What Are Specialty Glasses And Their Purpose?

Specialty glass is a form of glass that is manufactured with different types of materials. These types of glass include borosilicate glass, fused silica, and recycled glass. Each of these types of glass is used for other reasons. Read on to learn more about specialty glass and its many purposes.

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass comprises three basic materials: limestone, soda ash, and natural minerals. These elements are combined to create glass, a glassy material that can be used for many purposes. The process of manufacturing glass requires high temperatures and a great deal of energy. When glass is recycled, the energy cost is reduced by up to 40%. This saves both money and natural resources.

Borosilicate Glass

Specialty glass is used for a variety of applications. For instance, borosilicate glass is often used in high-intensity discharge lamps (HID). Other uses include laboratory equipment, optics, and optical components.

Borosilicate glass is a popular material for lensed optics, allowing for precise optical surfaces. This makes it ideal for use in telescopes and hot mirrors because it maintains its optical properties across a wide range of temperatures. Moreover, borosilicate glass has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, which can be beneficial for various optical and mechanical applications.

According to professionals in specialty glass West Palm Beach, another benefit of borosilicate glass is its chemical resistance. It is extremely resistant to acid degradation and can withstand most industrial acids. Additionally, it is highly durable and resistant to shattering and cracking. Borosilicate glass is also extremely heat-resistant. In fact, it withstands exceptionally intense heat and sudden temperature changes without cracking.

It is not only used in hot mirrors, but it is also a popular material for reflecting astronomical telescopes. Its ability to absorb and reflect infrared light makes it an excellent option for astronomical instruments.

Fused Silica

Fused silica is a highly inert glass material. It is commonly used as a protective layer on semiconductor devices. As a result, it is highly resistant to heat and extreme conditions. It is also very durable and resistant to various chemical compounds. For this reason, it is often used in medical applications. Similarly, it is an excellent material for sterilization processes.

It is also useful for optical transmission. Fused silica transmits ultraviolet light well. This is especially true when compared to other glasses. Fused silica’s high transparency and durability make it an ideal material for optics. In addition, it is highly flexible. Therefore, it is an ideal material for optical mirrors and flats.

Insulating Glass

Insulating glass is used to reduce heat transfer and energy consumption. It can be found in homes and commercial buildings in places where temperature control is important. Several layers of glass can be installed to regulate indoor temperatures and block noise. The space between two panes of glass is filled with air or noble gas. This can be used to improve the effectiveness of the glass, resulting in higher insulation. Other gases can also be added to improve insulation.

There are different types of insulated glass, including low-E (low emissivity) glass, which reduces infrared light transmission. Coated glass, which has a thin metallic oxide layer on the outside of the glass, can also help to reduce indoor-outdoor heat transmission. Another specialty glass is tinted. Infrared light is reflected by tinted glass, reducing the amount of visible transmission. Some coatings can also prevent UV light from transmitting through the glass.