What is Flat Glass?

Flat glass is a type of glass usually produced for windows and other types of applications where flat glass may be required, such as for glass tables and doors. It is also called sheet glass and plate glass. The glass is one of the most common types of glass in use today. Flat glass is made at many factories around the world in approximately the same way. The main ingredient in flat glass is sand, as many may be aware. However, getting that sand to made into flat glass is a complicated process that takes time, skill and special equipment. When flat glass is ready to be made, sand is mixed with other materials and put into a large furnace capable of producing very hot temperatures. This melts the sand and other materials in a matter of minutes, turning them into a liquid. This liquid then forms the basis of what will become a solid sheet of glass. Once outside the furnace, the liquid glass is then made a desired thickness by other machines which spread out the glass. It is moved by ...  more

Flat glass is the basic material that goes into end-products that we see (and see through) every day: It is used to make windscreens and windows for automobiles and transport, and windows and façades for houses and buildings. It is also used, in much smaller quantities, for many other applications like interior fittings and decoration, furniture, "street furniture" (like bus stops for example), appliances and electronics, solar energy equipment, and others.