Characteristics of Ultra Clear Glass
Ultra clear glass, also known as high transparent glass and low iron glass, is a remarkable type of glass that offers exceptional transparency and clarity. Its light transmittance exceeds 91.5%, making it highly regarded for its elegance and crystal-clear appearance. Due to these attributes, it has earned the moniker "crystal prince" within the glass industry. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, ultra clear glass possesses excellent mechanical, physical, and optical properties that surpass those of other types of glass.
One of the notable advantages of ultra clear glass is its machinability, which is comparable to that of high-quality float glass. This means that it can be processed using various techniques, similar to other float glass products. This versatility, combined with its superior performance and quality, gives ultra clear glass a wide range of applications and promising market prospects.
Applications of Ultra Clear Glass
In foreign countries, ultra clear glass finds extensive usage in high-end buildings, high-end glass processing, solar photovoltaic curtain walls, high-end glass furniture, decorative glass, imitation crystal products, lamp glass, precision electronic industries (such as copiers and scanners), and special buildings. The exceptional properties of ultra clear glass make it an ideal choice for these applications, where transparency, clarity, and high-grade aesthetics are paramount.
In China, the utilization of ultra clear glass is rapidly expanding. It has found favor in high-end buildings, special buildings, and prestigious projects such as the Beijing National Theatre, Beijing Botanical Garden, Shanghai Opera House, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, and Nanjing China Art Center. More than 100 projects in China have incorporated ultra clear glass in their designs. Additionally, ultra clear glass is widely employed in high-end furniture and high-grade decorative lamps. Its popularity is evident in exhibitions like the furniture and processing machinery exhibition held in Beijing, where numerous glass furniture items feature ultra clear glass.
Differences between Ultra Clear Glass and Clear Glass
1.Iron Content: The primary distinction between ultra clear glass and clear glass lies in their iron oxide (Fe2O3) content. Ordinary transparent glass typically contains a higher iron content compared to ultra clear glass.
2.Light Transmittance: The iron content affects the light transmittance of the glass. Clear glass typically exhibits a light transmittance of approximately 86%, while ultra clear glass, also known as low-iron glass or high-transparent glass, can achieve a light transmittance of more than 91.5%. This significant difference in light transmittance contributes to the superior clarity and elegance of ultra clear glass.
3.Self-Explosion Rate: Ultra clear glass has a lower probability of self-explosion after tempering. This is primarily due to the careful control of raw materials, which contain fewer impurities like nickel sulfide (NiS), and the meticulous control of the melting process. As a result, ultra clear glass possesses a more uniform composition and reduced internal impurities, significantly reducing the likelihood of self-explosion.
4.Color Consistency: Ultra clear glass maintains color consistency due to its low iron content. Clear glass absorbs more of the green band in visible light compared to ultra clear glass. By minimizing this absorption, ultra clear glass ensures a consistent color appearance across its surface.
5.Technical Content: Producing ultra clear glass involves a higher level of technological complexity compared to clear glass. The manufacturing process requires precise control and attention to achieve the desired low iron content and superior quality. The higher technological content of ultra clear glass contributes to its higher profitability and added value, reflected in its higher price compared to clear glass. Despite the relatively higher cost, the technical barriers associated with ultra clear glass production make it a sought-after and valuable material.
In conclusion, ultra clear glass possesses exceptional characteristics such as high transparency, superior light transmittance, reduced self-explosion rate, color consistency, and high technological content. These qualities make it a preferred choice for various applications, including high-end buildings, glass processing, solar photovoltaic curtain walls, high-end furniture, decorative glass, precision electronic industries, and special buildings. The expanding utilization of ultra clear glass in China and its prominent presence in renowned projects demonstrate its growing significance in the glass industry.
