FLOAT GLASS

Float glass is a type of glass that is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal. The most common metal used for this purpose is tin, but lead and other low-melting-point alloys have also been used in the past. The float glass process produces sheets of glass that are very flat and have few imperfections.

History of Float Glass

The float glass process was invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington in the 1950s. The process was first used commercially in 1959 at a plant in Britain. The float glass process quickly became popular and today, almost all flat glass is made using the float method.

Today, there are over 500 float glass plants in operation around the world. The float glass process is used to make a variety of products, including window glass, windshields, shower doors, and mirrors.

Float Glass Advantages

• Flat surface with few imperfections

• High clarity and light transmittance

• Resistant to acid, alkaline, and corrosion

• Very easy to cut into various shapes and sizes

• Serves as the substrate for many types of glass processing

Float Glass Disadvantages

• Easy to break and can shatter into sharp shards

• Doesn’t meet safety glass requirements so cannot be used in areas with risk of human impact

• Can be scratched and damaged easily

Applications of Float Glass

Float glass is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Windows and doors

• Furniture such as display cabinets and tabletops

• It is used to make laminated and toughened glass

Size & Thicknesses for float glass

Float glass is produced in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 2mm to 20mm. The most common thicknesses used in construction are 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm.