Float glass is the most common type of flat glass used in the world. It is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin. This process produces a smooth, flat surface that is free of distortion.
Flat float glass can be treated as follows or used in these applications:
Clear glass
Clear glass is the most common type of flat glass. It is transparent and allows for a clear view through it, although clear glass has a slight green hue, especially around the edges. Clear glass is used in a variety of applications, including windows, doors, and mirrors.
Low-Iron glass
Low-Iron Glass is a float glass with a recipe containing less iron than clear glass. This produces ultra-clear glass that has a light blue tint around the edges. Low-iron glass is used in applications where pure clarity is important, such as for jewelry display cases or auto showrooms.
Tinted glass
Tinted glass is a type of flat glass that has been colored with a tinting agent. Tinted glass can be used to reduce glare, improve privacy, or add color to a room.
Patterned glass
Patterned glass is a type of flat glass that has been decorated with a pattern, either directly into the glass or via etching or printing on the glass. Patterned glass can be used to add privacy, security, or a decorative touch to a room.
Annealed glass
Annealed glass is essentially float glass that has not been tempered. Frequently, annealed glass is seamed–meaning the edges are sanded for safer handling–but not edged and polished.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is made by heating float glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process creates compressive stress on the surface of the glass, which makes it stronger and more resistant to breakage.
Laminated glass
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with an organic polymer layer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). This process creates a strong, shatter-resistant glass that is often used in safety applications, such as car windows and glass railings.
Heat-strengthened glass
Heat-strengthened glass is a type of glass that is made by heating float glass to a relatively high temperature for a shorter period of time compared to full tempering. This process creates compressive stress on the surface of the glass, which makes it stronger and more resistant to breakage than annealed glass but not as strong as fully tempered glass.
Wired glass
Wired glass is a type of flat glass that has been reinforced with a wire mesh. Wired glass is used in applications where safety is a concern, such as cashier enclosures.
