in an oven to enhance its strength and durability
- Float glass allows builders the opportunity to create low E-glass that is recyclable, non-toxic, and does not leave a carbon footprint
- The float glass process enables engineers to create various glass products of different thicknesses, shades, and sizes
What are the Applications of Float Glass?
Flat glass is a super versatile material that offers various applications, such as:
- Float glass provides a sophisticated and elegant look, making it perfect for showroom display cases, retail shop windows, and countertops
- Wall panels allow you to revamp your living space, thus using float glass enable you to spruce up your décor
- Float glass is used in commercial glazing to protect you from outside elements while offering a stunning view
Why Do You Need Flat Glass Machinery?
Let’s discuss the pros of purchasing flat glass machinery:
- Float glass machinery maintains an optimal flow of raw materials to produce the desired product
- These machinery and devices are easy-to-maintain and clean, and challenging to contaminate with particles
- Spares and repairs for float glass machinery are readily available and accessible
- Enjoy incredible ROI from the top-notch performance that flat glass machinery offers
The Bottom Line
More and more companies are seeking environmentally friendly practices in construction, architectural, workplace, and domestic settings in today’s era. Thus, considering the materials employed in construction for homes, offices, and a skyscraper is essential.
Venture onto Glass Machinery Direct to unlock a gold mine of cutting-edge flat glass machinery products. Surf through our extensive catalog of first-rate quality products and machinery available at budget-friendly prices.
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