Furnace glass, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that is widely used in construction, automotive, and other industries. It is made by heating glass to a very high temperature and then rapidly cooling it, which creates a surface compression that makes the glass much stronger than normal glass. In this article, we will discuss the manufacturing process and technological flow of furnace glass.
Raw Materials
The first step in the process of manufacturing furnace glass is the selection of raw materials. The most common raw material used in the production of furnace glass is soda-lime glass. This type of glass is composed of sodium oxide, calcium oxide, and silica. Other raw materials that can be used include borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and tempered soda-lime glass.
Melting
The second step in the process is melting. The raw materials are mixed together and then heated in a furnace at a temperature of about 1500 degrees Celsius. The heat causes the raw materials to melt and combine, forming a molten glass.
Forming
The next step is forming. The molten glass is then poured onto a bed of molten tin. The tin helps to cool the glass rapidly, which is essential for creating the surface compression that gives furnace glass its strength. The glass is then shaped using a combination of gravity and mechanical force.
Annealing
After the glass has been shaped, it is subjected to a process called annealing. This involves slowly cooling the stove glass in a controlled manner. This helps to relieve any internal stresses that may have been caused during the forming process.
Tempering
The final step in the process is tempering. The glass is heated to a temperature of about 620 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooled using a blast of cool air. This creates a surface compression that makes the glass much stronger than normal glass.
Quality Control
Throughout the manufacturing process, quality control is essential. The glass must be checked for defects such as bubbles, scratches, and chips. Any defects must be corrected before the glass is tempered.
Conclusion
Furnace glass is a type of safety glass that is widely used in construction, automotive, and other industries. It is made by heating glass to a very high temperature and then rapidly cooling it, which creates a surface compression that makes the glass much stronger than normal glass. The manufacturing process involves selecting raw materials, melting, forming, annealing, tempering, and quality control. By following these steps, manufacturers can produce high-quality furnace glass that meets the needs of their customers.