Differences Between Float Glass, Tempered Glass And Laminated Glass.

At Northglass, we have worked with many different types of glass, partition systems, glass tracks and railings available in buildings. Understanding the different types of glass available is essential, especially from a safety and application point of view. In this article we will learn about the differences between float glass, toughened glass and laminated glass.

Float Glass

Float glass (also known as annealed glass) is used as a base product for the production of other types of glass, such as toughened or laminated glass. It is manufactured by allowing the molten glass to cool slowly in a controlled environment. Once produced, clear float glass is cut to the required size and then subjected to further manufacturing processes, such as tempering.

Float Glass

Float glass, if broken, will shatter into sharp fragments. Therefore, for safety reasons, special care should be taken when considering the use of this product. Typically, this glass is suitable for smaller applications such as cabinet glass doors, basement windows, table tops, mirrors, etc. Compared to other glass types such as tempered glass, float glass is relatively inexpensive.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is also known as toughened glass or more commonly known as safety glass. It is probably the most common type of glass used in glass partitions. This glass is manufactured using a thermal tempering process and is four to five times stronger and more structurally sound than annealed glass.

It is also safer than annealed glass when broken. Tempered glass breaks into small pieces or chunks of glass, rather than sharp shards that are more likely to cause injury. This characteristic of "breaking" into smaller pieces when broken is the result of the tension created by the different cooling rates used between the surface and interior of the glass sheet during the manufacturing process.

Tempered Glass

Float glass vs tempered glass

Tempered glass cannot be cut after it has been made and must be cut to size prior to the tempering process. It is therefore essential that the glass is accurately measured prior to manufacture to avoid costly waste. Tempered glass is more expensive than float glass due to the additional manufacturing process.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is made from two (or more) pieces of glass, usually toughened glass. These sheets are laminated or bonded together using a plastic laminate. Laminated glass is available in a variety of thicknesses and different combinations of glass can be used to create laminated glass panels.

The interlayer helps to hold the glass panel together, even in the event of breakage. As a result, the risk of injury from broken glass is reduced. Due to its strength and durability, laminated glass can be used for glass floors, glass railings, exterior glazing and safety reasons in areas with a high risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass can also significantly improve noise reduction when the right acoustic laminate is used - known as acoustic glass (acoustic glass uses the same production principles as laminated glass). Laminated glass is more expensive than tempered glass.

There are many other types of glass, such as fireproof glass or fire rated glass. It is vital that the glass you choose not only meets your desired budget, but also achieves the effect you want and meets building regulations and safety requirements.

Northglass is one of China's leading suppliers of glass products.Our glass pass Australian CSI certificates, US IGCC SGCC certificates, European CE certificates and Chinese national safety glass standards. Automatic equipment processing, professional workers, combing strict quality control process enable us efficiently provide qualified glass. Welcome to contact us today or request a quote.