Glass manufacturers / processors

Companies typically act as fabricators, suppliers and installers, although some work on a supply-only basis. As well as making, shaping, finishing and supplying glass, many provide supporting services such as surveying, estimating, delivery and fixing.

Laminated safety glass is made by bonding two or more sheets together with a tough polymer interlayer, which is sealed under heat and pressure. The interlayer provides strength and elasticity, and helps create a glazing material that is impact-resistant and safe.

Toughened, or tempered, glass is made using a process of extreme heating followed by rapid cooling. This results in a material four to five times stronger than annealed glass.

Safety / security glazing is made to meet the requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document N and BS 6262-4. When used in barriers, infill panels and freestanding barriers or structural balustrades, it complies with Approved Document K and BS 6180.

Fire resistant glass protects against heat and thermal shock. Manufacturers compete to develop materials that intrude as little as possible on the architectural design of a building. This can mean producing fire rated glass panes that are clear and undistorted, even when subjected to extreme heat, or sheets that are able to fit together in runs without imposing frames.