Glazing · 3–19 mm
Glass — indicative fig. M·54
Fire A1 to AS 1530.1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon Data pending Per-m² sourceCompressive 800-1000 MPaMPa StructuralDesign life 25yr
Flat glass manufactured by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin, producing uniform thickness and smooth surfaces. Standard architectural glazing material available in clear and tinted variants from 3-19mm thickness.
01 Physical
Density 2500 kg/m³kg/m³
Specific gravity 2.5
Porosity 0%%
Water absorption 0%%
Hardness 5.5-6.5 Mohs scale
UV resistance Transmits 20-70% UV depending on thickness
Chemical resistance Excellent (except hydrofluoric acid)
pH tolerance Stable pH 3-11
Surface roughness Ra < 0.001 μmµm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 30-45 MPa (annealed)MPa
Compressive strength 800-1000 MPaMPa
Flexural strength 35-45 MPaMPa
Shear strength 17-25 MPaMPa
Poisson's ratio 0.22-0.23
Impact resistance Non-impact rated (requires tempering)
Creep resistance Excellent (no creep at room temperature)
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.96-1.05 W/mKW/m·K
Specific heat 720-840 J/kgKJ/kg·K
Thermal expansion 8.5-9.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°C×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible to AS 1530.1
Fire resistance level Non-rated (requires special treatment)
Ignition temp Not applicable (non-combustible)°C
Flame spread index 0 (non-combustible)
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0 kW/m²
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 9.5-11.5 kg CO₂e/m² (4mm)
Carbon footprint 75-85 kg CO₂e/m² lifecycle
Embodied energy 150-200 MJ/m²MJ/kg
Water footprint 600-800 L/m²L/kg
Recyclability 100%%
Recycled content 15-35% (typical cullet content)%
Renewable content 0%%
Circular score High (infinitely recyclable)
VOC emissions Zero emissions
Toxicity rating Non-toxic
LEED contribution MR Credit: 1-2 points possible
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 25-50+ years
Maintenance interval Annual cleaning, 5-year seal inspection
Warranty period 5-10 years typical
Material cost (range) $38-95/m² (clear, thickness dependent)
Material cost (per unit) $38/m² (4mm), $60/m² (6mm), $95/m² (10mm)
Lead time 1-3 days (standard), 2-4 weeks (custom)
Lifecycle cost $500-800/m² (30 years)
Annual maintenance $5-15/m² (cleaning)
Market availability Readily available nationwide
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Excellent optical clarity and transparency
- Smooth, flat surfaces ideal for coating applications
- Cost-effective compared to specialty glasses
- Readily available in multiple thicknesses
- Can be cut, drilled, and edge-worked on-site
- 100% recyclable material
- Chemically inert and hygienic surface
- UV transmittance for daylighting applications
- Long service life with minimal maintenance
- Wide range of tinted options available
- Established supply chain throughout Australia
Constraints
- Breaks into dangerous sharp shards
- Not suitable for safety-critical applications without processing
- Limited thermal insulation as single glazing
- Moderate acoustic performance
- Susceptible to thermal stress breakage
- Cannot be cut or modified after tempering
- Visible greenish tint in thicker sections
- Surface prone to scratching during handling
- High thermal conductivity increases energy costs
- Requires careful handling and storage
- Not suitable for cyclonic regions without upgrading
08 Applications
A1 Windows and doors in residential and commercial buildings
A2 Shopfronts and display windows
A3 Interior partitions and office fit-outs
A4 Furniture tops and shelving
A5 Mirror manufacturing substrate
A6 Greenhouse and horticultural glazing
A7 Picture framing
A8 Base material for processed glass products
A9 Balustrade infill panels (when laminated/toughened)
A10 Skylights and overhead glazing (when laminated)
A11 Double and triple glazed IGU components
A12 Solar panel cover glass substrate
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.