Float glass, clear or tinted (3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 19mm)
Float glass is the most common type of glass used in construction, manufactured through the Pilkington process where molten glass floats on a bath of molten tin. This process creates glass with uniform thickness, flat parallel surfaces, and excellent optical clarity. Available in clear and various tinted options (grey, bronze, green, blue), float glass serves as the base material for most processed glass products including toughened, laminated, and insulated glass units. Australian applications must comply with AS 1288:2021 for selection and installation.
- Windows and doors in residential and commercial buildings
- Shopfronts and display windows
- Interior partitions and office fit-outs
- Furniture tops and shelving
- Mirror manufacturing substrate
- Greenhouse and horticultural glazing
- Picture framing
- Base material for processed glass products
- Balustrade infill panels (when laminated/toughened)
- Skylights and overhead glazing (when laminated)
- Double and triple glazed IGU components
- Solar panel cover glass substrate
Float glass was invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington in 1952, revolutionising glass manufacturing. The process was first commercialised in 1959 and became the worldwide standard by the 1960s, replacing earlier plate glass methods. In Australia, float glass production began at Dandenong, Victoria in 1974 by ACI (now CSR Viridian). The technology enabled consistent quality, reduced costs, and larger sheet sizes, transforming architectural design possibilities. Today, over 90% of flat glass globally is manufactured using the float process, with continuous improvements in energy efficiency, coatings, and environmental performance.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.