Float Glass
Lakeway Industrial Co., Ltd. has a diversified glass product structure, mainly producing and exporting photo frame glass, ultra-clear glass, ultra-iron glass, embossed glass, wired glass, colored glass, reflective glass, silver mirror, antique mirror, acid-etched glass, painted glass, silk screen glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, LOW-E glass, dichroic glass and AR glass, etc.
Why choose us
Wide Range Of Product Applications
Our products can be used for photo frames, clocks, doors and windows, exterior walls and curtain walls, furniture, interior partitions, balcony doors, showrooms, skylights, museums, passive houses, gyms, swimming pools, furniture, hotels, etc.
Advanced Production Machines
For example: Float glass production line, mirror production line, acid-etched glass production line, tempered glass production line, laminated glass production line, screen printing production line, cutting machine and CNC machining center, etc.
Complete Certificates
Lakeway Industrial Co., Ltd. has obtained ISO9001, CE, REACH, CSI, ROHS, SGCC, IGCC certificates.
Production Market
Our products are widely exported to more than 90 countries and regions including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa, etc.
Features of Float Glass
High Optical Quality
Float glass has a flat surface, high transparency, and almost no bubbles and impurities, making it suitable for applications that require high optical performance, such as windows and display cabinets.
Flat Surface
Due to the floating process in which molten glass floats on molten tin, the resulting glass surface is very smooth and has uniform thickness, making it suitable for a variety of processing and applications.
Strong Physical Properties
Float glass has high strength and impact resistance and can withstand certain external forces.
Anti-ultraviolet
Although float glass cannot completely block ultraviolet rays, it can reduce the penetration of ultraviolet rays to a certain extent and protect indoor items from damage by sunlight.
Good Chemical Stability
Float glass has good corrosion resistance to most chemicals and is not easily corroded by chemicals such as acids and alkalis.
Strong Processability
Float glass can be processed in a variety of ways, such as cutting, edge grinding, drilling, and spraying, which well meets the needs of construction, home and industry.
Application of Float Glass
Windows and Doors
Float glass is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings for windows and door glazing because of its clarity and durability.
Facades and Curtain Walls
The aesthetic appeal and modern look of float glass make it a popular choice for building exteriors. It is often used in curtain walls and facades, providing both structural support and aesthetic value.
Automotive Industry
Float glass is used for manufacturing automotive windows and windshields due to its transparency and safety features. Tempered or laminated float glass is often used for better impact resistance.
Furniture
Glass tables, shelves, and other furniture items often incorporate float glass for its clean lines and modern appearance.
Interior Design
Float glass is used in interior applications such as room dividers, mirrors, and partitions, owing to its reflective qualities and versatility.
Display and Retail
Retail environments frequently use float glass for display cases, shelving, and signage due to its visual clarity and ability to showcase products effectively.
Glassware and Containers
Some manufacturing processes use float glass in the production of glass containers and tableware, taking advantage of its high-quality finish.
Types of Float Glass
Standard Float Glass
This is the most basic form of float glass, characterized by its clarity, flatness, and uniform thickness. It's commonly used in windows, doors, and display cases.
Low-Iron Float Glass
This type of float glass has reduced iron content, which minimizes greenish tint. It provides higher transparency and is often used in applications where aesthetics are critical, such as in high-end architectural designs.
Laminated Float Glass
Two or more sheets of float glass are bonded together with an interlayer, which enhances safety and sound insulation. It's often used in buildings, skylights, and glass flooring.
Tempered Float Glass
This glass is heat-treated to increase its strength and thermal resistance. If broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, making it safer. It's commonly used in shower doors, glass doors, and facades.
Annealed Float Glass
This is the standard form of glass that hasn’t been treated to increase strength. It’s suitable for applications where safety is not a critical concern, such as in picture frames or internal partitions.
Reflective Float Glass
This glass has a reflective coating applied to one side, allowing it to reflect light while still permitting some visibility. It's used in building facades for aesthetic purposes and energy savings.
Frosted Float Glass
This type of glass has a sandblasted or acid-etched finish that diffuses light while maintaining privacy. It’s often used for bathroom windows, office partitions, and decorative applications.
Colored Float Glass
Float glass can be manufactured in various colors by adding different metal oxides during the melting process. It is often used in stained glass applications, as well as for aesthetic purposes in buildings and interiors.
Ceramic Printed Float Glass
This glass features baked-on ceramic inks that can create patterns or images. It’s commonly used in architectural glass surfaces for decorative purposes.
Raw Materials Preparation
The primary raw materials for float glass production are:
- Silica Sand: The main ingredient, providing the glass's structure.
- Soda Ash: Reduces the melting point of silica.
- Limestone: Acts as a stabilizer and provides calcium.
- Other Additives: Depending on the desired properties, various chemical additives may be included (e.g., alumina, magnesium oxide).
These raw materials are crushed, ground, and mixed to form a batch.
Melting
The prepared batch is fed into a furnace, where it is heated to a temperature of around 1,600 to 1,700 degrees Celsius (2,900 to 3,100 degrees Fahrenheit). In the furnace, the raw materials undergo a chemical transformation to become molten glass.
Float Process
1. Float Bath: The molten glass flows onto a bed of molten tin. The glass spreads out evenly on the surface of the tin due to its low density compared to the tin.
2. Levelling: The glass forms a uniform thickness as it floats on the molten tin. The quality of the glass is improved as it is leveled out and cooled gradually, which helps to eliminate bubbles and irregularities.
Annealing
1. Cooling: The glass is slowly cooled to relieve internal stresses that may have developed during the float process.
2. Controlled Environment: The temperature is gradually decreased to prevent thermal shock and warping.
Cutting and Inspection
Once the glass has cooled, it is removed from the lehr and cut into sheets of specified dimensions. The sheets are then inspected for defects such as bubbles, distortions, or scratches.
Surface Treatment (Optional)
Depending on the application, additional processes like polishing, coating, or tempering might be applied to enhance the properties of the glass.
Packaging and Shipping of Float Glass
Preparation
● Inspection: Inspect the float glass for any defects before packaging to ensure quality.
● Cleaning: Clean the glass surface to prevent scratches and contamination.
Packaging Materials
● Protective Layer: Use a protective film or paper to cover the glass surface. This prevents scratches and serves as a cushion during transport.
● Edge Protection: Employ corner protectors made of foam, cardboard, or plastic. These should be placed at all corners to absorb impact and prevent chipping.
● Cushioning Material: Use materials like bubble wrap, foam sheets, or polystyrene to further protect the glass. Ensure that the cushioning is sufficient to prevent the glass from moving within the packaging.
● Outer Box: Choose strong, durable boxes, preferably made of double-layer corrugated cardboard. The size should be tailored to minimize movement inside the box while still allowing for sufficient protective padding.
● Sealing Materials: Use strong tape and, if necessary, strapping to secure the boxes. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the packaging during handling and shipping.
Packaging Process
● Lay the Protective Layer: Place a protective layer on a flat surface and carefully set the glass on top.
● Add Edge Protectors: Secure the edge protectors around the glass.
● Cushion the Glass: Wrap the glass in cushioning material, ensuring there are no gaps.
● Position in Box: Place the wrapped glass into the outer box. If shipping multiple panes, ensure they are separated by additional cushioning or cardboard dividers.
● Seal the Box: Close and securely tape the box and any openings, ensuring it is tamper-proof.
Labeling
● Fragile Handling Labels: Clearly label the packages with "Fragile," "Handle With Care," and "This Side Up" labels.
● Content Information: Include a label with details of the contents and any special handling instructions.
Shipping Method
● Choose Proper Transport: Select a shipping method that minimizes transfer points and has a good track record for handling fragile items.
● Transport Vehicle: Ensure that the vehicle used for transport has appropriate space and conditions, preventing exposure to extreme temperatures and weather.
Insurance
● Insurance: Consider purchasing shipping insurance for valuable shipments to cover potential losses or damages during transit.
Delivery and Unpacking
● Inspection Upon Arrival: Upon arrival, inspect the glass for any damages immediately before signing for the package.
● Handling in Delivery: Ensure that the delivery personnel handle the packages carefully and follow the "Fragile" handling instructions.
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