PPG Industries' flat-glass business can now manufacture heat-strengthened glass in thicknesses of less than 3 mm. According to the company, it is among the first major glass manufacturers in North America to offer this capability.
PPG can produce heat-strengthened glass in thicknesses of 2 mm, 2.5 mm and 2.7 mm with surface-compression strength that exceeds that of fully tempered glass (greater than 10,000 pounds per square inch), while achieving ASTM C1048 standards for flatness.
The added strength gives thin glass used in various solar applications that require resistance to wind load, hail impact and other environmental hazards the ability to meet UL and International Electrotechnical Commission standards as well, the company notes.
According to PPG, when incorporated into solar modules, heat-strengthened thin glass permits more sunlight to reach the active layer, which enhances the conversion of sunlight into energy and increases power output.
