How Is Glass Made?

How Is Glass Made?

May 22, 2020

For several thousand years, humankind has made extensive use of glass. Glass makes the plates and glasses we eat and drink from. It makes the eyewear we use to see. It is used for decorative purposes and for packaging food. Glass allows natural light into our homes, and it lets us drive without getting bugs in our teeth. Glass is everywhere.

But how is glass made at a modern glass company in Alaska? The process is as fascinating as the material itself.

Ancient glass

Not much is known about the specific origins of glassware. That said, most historians believe that the art developed in the ancient Middle Eastern nation of Phoenicia, in what is now Lebanon. Glass was made from heating sand to an immense degree. The various colors of glass were created using the natural elements contained within. For example, if a portion of sand had a lot of iron, the glass-making process would yield green glass.

Historical evidence suggests that glass was in use as far back as the 14th century BCE. In the beginning, glass was an extremely niche artform that only a few people knew how to create. That made glass highly sought after and extremely expensive.

Centuries of innovation

Because glass’ potential was noticed almost as soon as it was discovered, dozens of scientists and engineers have devoted their careers to the improvement of this crucial substance. In the last century alone, the way in which glass is created has been completely modified. Even the materials used in the creation of glass has become more diverse. Modern glass is made by combining several materials with glass. Substances like dolomite, limestone and specific types of ash work together to create a glass that is tougher and more durable than its predecessor.

A special kind of glass

To craft the glass we use in our cars and trucks, a glass company in Alaska has to go the extra mile. The glass in our automobiles is called safety glass. This state-of-the-art glass is designed to minimize the likelihood of injury should you find yourself involved in a collision.

Anyone who has ever dropped a glass knows that glass goes everywhere when it is hit. When you’re in a metal box and you’ve just gone from 50 miles an hour to zero in the blink of an eye, flying glass is the last thing you want to deal with. Safety glass gets around this problem by laminating your glass in a protective coating. That way, when you get into a car accident, most of the glass in your windshield sticks to the laminate and stays in one piece.

The ultimate in glass repair

Looking for the best glass company in Alaska? Look no further than Replacement Glass. Since 1970, Replacement Glass has provided the Anchorage, AK area with the best quality glass to be found anywhere. From your home to your shower and everywhere in between, Replacement Glass can meet and exceed your needs, every time.

When you need the best glass to be found on the market, come to Replacement Glass. We can’t wait to help you.

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