The following is an approximate and general comparison table of Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) and clarity differences among “Clear,” “Super Clear,” and “Clear Plus” glass types in both raw and tempered states for architectural applications:
| Glass Type | State | VLT (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear | Raw (Annealed) | 85 – 90 | Standard float glass without special coatings or advanced technology |
| Clear | Tempered | 80 – 85 | Slight reduction in light transmittance due to thermal processing |
| Super Clear | Raw (Annealed) | 90 – 95 | Low-iron glass providing maximum clarity and minimal color distortion |
| Super Clear | Tempered | 85 – 90 | Maintains high transparency despite slight thermal process reduction |
| Clear Plus | Raw (Annealed) | 90 – 95 | Advanced technology with superior clarity and lower color distortion |
| Clear Plus | Tempered | 85 – 90 | Maintains superior transparency and safety features |
- Light Transmittance Reduction in Tempered State: The tempering process (thermal strengthening) typically alters the glass structure, resulting in a slight decrease in light transmittance, though this reduction is usually marginal.
- The Goal of Tempering: To increase safety and resistance to breakage, not to cause a significant change in transparency.
- Minor Variations: In specific models or those with different coating technologies, the transmittance percentage may vary slightly.
- Standard Reduction: The decrease in light transmittance for tempered glass compared to raw glass is typically about 2% to 5%. This reduction is caused by changes in optical structure and surface refractions during the tempering process.
