What is the difference between float glass and normal glass?

Learn about the differences between normal and float glass and their production methods. Discover the unique advantages and disadvantages of each type of glass. Deepen your knowledge and make an informed choice. Read on.

 

Glass is an essential part of our daily lives with us using it in the windows of our homes as well as the screens of our smartphones. Almost everything that we use, whether it is a car, aircraft, or television, employs some form of glass. As such, understanding the different types of glass available is instrumental. In this report, we take a closer look at normal and float glass, the differences between the two, and their production methods. We also investigate their unique advantages and disadvantages.

 

Differences between normal and float glass

 

Normal glass and float glass are two distinct types of glass that have different qualities, although they may look the same to the ordinary person. Normal glass is made by heating soda-lime silica glass material under very high temperatures until it melts, and then by pouring the molten material into a casting mould in order to cool and harden.

 

Float glass, on the other hand, is produced by melting a layer of glass on top of a pool of molten tin. The process in which it is made ensures that the surface of the final product is made perfectly flat. This, in turn, makes it more durable and provides it with a much more reflective surface area than normal glass.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of normal and float glass

 

Normal glass has distinct attributes such as being cheap to produce, easy to shape, and color. However, it has some disadvantages like the possibility of easily breakages and cracks. Normal glass is not as strong as float glass, but it can also be relatively easily repaired when necessary.

 

Float glass, on the other hand, is far stronger and more durable than normal glass. It also has a more reflective surface area, which makes it ideal for security purposes. However, the challenges with float glass come from its higher production cost. The process of manufacturing float glass is very energy-intensive and requires a high level of automation, which drives up production costs.

 

Current market hotspots for normal and float glass

 

The normal glass market in the Middle East is currently experiencing an increase in demand due to high growth rates in the countries in the region. Construction activities both commercial and residential have increased resulting in an increase in the demand for glass products. Market experts predict that the global normal glass market value will exceed 20 billion USD by the year 2027.

 

Similarly, float glass has also been experiencing a period of growth in recent years. One notable market hotspot has been the automotive sector, where glass is a highly valued safety component in cars. The market size of the global float glass market is predicted to grow at a significant rate by 2024, driven primarily by the rise in the demand for the product in the construction industry.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, the different types of glass available in the market have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences will enable consumers to make more informed decisions on which type of glass to use in different circumstances. Market hotspots for normal and float glass continue to grow as construction activities and the demand for safety components in cars continue to rise. These market insights can guide investors in making more informed decisions in their businesses.