There are several types of glass used in container manufacturing, each with its unique properties and uses. The most common type of glass used in container manufacturing is soda-lime glass, which is inexpensive and easy to work with. When visiting websites from companies like Glasmeister, it is important to know what type of materials they use to fabricate the containers. For example, some suppliers use borosilicate glass, which is known for its high durability and resistance to thermal shock. It is commonly used in laboratory and medical containers that need to withstand high temperatures. In addition to selecting the right closures, your product must be packaged in the right glass. Tempered glass is known for its strength and durability. It is often used in applications where the containers will be subject to high levels of stress or impact, such as for food containers.
What materials are used to manufacture glass for containers?
Glass containers are typically made from a combination of raw materials, including silica, soda ash, limestone, and other additives. Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is the primary ingredient in glass production and makes up around 70% of the total raw materials used. It is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in various forms such as sand, quartz, and granite. Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is another key ingredient in glass production. It is used to lower the melting point of silica, making it easier to work with and mould into different shapes. It also improves the chemical durability of the glass. Limestone, also known as calcium carbonate, is added to glass to help remove impurities from the silica. It also helps to improve the chemical stability of the glass and gives it a more transparent appearance.
The manufacturing processes
The manufacturing process of a glass container starts with mixing silica, soda ash, limestone, and other additives in a furnace. The mixture is heated to extremely high temperatures, typically around 1700-1800 degrees Celsius, until it melts and becomes a liquid. Then the liquid glass is poured into moulds, where it cools and solidifies into the desired shape. After that, the glass containers go through a process of annealing, which is heating the glass to a high temperature and then slowly cooling it to remove internal stresses and make the glass more durable. After the annealing process, the glass containers go through a quality control process where they are checked for defects, such as bubbles, cracks, or uneven thickness. Any defective containers are removed and discarded.
