What Are the Benefits of Low-Iron Glass?
Optimum Transparency and Unfiltered Light
Standard float glass has a green tinge which is more obvious in thicker panes of glass. A reduced iron content offers a pure and light glass colour.
Because low-iron glass has more clarity, it allows unfiltered light to pass through and is favoured by architects, especially for thicker large walls of glass.
The unfiltered natural light allows decor and objects to be seen in optimum light and is preferred where undistorted colours are desired.
Because of its perfect clarity low iron glass is used for display cases where items are seen through the glass and an unrestricted view and true colour are required - e.g. museums and jewellers.
Energy and Solar Heat Transmittance
The clarity of low-iron glass allows more light transmittance than standard glass. The higher solar gain allows more solar energy to be transmitted through the glass and more warmth from the sun.
For this reason, low-iron glass is used in solar panels. However, the trade-off is that low-iron glass does not retain heat efficiently.
Increasing the number of glass panes in a window can reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted. For instance, triple glazing has a lower G-value than double glazing due to the reduction in solar energy transmittance.
To optimise energy efficiency, a combination of low-iron glass and low-emissivity (Low-e) glass is used for maximum light transmission while reflecting heat back into the room, providing a comfortable living environment.
Low-iron glass light transmission and average G-value:
| Thickness | Standard 4mm* | Low-iron 4mm** | Low-iron 6mm | Low-iron 12mm |
|---|
| Light transmission | 82% | 91% | 91% | 90% |
| G-value | 0.71 | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.88 |
| Shading coefficient | 0.82 | 1.04 | 1.03 | 1.01 |
*Source **Source
Design Versatility
Low-iron glass can be used in a wide range of applications, including structural glass, decorative glass, and architectural glass. It can also be toughened, laminated, and finished with different textures and coatings, providing designers with a high degree of flexibility in their designs.
What Is Low-Iron Glass Used For?
Due to its clarity, low-iron glass is mostly used for its display qualities. As the edging on low-iron glass has a reduced green colour, low-iron glass is especially popular for furniture such as table tops and shelving in cabinets.
- Aquariums
- Museum display cases
- Jewellery display cases
- Shop windows
- Skylights
- Architectural glazing
- Internal partitions and glass walls
- Balconies and balustrades
- Furniture and shelving
Do I Need Low-Iron Glass?
Before using low-iron glass, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that it is the right choice for your application:
- Cost - Low-iron glass is typically more expensive than standard clear glass due to the additional manufacturing process required to reduce the iron oxide content. You should consider whether the benefits of using low-iron glass justify the additional cost for your specific application.
- Performance - While low-iron glass is known for its clarity and transparency, it may not provide the same level of insulation or energy efficiency as other types of glass, such as low-e glass. You should consider the performance requirements of your application and whether low-iron glass is the best choice for meeting those requirements.
For the reasons above, some double and triple-glazed units use a pane of low-iron glass in combination with low-e glass. The Low-iron glass allows more UV light and solar energy into the room, while the Low-e glass acts as insulation keeping the heat energy in the room.
Everest combines low-iron glass with low-e glass in the following products:
- Energy Saver Plus Double Glazing
- Energy Saver Triple Glazing