Float glass is made by placing the molten glass on a piece of molten metal. The end-product has uniform thickness and a very flat surface and the metal surface is usually tin, lead or an alloy that have low melting points. The float glass is generally used in residential buildings and industrial buildings that use contemporary designs.
The composition of the float glass includes sand, limestone, dolomite and soda ash, heated in an extremely hot furnace, about 1500 degree Celsius. The whole process is a continuous one and there is no stopping when the raw materials are combined until the end-product is obtained. The temperature of the molten glass is stabilized and placed on a metal surface, where it spreads across smoothly. The cooled glass is then passed through mechanical rollers to smooth it further. This is then cut into different shapes and sizes according to the requirements of the building. Various coloring agents and other materials are used to create the desired physical and chemical effects, along with the raw materials.
There are various companies that manufacture this material for the purposes of using them in buildings. Various raw materials, agents and chemicals are added during the process of making the glass to give it a desired look in terms of color, texture, etc. according to the requirements of the clients. Apart from the original version of float glass there are five other types manufactured, namely, heat strengthened glass, fully tempered glass, laminated annealed glass, laminated heat-strengthen glass and laminated fully-tempered glass.
The fabrication into windows is its most common use. It is also used in windshields and windows in cars and other automobiles, as mirrors and glass doors and siding panels in office buildings. It is better than other glass in terms of having a ripple-free surface and reduction in loss of slices. Tinted float glass is used where heat penetration needs to be reduced, create matching exteriors and enhance absorption and re-radiation function.
Float glass is also used as art pieces and used as a painting surface because it is cheaper than canvas. Various pieces of art are created on the surface to give it a rich look and are available in exhibitions and galleries.
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