The manufacturing of transparent float glass begins with the melting of raw materials in a furnace at temperatures reaching 1,700 degrees Celsius (about 3,092 degrees Fahrenheit). Once the mix reaches a molten state, it is poured onto the tin bath, where it spreads out evenly. As it cools, it solidifies into flat sheets. The thickness of the glass is controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the molten glass and the speed at which it is drawn off the tin. The resulting product is then annealed in a lehr, which helps to relieve internal stresses, ultimately enhancing its durability.
The applications of IGU glass span a range of sectors, from residential to commercial and industrial settings. In homes, IGUs are integral to energy-efficient window designs, sliding doors, and even skylights. Commercial buildings utilize IGU glass for storefronts and curtain walls, providing a modern and professional look while ensuring energy efficiency. Furthermore, IGUs can be customized for specific projects, allowing architects to implement unique design elements without sacrificing performance.
Around the first year of the AD, due to the promotion of the Romans and their strict production process, glass achieved great success. Glassblowing (a technique brought to Rome from Syria) enabled artisans (often slaves) to make glass cups and bowls much faster than before. Cheap glasses began to appear on the market. Soon, the popularity of glass among ordinary Romans rivaled that of ceramics. Artists began experimenting with richer forms of art with glass, creating Rose Janus face vases and wine bottles decorated with scenes of nativity. Builders began to use glass for Windows, but because the glass was cloudy and heavy, the purpose was not so much for lighting as for safety and insulation. We find traces of glass Windows throughout Rome and surrounding cities, including luxurious tiles and well-preserved bathhouses in Pompeii.