Float glass, a widely-used type of glass, is known for its exceptional clarity and smooth surface. It is produced using a floating method, where molten glass is poured onto molten tin, allowing it to spread out and create a smooth, flat sheet. This process not only provides a consistent thickness but also results in minimal distortion, making float glass an ideal choice for various applications, including architecture, automotive, and interior design. With the global demand for high-quality float glass on the rise, the wholesale market for this product is becoming increasingly significant.
The float glass production process begins with the melting of raw materials, including silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, at high temperatures. This molten mixture is then floated on top of molten tin, allowing the glass to spread evenly and form a continuous sheet. As the glass moves through the annealing lehr—a controlled cooling chamber—it gradually solidifies and is cut into standardized sheet sizes.
The common photovoltaic glass substrate mainly uses ultra-white glass, including ultra-white float glass and ultra-white rolled glass. Compared with ordinary glass, ultra-white glass has a very low iron content, whiter color, lower self-detonation rate, and higher hardness, so it meets the requirements of photovoltaic glass with higher light transmittance, flatness, chemical stability, thermal stability, etc., and has the following characteristics:
Beyond aesthetics, switchable frosted glass also offers energy efficiency benefits. By harnessing the properties of smart glass, buildings can effectively manage solar heat gain. In warmer climates, reducing the amount of sunlight entering a space can lower cooling costs, while in cooler regions, allowing sunlight to penetrate can help reduce heating expenses. This dual capacity not only leads to lower energy bills but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment.
The manufacturing of tempered glass involves heating the glass to over 600 degrees Celsius and then cooling it rapidly. This process increases the glass's strength and makes it more resistant to impact and thermal shock. As a result, when tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. These qualities make tempered glass an ideal choice for a plethora of applications, ranging from buildings and facades to shower doors and glass furniture.