​​Tinted Float Glass – Overview​​

Tinted float glass is a type of clear float glass infused with colorants during production to reduce solar heat gain, enhance aesthetics, and provide privacy while maintaining transparency.

​​Key Features:​​

1. ​​Solar Control​​ – Reduces glare and heat transmission (compared to clear glass) by absorbing or reflecting infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) rays.

2. ​​Tinting Options​​ – Common colors:

   • ​​Bronze/Gray​​ (neutral, reduces brightness)

   • ​​Blue/Green​​ (aesthetic appeal, moderate heat reduction)

   • ​​Dark Blue/Black​​ (higher absorption, privacy)

3. ​​Light Transmission​​ – Varies by shade (typically ​​14% to 75% visible light transmission​​).

4. ​​Thickness Range​​ – Usually ​​3mm to 12mm​​, with standard sizes similar to clear float glass.

5. ​​UV Protection​​ – Blocks ​​~30–50% of UV rays​​, protecting interiors from fading.

​​Applications:​​

✔ ​​Facades & Curtain Walls​​ – Enhances building aesthetics while improving energy efficiency.

✔ ​​Windows & Doors​​ – Reduces cooling costs in hot climates.

✔ ​​Automotive Glass​​ – Side/rear windows (often laminated for safety).

✔ ​​Partitions & Skylights​​ – Balances natural light with privacy.

✔ ​​Decorative Glass​​ – Used in furniture, shelves, and interior design.

​​Advantages:​​

• ​​Energy Efficiency​​ – Lowers solar heat gain, reducing AC loads.

• ​​Aesthetic Flexibility​​ – Multiple colors complement architectural designs.

• ​​Glare Reduction​​ – Improves comfort in offices and homes.

• ​​Cost-Effective​​ – More affordable than coated reflective glass.

​​Limitations:​​

• ​​Lower Visible Light​​ – Darker tints may require artificial lighting.

• ​​Heat Absorption​​ – Can get warm (risk of thermal stress if not tempered in large panels).

• ​​Not a Safety Glass​​ – Must be tempered or laminated for impact resistance.

​​Comparison with Clear Float Glass:​​

​​Standards & Certifications:​​

• ​​EN 572 (Europe), ASTM C1036 (USA)​​ – Quality standards.

• ​​Energy Star/LEED Compliance​​ – Some tints qualify for green building credits.

​​Popular Manufacturers & Brands:​​

• ​​Pilkington (NSG)​​ – "Optifloat Tinted" range (bronze, gray, green).

• ​​Saint-Gobain​​ – "SGG Cool-Lite" (combines tint with low-E coatings).

• ​​Guardian Glass​​ – "Guardian Clarity" tinted series.