Sand is the basic raw material for making glass and it melts at approximately 2000 °C (3632 °F). By surrounding the sand grains with fluxes (network breaking oxides, for example sodium and potassium) the melting temperature is lowered to around 1200–1400 °C (2192–2552 °F).
In order to achieve the lowest possible melting temperature, it’s essential to use a perfectly mixed and homogenous batch. Each segregation of the batch will increase the melting temperature and prolong the degassing and refining process.
By pelletizing the raw materials, it’s guaranteed that the batch is always perfectly homogenous, which saves energy and time in the furnace. Glasma pellets are always stabilized, which means they are treated so as not to segregate (dust) and they become more resistant to humidity.
Customer values
Savings on energy and equipment
Approximately 10% of the power consumption can be saved by using pelletized batch instead of loose raw materials. Perfectly homogenous pellets give a quick and optimized process of melting, degassing and refining.
The minimized dusting gives longer lifetime and reduced maintenance cost on machines and equipment and the need for stock-keeping is minimized.
Crystal clear glass
Glasma never compromises on raw material quality, only the best are used. Our rigorous material and process control ensures absolutely crystal clear glass.
Excellent consistent quality
Since 1979 Glasma pellets are produced in a fully automatic, encapsulated, monitored and documented process. ISO 9001 and 14001 were obtained already in 1995.
Glasma pellets are perfectly homogenous and sustainable, making them resistant to vibration and humidity. The composition is optimized to give a perfect melting, degassing and refining process, preparing the glass for the forming.
Refining is one of the most important steps to reach brilliant glass quality and it’s where the last gas bubbles and contaminations are removed. A perfect refining process can normally not be obtained by using only cullets or nuggets (pre-melted glass), therefore we recommend to mix with pellets.
Improved environment
Glasma pellets are stabilized, which means they don’t segregate during transport and handling. This gives a very low degree of dusting and the exposure to human beings and equipment is reduced to a minimum.
It’s easy to keep warehouse and workshop areas clean and the glass workers experience a clear improvement of the working environment.
Less administration
By reducing a large amount of raw material suppliers to one, the administration and stock-keeping become much easier. We are used to deliver products worldwide and we normally take care of the transport booking. We normally deliver within 2-3 weeks.
The Glasma team has a long and extensive knowledge from the glass industry and we are here to support our customers.
FAQ
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have any other question, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How to store the pellets?
There are no expiry dates on Glasma pellets, but they must be protected against rain and high humidity during transport and storage. The packing materials are developed to protect against normal humidity. If the pellets are exposed to too high humidity, they can clump. However, the material can still be used for melting. Please avoid stacking big bags on top of each other.
Can Glasma products be combined with other colour systems?
Glasma’s lead-free batches are used by a large number of customers in different applications with different colour systems. Every melting process is unique and several factors can affect the glass in different ways. Therefore it’s strongly recommended to make tests before production.
What is the glass Coefficient of Expansion (COE) of Glasma’s products?
The Coefficient of Expansion is a theoretical value and it can be found at each recipe’s product datasheet. Please contact us and we will guide you to the best product for your application.
Does Glasma Color System affect how the glass behaves during production?
The color additives are composed to have a minimal impact on the glass properties. For example, the viscosity may decrease and this is compensated with lower temperature. Please contact us and we will guide you.
Can Glasma pellets be combined with recycled cullets?
Yes it can. Many of our customers combine Glasma pellets with up to 50% of recycled cullets with great result. Please make sure that the recycled material does not bring any contaminations to the melt and that the recycled material is of same type as the pellets.