This is the most commonly used material due to its low cost. It can be easily toughened to effectively increase the mechanical strength of annealed glass by up to five times

We are equipped with plant, including our water-jet cutting machine and CNC machining centre, to produce diameters between 3mm and 1500 mm, and thickness up to 25mm

Where a greater degree of chemical resistance or higher operating temperatures are required a borosilicate glass should be specified. In toughened form temperatures up to 315°C are possible, whilst annealed glass may be used up 400°C continuously with a short term maximum of 500°C

In addition to standard DIN sizes, glasses are available in a wide range of diameters up to 60mm thick (see annular edge sight glass)

When extreme temperature is the main criteria, this material allows continuous operation up to 1160°C and short term to 1300°C. It also has good resistance to thermal shock due to its low co-efficient of expansion (0.55x10-6°C)

Circular glasses up 350mm dia and 30mm thick can be manufactured but this material cannot be toughened