What's the Difference Between Low Iron Glass and Clear Glass?

What's the Difference Between Low Iron Glass and Clear Glass?

When selecting glass for your project, you may come across two common options: low iron glass and clear glass. Both have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. Understanding the differences between these two types of glass can help you make an informed choice.

Clear Glass

Characteristics:

Color Tint: Standard clear glass has a slight greenish tint, especially noticeable along the edges. This tint is due to the presence of iron oxide in the glass composition.
Light Transmission: Clear glass typically allows around 83-90% of visible light to pass through, depending on its thickness. The green tint can subtly affect the appearance of objects viewed through the glass.
Cost: Clear glass is more affordable than low iron glass, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications where the slight tint is not an issue.

Applications:

Windows and Doors: Often used in residential and commercial buildings.
Picture Frames: Suitable for framing artwork or photos where color accuracy isn’t critical.
Furniture: Commonly used for tabletops and shelving.

Low Iron Glass

Characteristics:

Color Tint: Low iron glass has significantly reduced iron content, which results in a much clearer appearance with minimal color tint. It appears almost completely transparent, allowing for true color representation of objects viewed through it.
Light Transmission: Low iron glass has a higher light transmission rate, typically around 91-92%. This makes it ideal for applications where maximum clarity and light transmission are essential.
Cost: Low iron glass is more expensive than standard clear glass due to the extra processing required to reduce the iron content.

Applications:

High-End Architectural Projects: Frequently used in luxury buildings where clarity and transparency are paramount.
Display Cases and Storefronts: Ideal for retail settings where the accurate display of colors and products is important.
Solar Panels: The high light transmission rate of low iron glass makes it a preferred choice for solar energy applications.
Aquariums: Offers a clearer view, especially in thicker glass panels where the green tint of standard glass would be more noticeable.

Choosing Between Low Iron Glass and Clear Glass

Aesthetic Needs: If true color representation and minimal tinting are important, low iron glass is the better option. It’s particularly suited for applications where the clarity and color accuracy of the glass are critical, such as in display cases, luxury interiors, and high-end architectural projects.
Budget Considerations: For projects where a slight green tint is acceptable and budget is a concern, clear glass is a practical and cost-effective choice.
Functionality: Consider the function of the glass in your project. For example, in solar panels, where maximum light transmission is crucial, low iron glass is the preferred option. For regular windows or doors, clear glass is usually sufficient.

Both low iron and clear glass have their own benefits depending on the specific needs of your project. Choosing the right type of glass involves balancing factors like aesthetics, budget, and functional requirements.

HHG is a professional glass manufacturer and glass solution provider includes range of tempered glass, laminated glass, textured glass and etched glass. With more than 20 years of development. There are two produce lines of pattern glass , two lines of float glass , and one line of restoration glass. our products 80% ship to overseas. All our glass products have strict quality control and carefully packed in strong wooden cases. Ensure you receive the finest quality glass safely in time.