Float Glass

Float Glass

FLOAT GLASS
Float Glass

Float glass is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin, which is then cooled and cut to size as required.


Float glass is the most common option for standard household windows.


Shane's Glass is a float glass supplier that offers float glass in one of our glass replacement options. As the leading float glass supplier in Canberra, we have the expertise and resources to provide top-quality glass products and services to our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is float glass used for?

    Float glass is ideally used in various applications that need transparency and optical clarity such as in residential and commercial windows, doors, and mirrors, as well as automobile glass and display screens.

  • What is a float glass?

    Float glass is a smooth, distortion-free glass that is commonly used to design other types of glass products, including laminated glass and heat-toughened glass.

  • What is the difference between clear glass and float glass?

    The main difference between clear glass and float glass is their manufacturing process. Clear glass, also known as plate glass, is made by melting raw materials such as sand, soda ash, and limestone and then pouring the molten glass onto a bed of molten tin. After the cooling process, it forms a smooth and flat surface.


    On the other hand, float glass is made by pouring molten glass onto a bath of molten tin, which is spread out into a uniform sheet. As the glass floats on the tin bath, it molds into the shape of the container, resulting in a smooth surface and high optical clarity glass.

  • What are the two types of float glass?

    There are two types of glass that are made through the float glass process.


    1. Clear float glass is a type of float glass that is clear, transparent, and colourless that is commonly used where visual clarity is important such as window glass, doors, and mirrors furniture. Depending on the glass thickness, clear float glass allows 75%-92% of visible light to pass through. Compared to other flat glass types, clear float glass or plate glass is noted for its superior clarity and optical properties.
    2. Tinted float glass is a type of transparent float glass that uses metal oxides during the float glass process to reduce heat and glare that passes through the window. These insulated glass windows are often used in commercial facilities, offices, and other buildings as they help lower energy costs for heating and cooling.
  • What is the advantage of float glass?

    Having a high level of transparency, optical clarity, and a smooth and flat surface, float glass allows maximum light transmission and minimal light distortion. Not only that but it is also durable and easy-to-clean as it easily absorbs any dirt.


    Float glass is also resistant to temperature changes that prevents condensation from forming on its surface. With all these features, float glass is a popular choice to use among windows, doors, tabletops, cabinets, and mirrors.

  • What is the difference between tempered glass and float glass?

    Tempered glass is five times stronger than any other glass. Although it cannot be easily broken, it may still be shattered into small pieces due to strong impacts. On the other hand, a float glass is much easier to break and can produce large glass shards when subjected to high impact.

  • Is clear float glass safety glass?

    Clear float glass does not undergo heat treatment, which is essential in minimising the risk of breakage when exposed to thermal stress. As a result, clear float glass has a higher tendency to fracture into larger glass shards upon impact which is considered unsafe and does not meet the standards for safety glass.

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