The Tin Side System identifies the tin side of float glass using non-contact optical technology, which can be applied directly on the production line.
Distortion-free float glass is produced by floating a layer of molten glass on top of a bath of molten tin. This process ensures that the glass is perfectly flat. During this operation, a small amount of tin—imperceptible to the human eye—is absorbed by the side of the glass in contact with the tin. This surface is referred to as the “tin side.”
After float glass production, it is essential to distinguish between the two surfaces. Correct identification of the tin side allows for optimal results in subsequent applications, such as coatings, screen printing, or lamination.