Float glass, also known as clear glass, is the most common type of glass used in windows, doors, and architectural applications. It has excellent transparency, allowing a high percentage of light to pass through. Float glass typically has a transmittance rate of around 88-91%, making it ideal for maximizing natural light in buildings.

Low iron glass, also called extra-clear glass, is manufactured with reduced iron content compared to regular glass. This results in a higher transparency, as iron impurities can cause a slight green tint in standard glass. Low iron glass has a transmittance rate of approximately 90-92%, making it suitable for applications that require exceptional clarity, such as display cases, solar panels, and aquariums.

Tinted glass is created by adding small amounts of metallic oxides during the manufacturing process. These oxides absorb certain wavelengths of light, giving the glass a specific color and reducing the amount of light transmitted. The transparency of tinted glass varies depending on the tint and thickness. For example, light gray tinted glass may have a transmittance rate of around 40-70%, while dark bronze tinted glass may have a transmittance rate of 15-30%. Tinted glass is commonly used in automotive windows, buildings, and sunglasses to control glare and heat.

Frosted glass, also known as obscured glass, is treated to create a textured or translucent surface. This type of glass allows light to pass through but scatters it, providing privacy and diffusing the transmitted light. Frosted glass typically has a transmittance rate ranging from 70-95%, depending on the degree of frosting. It is often used in shower doors, windows, and partitions to achieve privacy while maintaining some level of illumination.

Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two or more glass sheets. This construction enhances safety, as the glass tends to remain in place when shattered. The transparency of laminated glass is similar to that of float glass, with a transmittance rate of approximately 88-90%. It is commonly used in windows, skylights, and automotive windshields.

In general, the average light transmittance of ordinary flat glass is around 84%. Ordinary white glass has a light transmittance of approximately 82-83%, while ultra-clear glass usually has a transmittance of 89-91%. The transmittance of mirrored glass is around 84%. Single-sided coated AR (anti-reflective) glass achieves a transmittance of 93%-94%, and double-sided coated AR glass reaches a peak visible light transmittance of up to 98%. AR glass significantly enhances the brightness of displays and other products, resulting in more vibrant colors. It also provides features such as UV protection for the eyes. However, AR glass tends to be more expensive compared to other types of glass.

The transparency of glass is an essential consideration in various applications. Different types of glass offer varying levels of transmittance, allowing designers and engineers to select the most suitable option for their specific needs. Whether it's the clear transparency of float glass, the exceptional clarity of low iron glass, the controlled light transmission of tinted glass, the diffused illumination of frosted glass, or the safety-enhancing properties of laminated glass, each type serves a unique purpose in meeting diverse requirements across industries.