What Is Low Iron Glass
Oct 26, 2022
Have you taken a close look at a clear glass panel recently? Probably not. After all, standard clear glass is a perfectly good option for most interior design applications. However, for those seeking perfection, an even clearer type of glass awaits: low iron glass.
Low iron glass is the clearest type of glass available to designers. But what exactly is the difference between standard clear glass and low iron glass?
Low iron glass vs. standard glass – what's the difference?
Put simply, low iron glass is another way of saying "ultra-clear glass." As the name suggests, it has a much lower iron content than standard glass, which carries a slight green tint. This contrast is seen when comparing the two types of glass side by side – a subtle difference, but an important one, as we'll explain in a bit.
To create ultra-clear glass sheets, technicians use a few scientific tricks. The key is to use a glass formula containing an extremely low iron content, combined with a ferric oxide content of just 0.01%. This results in a beautifully clear, neutral-coloured glass with clearer edges and more natural light able to pass through.
Much more minimalism
Low iron glass is a popular chose for designers seeking a highly minimalist look. With its pure, ultra-clear glass sheen, the glass is perfect for all manner of domestic and commercial applications. A prime example is back painted glass – by using crystal clear glass instead of the standard version, the painted colour shows off its true tone and character without interference from the slight green tint of iron.
Frameless shower enclosures are another space suited to low iron glass. The greater transparency helps show off your chosen tiles or feature wall with an unaffected view.
As a bonus, low iron glass can be toughened and laminated in exactly the same way as standard glass. This offers the of both worlds: the peace of mind of EN 14449 "safety glass" combined with a luxury, minimalist appeal.
As a premium product, ultra-clear glass comes in at a higher price point than standard clear glass. The manufacturing process is more complex and expensive, as it requires meticulous removal of most of the iron content from every glass sheet. If you're thinking about ordering low iron glass for your next project, make sure to weigh the cost factor against your desired level of luxury and minimalism.
