Glass! EN ASTM BIS  Standards

Soda-lime silicate glass is the most common type of glass, used in a wide range of everyday applications, from windows and bottles to mirrors and tableware. It is made primarily from three key components: silica (SiO₂), soda (Na₂O), and lime (CaO).

Related European Standards and Abstract​

Definitions and general physical and mechanical properties: This Part of this European Standard specifies and classifies basic glass products and indicates their chemical composition, their main physical and mechanical characteristics and defines their general quality criteria.
Specific dimensions and dimensional tolerances, description of faults, quality limits and designation for each basic product type are not included in this Part, but are given in other Parts of EN 572 specific to each product type:

Float glass: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults) for float glass, as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building.
This European Standard applies only to float glass supplied in jumbo sizes (see Note 1), split sizes (see Note 2) and oversize plates (see Note 3).
NOTE 1   Jumbo sizes – PLF (plateau largeur de fabrication) – Bandmasse.
NOTE 2   Split sizes – DLF (dimension largeur de fabrication) – Geteilte Bandmasse.
NOTE 3   Oversize plates – these are plates where the nominal length, H, is greater than 6 000 mm. These plates are produced to special order.
EN 572-8 gives information on float glass in sizes (i.e. supplied and final cut sizes) other than those covered by this European Standard.

Polished wired glass: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical, visual and wire faults) for polished wired glass, as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building.
This European Standard applies only to polished wired glass supplied in rectangular panes and in stock sizes.
EN 572-8 gives information on polished wired glass in sizes other than those covered by this European Standard.

Drawn sheet glass: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults) for drawn sheet glass, as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building.
This European Standard applies only to drawn sheet glass supplied in rectangular panes and in stock sizes.
EN 572-8 gives information on drawn sheet glass in sizes other than those covered by this European Standard.

Patterned glass: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of visual and pattern faults) for patterned glass as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building.
This European Standard applies only to patterned glass supplied in rectangular panes and in stock sizes.
EN 572-8 gives information on patterned glass in sizes other than those covered by this European Standard.

Wired patterned glass: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults) for wired patterned glass, as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building.
This European Standard applies only to wired patterned glass supplied in rectangular panes and in stock sizes.
EN 572-8 gives information on patterned wired glass in sizes other than those covered by this European Standard.

Wired or unwired channel shaped glass: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of visual and wire faults) for channel shaped glass, as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building.
This European Standard covers channel shaped glass supplied in stock sizes and final cut sizes.

Supplied and final cut sizes: This European Standard specifies dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults) for basic soda lime silicate glass products, as defined in EN 572-1:2012, for use in building. It applies to supplied sizes or cut sizes for final end use.
This European Standard does not apply to final cut sizes having a dimension less than 100 mm or a surface area less than 0,05 m².
This European Standard does not apply to float glass supplied as jumbo, split sizes or oversize plates nor to polished wired glass, drawn sheet glass, patterned glass, patterned wired glass supplied as stock sizes. For specifications regarding these types of glass, see EN 572-2:2012, EN 572-3:2012, EN 572-4:2012, EN 572-5:2012 and EN 572-6:2012 respectively.
This European Standard does not apply to final cut sizes of wired or unwired channel shaped glass For specifications on this type of glass, see EN 572-7:2012.

EN 572-9   Evaluation of conformity/Product standard: This document covers the evaluation of conformity and the factory production control of basic soda lime silicate glass products for use in buildings.
Note: For glass products with electrical wiring or connections for, e.g. alarm or heating purposes, other directives, e.g. Low Voltage Directive, may apply.

Related Indian Standards and Abstract​

IS 14900: 2018 – Transparent Float Glass Specification (First Revision) is an Indian Standard that prescribes the requirements, methods of sampling, and testing procedures for flat, transparent, clear float glass. The standard covers the following aspects:

Key Features of the Standard:

  1. Scope:

    • Applies to transparent float glass, which is flat, has glossy, plain, and smooth surfaces.
    • Includes jumbo, cut sizes, and stock sheets in square, rectangular, or other shapes.
    • Excludes tinted, coated, frosted, and heat-absorbing glasses.

  2. Terminology: The standard defines various terms related to defects and visual characteristics of glass, such as:

    • Bloom: Bluish discoloration on the bottom surface due to tin oxide.
    • Bubbles, Cords, Knots, Ream: Different types of imperfections in the glass.
    • Crush, Digs, Rubs, Scratches: Surface imperfections.
    • Spot Faults: Imperfections such as bubbles and stones that affect visual quality.

  3. Requirements:

    • The tin side of the glass must be identifiable via a UV light test (Annex A).
    • Visual Light Transmission: The minimum value for light transmission is specified based on thickness (e.g., 89% for glass less than 2 mm).
    • Dimensional Tolerances: Specified for thickness, length, and width.
    • Squareness: Tolerance for the difference between diagonals of rectangular panes.

  4. Optical and Visual Faults:

    • Glass is inspected for optical distortion and categorized based on spot faults and linear faults (e.g., scratches and rubs).
    • A Zebra test (Annex C) is conducted to detect optical faults, which cause visual distortion.

  5. Packaging and Marking:

    • Glass must be packaged with shock-absorbing material.
    • Each package must be marked with the name “Float Glass,” the source of manufacture, thickness, dimensions, and the number of panes.

  6. Sampling:

    • Samples are drawn from lots based on batch size, and each sample undergoes testing for compliance with the UV test, visual and optical faults, and dimensional tolerance.
    • Annex G provides the procedure for determining sample sizes based on the size of the consignment.

Key Testing Methods:

  • UV Light Test: Used to identify the tin side of the glass (Annex A).
  • Light Transmission Test: Measures visual light transmittance using a spectrophotometer or a standard illuminant (Annex B).
  • Optical Fault Detection: Involves the Zebra Test, which identifies optical distortion (Annex C).
  • Spot Fault Detection: Measured using a projection technique (Annex D).
  • Ream, Strings, and Linear Fault Detection: Inspected under specific lighting conditions (Annex E).

The document outlines clear specifications to ensure the quality, optical clarity, and durability of transparent float glass, particularly for use in architectural, automotive, and mirror applications.

IS 2835: 1987 – Flat Transparent Sheet Glass (Third Revision) is an Indian Standard that specifies the requirements, classifications, and testing methods for flat transparent sheet glass used in a wide range of applications, such as glazing, mirrors, photographic plates, and safety glass.

Key Features of the Standard:

  1. Scope:

    • The standard applies to flat transparent sheet glass for uses including glazing, silvered glass mirrors, photographic plates, and toughened or laminated safety glass.

  2. Terminology:

    • Defines various defects and imperfections in glass, such as crush, digs, gaseous inclusions, knot, lines, scratches, stones, and wave, all of which affect the optical clarity and appearance of the glass.

  3. Classification:

    • Sheet glass is classified into four quality grades:
      • AA Quality: Special selected quality used for superior applications like safety glass, high-quality mirrors, and projection slides.
      • A Quality: Selected quality for mirrors, safety glass, and other specific glazing needs.
      • B Quality: Ordinary quality, typically used for general glazing and framing.
      • C Quality: Greenhouse quality, intended for non-critical uses like frosted glass or strips for flooring.

  4. Requirements:

    • The glass must be flat, transparent, and clear when viewed by the naked eye, though a light tint is acceptable when viewed edgewise.
    • Glass should be free from cracks and major defects. It may have minor imperfections like dirt or gaseous inclusions, provided they do not affect the overall transparency.
    • Tolerances for nominal thickness and dimensional tolerance for cut sizes are provided.

  5. Allowable Defects:

    • Specifies maximum permissible defects like gaseous inclusions, scratches, rubs, crush, and bow based on the quality grade of the glass.
    • Cluster of Defects: The standard limits how many defects can occur in a cluster within a defined area, particularly for high-quality glass.

  6. Tests:

    • Detailed testing methods are provided for measuring defects such as scratches, rubs, crush, and waviness.
    • Bow test: Measures curvature in the glass.
    • Ream, Strings, and Lines: Assessed using a shadowgraph method to evaluate optical distortion.
    • Thickness of the glass is measured with calipers at specific points.

  7. Packing and Marking:

    • Specifies that sheet glass should be packed as per agreement between the supplier and purchaser.
    • Packaging must be marked with details like the name, quality, thickness, and dimensions of the glass.

  8. Sampling:

    • Provides detailed guidelines for sampling and testing a batch of sheet glass to ensure it meets the required standards. The size and number of samples depend on the lot size, and specific tests are conducted in two stages.

Conclusion:

IS 2835: 1987 sets clear guidelines for the quality, classification, and allowable defects in flat transparent sheet glass, ensuring that glass used for glazing, mirrors, and other purposes meets strict quality standards. The standard includes methods for evaluating optical clarity, structural integrity, and overall transparency.

Borosilicate glass is a highly durable type of glass known for its exceptional resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion, primarily composed of silica (70-80%) and boric oxide (10-20%), along with small amounts of alumina and other oxides. This glass can withstand sudden temperature changes, making it ideal for laboratory applications, such as beakers and flasks, as well as household cookware and glass in building like Pyrex and fire-rated glass. It is also valued for its clarity and low thermal expansion, reducing the risk of cracking. Borosilicate glass is manufactured through high-temperature melting and forming processes and is regulated by standards such as (pr)EN 1748-1, ensuring quality and performance across various applications, from scientific equipment to optical components and specialty lighting.

Related European Standards and Abstract​

Definition and general physical and mechanical properties: This document defines and classifies borosilicate glasses for use in building.  It indicates their chemical composition, main physical and mechanical properties, dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults).
This document applies to borosilicate glasses supplied in stock sizes or in cut sizes for final end use.
This document does not apply to final cut sizes having a dimension less than 100 mm or a surface area less than 0,05 m2.

Evaluation of conformity/Product standard:This document defines and classifies borosilicate glasses for use in building.  It indicates their chemical composition, main physical and mechanical properties, dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults).
This document applies to borosilicate glasses supplied in stock sizes or in cut sizes for final end use.
This document does not apply to final cut sizes having a dimension less than 100 mm or a surface area less than 0,05 m2.

Glass ceramics are advanced materials that combine the properties of both glass and ceramics, resulting in a unique structure that offers high strength, thermal stability, and resistance to thermal shock. These materials are produced by controlled crystallization of glass, leading to a composite structure that retains the glassy phase while incorporating crystalline phases for improved mechanical properties. Glass ceramics typically exhibit excellent resistance to temperature fluctuations, making them suitable for applications such as cooktops, dental prosthetics, and certain types of cookware. They can also be designed for specific functionalities, such as bioactivity or electrical conductivity, depending on their composition and processing. The production of glass ceramics is governed by standards like (pr)EN 1748-2, ensuring consistency in quality and performance for various industrial and commercial uses.

Related European Standards and Abstract​

Definition and general physical and mechanical properties: This document defines, specifies and classifies glass ceramics for use in building.  It indicates their chemical composition, main physical and mechanical properties, dimensional and minimum quality requirements (in respect of optical and visual faults).
This document applies to glass ceramics supplied in stock sizes or in cut sizes for final end use.
This document does not apply to final cut sizes having a dimension less than 100 mm or a surface area less than 0,05 m².

Evaluation of conformity/Product standard: This document covers the evaluation of conformity and the factory production control of glass ceramics for use in buildings.
Note: For glass products with electrical wiring or connections for, e.g. alarm or heating purposes, other directives, e.g. Low Voltage Directive, may apply.

Thermally toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that has been treated through a controlled thermal process to increase its strength and thermal resistance. The process involves heating the glass to a high temperature (typically around 620-680°C) and then rapidly cooling it, which creates compressive stresses on the surface and tensile stresses in the core of the glass. This treatment makes thermally toughened glass approximately five to six times stronger than standard annealed glass, allowing it to withstand greater impact and thermal stresses. If broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. Thermally toughened glass is widely used in various applications, including architectural glazing, shower doors, glass doors and tables, and vehicle windows, due to its safety features and durability. 

Soda Lime Silicate - Thermally Toughened Safety Glass

Related European Standards and Abstract​

Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 1: Definition and description: This European Standard specifies tolerances, flatness, edgework, fragmentation and physical and mechanical characteristics of monolithic flat thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass for use in buildings.
Information on curved thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass is given in Annex A, but this product does not form part of this European Standard.
Other requirements, not specified in this European Standard, can apply to thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass which is incorporated into assemblies, e.g. laminated glass or insulating glass units, or undergo an additional treatment, e.g. coating. The additional requirements are specified in the appropriate glass product standard. Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass, in this case, does not lose its bending strength characteristics and its resistance to temperature differentials.
Surface finished glasses (e.g. sandblasted, acid etched) after toughening are not covered by this European Standard.

Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 2: Evaluation of conformity/Product standard: This document covers the evaluation of conformity and the factory production control of flat thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass for use in buildings.
Note: For glass products with electrical wiring or connections for, e.g. alarm or heating purposes, other directives, e.g. Low Voltage Directive, may apply.

Related Indian Standards and Abstract​

Borosilicate - Thermally Toughened Safety Glass - Related European Standards and Abstract​

Thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass – Part 1: Definition and description: This European Standard specifies tolerances, flatness, edgework, fragmentation and physical and mechanical characteristics of monolithic flat thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass for use in buildings.
Information on curved thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass is given in Annex A, but this product does not form part of this standard.
Other requirements, not specified in this standard, can apply to thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass which is incorporated into assemblies, e.g. laminated glass or insulating glass units, or undergo an additional treatment, e.g. coating. The additional requirements are specified in the appropriate product standard. Thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass, in this case, does not lose its mechanical or thermal characteristics.
This European Standard does not cover glass sandblasted after toughening.

Thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass – Part 2: Evaluation of conformity/Product standard: This document covers the evaluation of conformity and the factory production control of flat thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass for use in buildings.
Note: For glass products with electrical wiring or connections for, e.g. alarm or heating purposes, other directives, e.g. Low Voltage Directive, may apply.

Laminated safety glass is a type of glass composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This structure provides enhanced safety because, when broken, the glass shards remain adhered to the interlayer, reducing the risk of injury from sharp edges. It also offers additional benefits like sound insulation, UV protection, and improved security. Laminated safety glass is commonly used in car windshields, building facades, and security applications.

Related European Standards and Abstract

Glass in building – Laminated glass and laminated safety glass – Part 1: Vocabulary and description of component parts: This document defines terms and describes component parts for laminated glass and laminated safety glass for use in building.

Glass in building – Laminated glass and laminated safety glass – Part 2: Laminated safety glass: This document specifies performance requirements for laminated safety glass as defined in ISO 12543-1.
NOTE: Any defects that are found in installed laminated safety glass are dealt with in ISO 12543-6.

Related Indian Standards and Abstract

Laminated Safety Glass under the IS 2553 (Part 1): 2018 standard includes detailed specifications for laminated glass, which is made by bonding two or more layers of glass with an interlayer, usually of plastic material. The key feature of laminated safety glass is that, upon breaking, the glass pieces remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing dangerous shards from flying.

Key Features for Laminated Safety Glass:

  1. Structure:

    • Consists of two or more sheets of glass with an interlayer (e.g., PVB or EVA) that holds the glass together if broken.
    • The interlayer can be clear, colored, or designed for specific purposes like fire resistance, solar control, or acoustic insulation.

  2. Thickness:

    • The thickness is calculated as the sum of the glass sheets and interlayer. If the interlayer exceeds 2 mm, a deviation of ±0.2 mm is allowed.

  3. Edge Displacement:

    • The maximum edge displacement between glass layers and interlayers is specified, depending on the size of the glass panel. Limits range from 2 mm to 5 mm based on the pane dimensions.

  4. Defects:

    • Spot defects (bubbles, delamination, etc.) and linear defects (scratches) are controlled based on the size and position within the pane. Central and outer areas of the pane have different allowable defect levels.
    • Defects less than 0.5 mm are ignored, while defects greater than 3 mm are not permitted in the central area.

  5. Testing Requirements:

    • Boil Test: Checks for bubbles, delamination, or haziness after boiling the glass in water.
    • Bake Test: Tests resistance to high temperatures without developing defects.
    • Fracture and Adhesion Test: Ensures that broken glass remains adhered to the interlayer.
    • Light Stability Test: Verifies that laminated glass does not discolor under exposure to sunlight.

  6. Optional Humidity Test:

    • This test is performed to ensure laminated glass does not develop bubbles, haziness, or delamination under high humidity conditions.

  7. Marking:

    • Laminated glass must be marked with the words ‘Laminated Safety’ or ‘Toughened Laminated Safety’, and include information about the source of manufacture and the date of production.

  8. Performance in Impact Resistance:

    • The glass is tested for resistance to human impact to ensure it withstands accidental hits or collisions without disintegration.

Conclusion:

Laminated safety glass offers enhanced safety, as it holds together when broken, making it ideal for applications like windows, doors, facades, and automotive glazing. The standard ensures that laminated glass meets specific performance requirements, including resistance to impact, defects, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity, ensuring both safety and durability in various conditions.

Laminated safety glass is a type of glass composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This structure provides enhanced safety because, when broken, the glass shards remain adhered to the interlayer, reducing the risk of injury from sharp edges. It also offers additional benefits like sound insulation, UV protection, and improved security. Laminated safety glass is commonly used in car windshields, building facades, and security applications.

Laminated Safety Glass - Related European Standards and Abstract​

Glass in building – Laminated glass and laminated safety glass – Part 1: Vocabulary and description of component parts: This document defines terms and describes component parts for laminated glass and laminated safety glass for use in building.

Glass in building – Laminated glass and laminated safety glass – Part 2: Laminated safety glass: This document specifies performance requirements for laminated safety glass as defined in ISO 12543-1.
NOTE: Any defects that are found in installed laminated safety glass are dealt with in ISO 12543-6.