FLOAT GLASS: Manufacturing Process

The float glass manufacturing process was developed by Pilkington in 1959, taking flat glass technology to a revolutionary new level. The glass gains its lustrous finish and perfect flatness by floating on a bath of molten tin in a chemically controlled atmosphere. The ribbon of glass is then cooled, while still moving, until the surfaces are hard enough for it to be taken out of the bath without the roller marking the surface. The glass is then automatically cut and stacked, ready to be packed for distribution to local and international customers.