Float glass is a type of glass that is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal, typically tin. This process allows the glass to be made in a continuous ribbon, which can then be cut into sheets of the desired size. Float glass is known for its high quality and uniform thickness, as well as its ability to be cut, tempered, and coated with ease.
The process of making float glass was developed in the 1950s and has since become the most common method of producing flat glass for a variety of applications, including windows, doors, mirrors, and other building products. Float glass is made by melting silica, soda, and other raw materials at high temperatures to create a molten glass mixture. This mixture is poured onto a bed of molten tin and allowed to float on the surface, forming a thin, continuous ribbon of glass. The glass is then cooled slowly to prevent thermal stress and ensure that it has a smooth, even surface.
Float glass is made from a mixture of raw materials, including silica, soda, lime, and other materials. These raw materials, also known as feedstocks, are melted together at high temperatures to create a molten glass mixture.
Silica is the primary feedstock for float glass, and it is typically sourced from sand. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of silicon dioxide and is the main component of glass. It is melted with soda, which is used to lower the melting temperature of the glass and make it easier to work with.
Lime is also used in the production of float glass, and it helps to improve the strength and durability of the finished product. Other materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and boron, may also be added to the molten glass mixture to modify the properties of the glass and improve its performance.
The specific feedstocks and the proportions in which they are used may vary depending on the specific type of float glass being produced and the desired properties of the finished product.
Float glass is widely used in the construction industry and is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. It is also widely used in the automotive industry and in the production of mirrors and other reflective products.
Some common uses of float glass include:
Float glass is often used to make windows for homes, offices, and other buildings. It is strong, durable, and provides excellent transparency, making it an ideal choice for windows.
Float glass is also used to make doors, both for residential and commercial buildings. It is strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, and it is also easy to clean and maintain.
Float glass is widely used in the production of mirrors, as it has a smooth, even surface and excellent reflectivity.
Float glass is used in a variety of building products, including skylights, curtain walls, and other products that require strong, transparent glass.
Float glass is also used in the automotive industry, where it is used to make windshields, side and rear windows, and other glass components.
In addition to these uses, float glass is also used in the manufacturing of electronic devices, such as TVs and computer monitors, and in the production of solar panels. It is a versatile material that is widely used in many different industries due to its strength, durability, and high-quality performance.
There are several types of float glass that are used for different applications. Some common types of float glass include:
Clear float glass is the most common type of float glass and is used in a wide range of applications. It is made from a mixture of silica, soda, lime, and other materials and is melted together to create a transparent glass with a smooth, even surface.
Tinted float glass is made by adding metallic oxides to the molten glass mixture during the manufacturing process. This creates a colored glass that can be used for decorative purposes or to reduce glare and heat transmission.
Low-E glass, also known as low-emissivity glass, is a type of float glass that has a special coating that reduces the amount of UV and infrared light that is transmitted through the glass. This makes it more energy efficient and helps to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Tempered glass is a type of float glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and durability. It is four to five times stronger than regular float glass and is used in applications where safety and strength are important, such as windows and doors.
Laminated glass is a type of float glass that is made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two layers of glass. It is stronger and more durable than regular float glass and is often used in applications where safety is a concern, such as car windows and bulletproof glass.
These are just a few examples of the types of float glass that are available. There are many other variations of float glass that are used for specific applications, and new types of float glass are being developed all the time.
According to data from Mordor Intelligence, the global float glass market was valued at $31.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $42.3 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.
The demand for float glass is driven by the increasing construction industry, as well as the growing demand for automotive and electronic products. Float glass is used in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing, and it is an essential material for the production of windows, doors, mirrors, and other products.
The global float glass industry includes manufacturers of float glass, as well as companies that provide related products and services. The industry is highly competitive, and companies are constantly seeking ways to improve the efficiency and performance of their products to meet the needs of their customers. The global float glass industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand and the ongoing development of new applications for float glass.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Float Glass are the world’s 488th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Float Glass were China ($660M), Germany ($557M), United States ($331M), Malaysia ($286M), and Japan ($269M).
In 2020, the top importers of Float Glass were China ($389M), Canada ($244M), South Korea ($215M), Hong Kong ($207M), and Germany ($170M).
Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
Soda Lime Float Glass
Flat Glass Products & Fabrication
Glass ranging from .4-2.3mm is imported from Belgium (AGC/Glaverbel). Glass ranging from 2.7-12mm is Guardian.
PRICING LISTED IS PER SQUARE FOOT BASED ON STOCK SHEET SIZE