Commercial glass strengthening and safety technologies: lessons learned and yet to be learned

Abstract

This is the fourth in this series of “Lessons Learned and Yet to be Learned” on topics related to glass strength.(1–3) In this paper we pick up the topic of stronger glass products from our earlier publication(2) and expand to discussing commercial technologies. Included in this discussion are a brief historical perspective of the initial technologies and update to newer technologies with the aim to obtain faster production rates that focus on lightweight glass products and a sustainable future with respect to resource conservation, reduced energy consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. Also included are glass products which focus on safety mostly and less on overall strength.