The Glass We Use

We use borosilicate glass over soda glass (Soda-Lime Glass) and here is why. You can get cheaper soda glass but our experience is that it is not ideal for some applications.

Borosilicate Glass:
- Components: Mainly composed of silica and boron trioxide.
- Characteristics:
- High thermal shock resistance: Can withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking.
- Low coefficient of thermal expansion: Less prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
- High durability and strength: More resistant to scratches and chemical corrosion.
- Examples of Use: Laboratory glassware, kitchenware (such as heat-resistant baking dishes), high-quality glass art.

Soda-lime Glass:
- Components: Primarily made of silica, soda ash (sodium carbonate), and lime (calcium oxide).
- Characteristics:
- Moderate thermal shock resistance: More susceptible to cracking with rapid temperature changes compared to borosilicate glass.
- Higher coefficient of thermal expansion: Greater tendency to expand and contract with temperature variations.
- Generally less durable and strong compared to borosilicate glass.
- Examples of Use: Common in everyday glassware (drinking glasses, windows, bottles), construction materials (glass panes), and some decorative glass applications.

Applications:

- Borosilicate Glass: Preferred where thermal resistance and durability are crucial, such as in laboratories for scientific glassware, in the kitchen for ovenware and cookware, and in artistic glass blowing where precision and resilience are required.

- Soda-lime Glass: Widely used in everyday items due to its lower manufacturing cost and versatility. It's found in beverage and food containers, windows, light bulbs, and various decorative glass applications.

Summary:

In essence, borosilicate glass is distinguished by its superior thermal shock resistance, lower expansion rate, and higher durability compared to soda-lime glass. This makes it suitable for specialised applications where reliability under extreme conditions is essential. On the other hand, soda-lime glass has a lower resistance to thermal stress and chemical corrosion.