Sheet glass is a flat and distortion-free type of glass used for windows, mirrors, and tables. It can be made through a roller or flotation process, but can be brittle and expensive to replace. It is available in different weights and thicknesses, and can be purchased through glass companies or hardware stores. Buyers should consider prevailing building codes and sample pieces when choosing the perfect thickness for their project.
Sheet glass is a type of glass that is cast into a solid sheet, typically through a roller process. The result is extremely flat and distortion-free. This type of glass is often used to make windows, and is also used in the manufacture of mirrors, tables, and other items that require extremely flat glass. A variety of different weights are available, ranging from the incredibly thick and highly durable glass dish to the more delicate varieties.
To make plate glass, liquid glass is spread out on a metal table while it is still extremely hot, then rollers are passed over the table to smooth and polish it as it cools, creating the desired uniform plate. Depending on the precise details of the manufacturing method, the glass may need to be re-polished once it has cooled. This type of glass is also made through a flotation process, using a bath of molten tin to float the liquid glass as it cools and hardens.
One major disadvantage of flat glass is that it can be very brittle. For this reason, safety or shatterproof glass is often used in situations where it could be shattered, as people could be seriously injured by broken splinters. Glass can also be expensive to replace, as anyone who has broken a picture window probably already knows. Glass in general tends to be expensive because the manufacturing process can get quite complex if the glass is to be of high quality.
Many glass manufacturing companies offer sheet glass in their product range. It can usually be purchased through specialist glass companies or through large hardware stores. Many stores keep a set amount in specific sizes on hand; for unusual sizes, consumers can cut an existing glass plate or custom-order the desired size. Glass cutting is usually best done by a professional, especially with thicker grades.
When purchasing glass sheets, the buyer should consider the thickness of the glass. If glass is being used in a structure, you may want to check prevailing building codes, to make sure the glass is of an acceptable thickness. When the glass is for another project, the buyer should remember that the thicker the glass, the more it weighs, but it is also stronger. Buyers may want to pick up some sample pieces so they can find the perfect thickness for the project.
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