Milgard has provided high-quality glass for windows and patio doors since 1958. The manufacturer’s headquarters are located in Tacoma, Washington and uses a variety of methods for producing several different types of glass products for windows and patio doors. The company’s objective is to provide unique aluminum windows and patio doors that offer property owners with superior craftsmanship that meets all architectural requirements. Property owners can explore the following frequently asked questions to learn more about how Milgard produces their prestigious glass windows.
How is Window Glass Created With the Floating Method?
Glass for windows is manufactured with two essential ingredients—minerals and sand. When using the floating method, the materials are heated until they reach 3,090 degrees F and become liquefied. The process takes fifty hours to complete, and the liquefied glass is inspected for issues such as impurities.
Next, the workers force the liquified glass to a float bath. It is essentially a refractory spout over which the glass floats and then flows to a surface created with molten tin. As the glass floats to the refractory spout it is at its highest temperature and begins to cool down at a slow rate. As it cools, the workers determine the exact thickness of the glass and make adjustments to achieve it.
How is the Glass Protected in the Floating Method?
A chemical vapor deposition is used to coat the glass. The type of chemical applied to the glass presents the buyer with a multitude of properties including infrared or ultraviolet protection. The workers could apply several coatings according to the product’s specifications.
How Does the Annealing Process Protect the Glass Products?
Annealing is a process in which the liquefied glass is pushed through a lehr or furnace at a slow rate. The temperature of the glass is around 850 degrees, and it softens. The purpose of the annealing process is to prevent cracks or fractures in the glass after it cools completely. Once the process is finished, workers identify any imperfections and ensure that buyers receive high-quality window glass only. Automated inspection tools find all imperfections and remove any irregularities quickly.
What is Used to Cut the Window Glass?
The manufacturer uses diamond cutting tools for more precise cuts. The tools are used to create the right size or shape for the window. The diamond cutting tools are often computer-assisted to prevent common errors and reduce breakage. The process allows the manufacturer to create the right window glass in a shorter amount of time.
How are Double Paned Windows Created?
Manufacturers use a gas filler to seal off the glass in the double-paned window design. The sides of the panes are sealed using the filler to prevent air leaks from the property’s exterior. The process stops condensation by preventing humid air from entering between the glass panes.
What Techniques are used to Producing Frosted or Obscure Window Glass?
The most common techniques used for frosted or obscure window glass include sandblasting or various forms of etching. The etching methods are mold, acid, or frost. The manufacturer adds the frosting element toward the end of the manufacturing process for maximum effects. It is used to prevent outsiders from seeing into the windows.
How is Tinted Window Glass Created?
During the floating method technique, metal oxides are added to the liquefied glass. It creates coloration to the glass itself and doesn’t compromise the integrity of the glass. The process enables the manufacturer to produce glass windows in a variety of colors and block out excess sunlight. The process can also prevent exterior heat from affecting the interior temperatures.
How is Crystal Groove Window Glass Created?
Crystal groove window glass is manufactured with sand, soda, and lead oxide. Lead crystal is considered the most durable of the crystal window products. Rotating wheels are used to create the crystal pattern in the glass windows. The lead oxide content determines the color and prism effects on the windows.
How is Laminated Window Glass Produced and Why?
Laminated glass is produced to provide safety for the property and prevent shattering which can lead to personal injuries. It is constructed with two plates of the shatterproof glass that are positioned between two separate panes of standard window glass. The glass is manufactured through the application of heat and pressure using aliphatic urethane or ethylene vinyl acetate.
The glass product lowers the chances of home invasions by protecting the home with its two interior panes. The interior panes won’t shatter and prevent immediate entry into the property. It also offers two additional layers of protection against severe storms and high-velocity winds.
How is Tempered Window Glass Produced?
Prior to tempering, the glass is precut to the correct size. The glass goes through the annealing procedure to examine it for potential imperfections. Next, it is sanded to eliminate all sharp edges. Heat is applied inside a tempering oven. Typically, the oven reaches 620 degrees C. The quenching process occurs next which is a cooling procedure in which high-pressure is applied to the glass. High-pressure air blasts occur during the quenching procedure.
An alternative to this process utilizes chemicals to temper the glass. Despite the process used, the tempered glass is tested to ensure high quality and maximum safety for the property owner.
Where Does Milgard Create Their Products?
Originally, Milgard products were produced in their Tacoma, Washington factory only. Today, the windows and doors are produced in several of their locations throughout the United States. The company has manufacturing facilities in Portland, Simi Valley, Sacramento, Dixon, Hollister, Salt Lake City, Temecula, Phoenix, and Dallas. All their glass products for the windows and doors are produced in their own facilities.
Milgard offers high-quality aluminum windows and patio doors featuring the property owner’s selected glass products. The manufacturer follows careful procedures and processes to produce exceptional products. Their products are durable, safe, and provide superior quality that improves the aesthetics of residential and commercial properties. The manufacturer creates the products and installs each selection according to the specifications of the owner and the architectural demands of the property itself. Property owners who want to learn more about the long-lasting and exquisite products are encouraged to contact Milgard right now for an appointment.
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