Information
From float to laminated glass – applications and properties
Glass, a material currently known for its transparency, versatility and durability, has been an integral part of human civilisation for centuries. Its applications cover nearly every industry, from architecture and construction to automotive branch, interior design and even art.
Float glass: The foundation of modern glass
Float glass, also known as annealed glass, is the most common type of glass used today. It is produced using an unusual process in which liquid glass floats on a layer of liquid tin, which results in an extremely flat and smooth surface. This process enables large-scale production and ensures consistent quality, making float glass a basic material for further processing.
Key properties of float glass:
● High transparency: Float glass offers excellent light transmission and therefore a huge range of possibilities.
● Perfectly flat and smooth surface: The float glass production process ensures a consistently flat and smooth surface, essential for many applications.
● Versatile and economical: Float glass is available in different thickness and size options, making it an economical solution for many design projects.
● Possibility of further processing: Float glass is a base material for further processing and the production of various speciality glass types.
Float glass applications:
● Glass balustrades: Float glass is the basic material for toughened and laminated glass used in balustrade systems, allowing natural light to illuminate the balcony or reducing it and ensuring privacy.
● Shower enclosures: The smooth surface of float glass makes it the ideal material for shower enclosures.
● Furniture: Float glass is used in tabletops, shelves, dividers and other furniture components.
● Display cabinets and showcases: Its transparency makes it ideal for displaying objects in stores, at museum exhibitions and in hotel lobbies.
Laminated glass (VSG): Enhancing safety and protection
Laminated glass, also known as VSG (Verbund-Sicherheits-Glas), consists of two or more panes of glass bonded by one or more layers of specialised PVB or EVA film. This unique construction provides increased strength as well as safety and protection functions.
Key properties of laminated glass:
● Safety: Laminated glass is characterised by increased resistance to mechanical damage, and, in the event of impact and breakage, an interlayer holds the fragments of broken glass together, preventing the dispersal of dangerous splinters and minimising the risk of injury.
● Enhanced anti-burglary protection: The tough film layer makes it much harder to break through, discouraging potential burglars.
● Excellent sound insulation: A specialist intermediate layer dampens the sound, effectively reducing noise transmission.
Laminated glass applications:
● Burglar-proof glazing: It is used in banks, jewellery shops and other applications requiring high level of safety.
● Canopies, roof glazing: Especially in buildings with a large number of persons e.g. offices, shopping malls, schools, multi-family residential buildings.
● Balustrades and staircases: Laminated glass provides a safe and transparent barrier for balconies and stairs.
● Noise protection: It is used in residential and commercial buildings to reduce noise from road or air traffic, entertainment sites, or industrial zones (among others).
Toughened glass: Increasing strength and durability
Toughened glass, also known as reinforced glass, is produced in a specialist furnace by heating float glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process creates internal stresses that make the glass much stronger and more resistant to breakage.
Key properties of toughened glass:
● Increased strength: Toughened glass is up to seven times stronger than ordinary glass.
● Safety function: When broken, toughened glass breaks into small, indistinct and harmless pieces, which reduces the risk of injury.
● High temperature resistance: Toughened glass can withstand higher temperatures than ordinary glass, which makes it suitable for applications near heat sources.
Toughened glass applications:
● Shower doors and enclosures: The strength and safety of toughened glass make it ideal for bathroom applications.
● Table tops and shelves: Toughened glass provides a durable and stylish surface for furniture.
● Architectural glazing: Toughened glass is used in curtain walls, skylights and other architectural elements.
Speciality glass: Fulfilling specific needs
Speciality glass comprises a wide range of glass products designed to meet specific needs and applications. These glass types often undergo additional processing or have special coatings to achieve the desired properties.
Types of specialty glass available in our product range:
● Fireplace glass: Heat resistant glass designed to withstand the heat of the fireplace and retain it inside the hearth.
● Anti-corrosion glass: Glass covered with a special coating that resists corrosion caused by moisture.
● Self-cleaning glass: Glass covered with a special and durable hydrophobic coating that uses the photocatalysis process to break down dirt using sunlight.
● Anti-reflective glass: Glass with a high level of light transmission with simultaneous reflection of rays from its surface. The product is ideal for framing photographs and paintings and for display cases.
● Mirold Morena decorative glass: Glass available for decorative purposes. It is characterised by its unusual vintage-style mirror appearance.
Speciality glass applications:
● Fireplaces: Fireplace glass provides a safe view of the flames and heat retention inside the hearth.
● High-humidity environments: Anti-corrosion glass is used in areas with high humidity levels, for example as part of shower enclosures or wall cladding around the bathtub.
● Art and design: Decorative glass is used in interior design, furniture and art installations.
Wutkowski: Experienced product supplier
Wutkowski, a major European glass processor based in Poland, offers a comprehensive range of products and services in the industry, catering for a variety of needs. The company is committed to providing high quality solutions, using advanced technology and experienced professionals.
Wutkowski's key features:
● Comprehensive product range: Wutkowski has a wide range of different types of glass, ensuring availability and fast lead times.
● Specialist vehicles: Our fleet of specialist vehicles guarantees the safe transport and delivery of glass products without damage.
● Precision cutting and dimensioning: Wutkowski offers precision glass cutting services, enabling customised glass templates.
● Experts in processing: Our experience in grinding, polishing, bevelling, drilling or painting glass ensures its elegant appearance and functional use.
● Toughening and HST testing: Wutkowski enhances the strength and safety of glass through toughening processes and by performing special tests to minimise the risk of spontaneous explosion of toughened glass.
● Lamination: They create multi-layered, durable and safe glass products using lamination techniques.
Summary:
Glass and glass products play a very important role in modern society, offering numerous benefits in a variety of industries. From basic float glass to advanced specialty glass, the versatility and adaptability of this material continues to inspire innovation and creativity.
Wutkowski, with its commitment to quality and state-of-the-art technology, remains a reliable partner in providing a comprehensive range of products.
From architectural marvels, functional furniture, construction solutions to custom artistic creations, glass remains an essential material for shaping our world.
