Patent ID: 6089043
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
Process for the manufacture by the float method of glass strips, according to which molten glass is poured onto a liquid support which is denser than the glass, a glass strip is formed, which glass strip includes side edges, and the glass strip is drawn at a speed along an axis of said support, the process comprising the steps of:a) bringing continuous and flexible guiding elements made of a solid material able to adhere to the molten glass, into contact with said side edges of the glass strip via pressing fittings; andb) accompanying the strip in its movement with said elements and passing said elements over retaining fittings to cause the elements to diverge in order to ensure the gradual transverse drawing of the strip to a definitive width, with an angle of divergence being less than 25.degree., as measured between a straight line drawn through said pressing and retaining fittings and the axis along which the strip is drawn, with the product (P) of the value (s) of the speed of the strip and of the value (t) of its final thickness being less than 2.5.times.10.sup.-4 m.sup.2 s.sup.-1.