| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Acoustics |
The science of sound and sound control. |
| Air Side |
In reference to float glass, the side that was up or exposed to the "air" when it was manufactured. The bottom side is referred to as the "tin" side because it floated on a liquid tin bath. Coatings are applied to the air side. |
| Air Spacer |
An aluminum or stainless steel frame (desiccant filled) used to separate two lites of glass in an insulating unit. |
| Annealed |
Raw glass with low, residual stresses. This enables cutting and fabrication. |
| Argon Gas |
An invisible, non toxic gas used in insulating units to enhance the units insulating performance (u-value). |
| Autoclave |
A vessel that employs high pressure and heat. In the glass industry, used to produce a bond between glass and PVB or urethane sheets, thus creating a laminated glass product. |
| Bite |
The dimension by which the framing system overlaps the edge of the glazing infill. |
| Blast Resistant Glass |
A laminated glazing construction commonly specified to mitigate injuries from flying glass resulting from an air-blast explosive. |
| Bullet Resistant Glass |
A multiple lamination of glass or glass and plastic that is designed to resist penetration from medium-to-super-power small arms and high-power rifles. |
| Butt Glazed |
The installation of glass products where the vertical glass edges are without structural supporting mullions. |
| Butyl |
Shortened term for polyisobutylene. The primary seal of an insulating unit and key component in restricting moisture vapor transmission. |
| Capillary Tube |
A small tube factory-placed into the air spacer of an insulating unit used for balancing interior and exterior pressures during transportation over higher elevations, i.e. mountain ranges or air transport. |
| Ceramic Frit |
A ceramic frit enamel applied to glass for decorative/aesthetic appearances. Applied with a large roller for full coverage applications or through a screen for silkscreening applications. |
| Coated Glass |
A general reference to any glass incorporting a reflective or low-e coating. |
| Condensation |
The appearance of moisture (water vapor) on the surface of an object caused by warm moist air coming into contact with a colder object. |
