Floatüveg

Floatüveg, also known as a float glass or float glass process, is a method for producing flat glass sheets. Developed in the mid-20th century, this technique revolutionized the glass manufacturing industry by enabling the mass production of high-quality, uniform glass panels. The process was invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington and Kenneth Bickerstaff in the 1950s at the Pilkington Glass Company in the United Kingdom.

The float glass process involves melting raw materials such as silica sand, soda ash, and limestone in a furnace to create molten glass. The molten glass is then poured continuously onto a bath of molten tin, creating a smooth, flat surface due to the glass's lower density compared to the tin. As the glass moves across the tin bath, it cools and solidifies into a flat sheet. The tin bath ensures that the glass surface remains perfectly flat and free from imperfections, which was a significant improvement over earlier methods like the crown glass and cylinder glass techniques.

Float glass is widely used in various applications, including architectural windows, automotive glass, and electronic displays. Its uniform thickness and optical clarity make it ideal for precision applications. The process allows for the production of large sheets of glass, which can be cut and shaped to meet specific requirements. Additionally, float glass can be further processed through techniques such as tempering, laminating, or coating to enhance its properties for specialized uses.

The float glass process remains a cornerstone of modern glass manufacturing, offering efficiency, consistency, and high-quality results. Its widespread adoption has made it the dominant method for producing flat glass worldwide.