What is so special about Pilkington glass?
Pilkington glass is a remarkable product that has revolutionized the glass industry. Developed by the Pilkington Brothers in the United Kingdom in the 1950s, this innovative glass technology has transformed the way we use and interact with glass in our daily lives.
The Origins of Pilkington Glass
The Pilkington Brothers, Arthur and Kenneth, were glass manufacturers who recognized the need for a more durable and versatile glass product. In the 1950s, they developed a groundbreaking process called the "float glass" method, which allowed for the production of high-quality, flat glass sheets with a consistent thickness and superior optical properties.
The Float Glass Process
The float glass process involves pouring molten glass onto a large, shallow pool of molten tin. As the glass spreads out and cools, it forms a perfectly flat surface, resulting in a sheet of glass with exceptional clarity and uniformity. This process revolutionized the glass industry, as it allowed for the mass production of high-quality glass at a lower cost compared to traditional methods.
The Advantages of Pilkington Glass
Pilkington glass offers several key advantages that have made it a widely-used material in various industries:
- Optical Clarity: The float glass process produces glass with exceptional optical clarity, making it ideal for applications such as windows, mirrors, and display screens.
- Durability: Pilkington glass is highly resistant to scratches, impact, and thermal stress, making it a durable choice for a wide range of applications.
- Versatility: Pilkington glass can be coated, tinted, or tempered to meet specific performance requirements, allowing it to be used in a variety of settings, from residential to commercial and industrial.
- Energy Efficiency: Pilkington's energy-efficient glass products, such as low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, help reduce energy consumption in buildings by improving insulation and reducing heat transfer.
The Pilkington Brothers' innovation has had a lasting impact on the glass industry, and Pilkington glass continues to be a leading choice for a wide range of applications, from architectural design to automotive manufacturing.
Which cars use Pilkington glass?
In the case of glass, an OEM supplier such as Pilkington, sells glass direct to vehicle manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Toyota, and many others.
Is Pilkington glass still made in St Helens?
The site in St Helens is where glassmaker Pilkington UK invented the modern float glass process, used globally today. Production at Watson Street Works is moving to Pilkington's neighbouring Greengate site.
What is the best glass for a car windshield?
Most vehicle windshields are made of laminated glass. They're considered to be effective for preventing break-ins because of the effort required to break them. Tempered glass is used for the exact opposite reason that laminated glass is used for windshields.
How can you tell if glass is K glass?
Pilkington K Glass™ and the appearance of haze (Pilkington UK Technical Bulletin) mooth as the glass surface. While this is not obvious to the eye when examining the glass, some people who regularly handle Pilkington K Glass™ can tell which side the coating is on by the feel of it.
How can you tell Pilkington glass?
A simple test is to spray water at the surface and compare it with ordinary glass, see it sheet off the glass rather than form lots of rivulets. Silicone-contaminated surfaces will also form rivulets similar to ordinary glass.
Is Pilkington K glass the best?
Pilkington K Glass™ is the UK's leading thermal glass brand. Established for over 30 years and easily stocked, processed and installed, it has become the trusted solution for meeting Building Regulations concerning energy efficiency.
What is the most sought after glass?
Some of the most collectible types & styles of antique and vintage glassware include Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Milk Glass, Moonstone, Hobnail Glass, and Jadeite. One of the most popular styles of antique glass was a Hen on Nest, also known as Animal Dishes because of the variety of animals they come in.
How can you tell if glass is high quality?
Quality glassware tends to have a thicker feel, indicating its sturdiness. It should also have excellent clarity, allowing you to appreciate the color and texture of your drinks. Rim Quality: Pay attention to the rim of the glass. It should be smooth and even, ensuring a comfortable drinking experience.
Does Pilkington glass still exist?
As a member of the NSG Group, Pilkington United Kingdom Limited is one of the leading glass suppliers in the UK. Pilkington, which was acquired by NSG Group in 2006, invented the Float Process, by which most of the world's high quality glass is made.
How much is Pilkington glass worth?
Key Financials
| Accounts | 2020 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | £25,771,000.00 | £16,168,000.00 |
| Net Worth | £1,495,697,000.00 | £1,611,998,000.00 |
| Total Current Assets | £55,959,000.00 | £43,198,000.00 |
| Total Current Liabilities | £22,374,000.00 | £24,303,000.00 |
