What is Annealed Glass?
Annealed glass also commonly known as float glass, is the basic flat glass product that is the first result of the glass manufacturing process.
When it comes to residential glass applications, annealed glass sets the fundamental standard. It serves as the base material for the creation of other glass types, including Low-E, laminated, and toughened glass. Each variation possesses distinct characteristics and caters to specific needs, all rooted in the essential properties of annealed glass.
During the production process, annealed glass undergoes a precisely controlled cooling phase. This gradual cooling process effectively eliminates any internal stresses within the glass, due to the annealing procedure.
Float glass is the most widely used form of glass in consumer products, due to both its high quality with no additional polishing required and its structural flexibility during production. It can easily be shaped and bent into a variety of forms while in a heated, syrupy state. This makes it ideal for a variety of applications such as:
- Automobile glass (e.g. windshields, windows, mirrors);
- Mirrors;
- Furniture (e.g. in tables and shelves);
- Insulated glass;
- Windows and doors.
Advantages of Annealed Glass
- Surface strength provides the wind-load performance and thermal-stress resistance needed in most architectural applications
- Excellent visibility
- Available in different tones and opaque options
- Excellent light transmission in clear tone
- Cost effective when budget is tight
Disadvantages of Annealed Glass
- Tends to break into irregular, sharp pieces when broken.
- The strength limitations of annealed glass limit the size of usable pieces. Size limitations are set out by Australian Standards AS1288
- Limited thermal resistance
