Types of Glass Used in Glass Containers
Colored Glass Types
- Amber
A brown colored glass that absorbs nearly all radiation with wavelengths shorter than 450 nm. Amber glass offers excellent protection from ultraviolet radiation. This is critical for products such as beer and some drugs. Examples of Amber Glass - Cobalt
A blue colored glass which is the result of additives such as cobalt oxide. Offers moderate light protection. Examples of Cobalt Glass - Green
Green glass is achieved as a result of the addition of oxidized iron chromate to the molten mixture. Examples of Green Glass - Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is achieved when any color glass is treated. This treatment process gives the glass a new look and feel. Examples of Frosted Glass - Flint Glass
Flint glass is clear colorless glass. Examples of Flint Glass
Glass Types
- "180" Glass is glass is an exceptionally clear borosilicate glass of high chemical durability, which has been especially formulated for the lowest background count while still at a reasonable cost. Great care has been taken to select only those ingredients for the batch that would not cause unwanted background count or color. Potassium as a separate element has been excluded from the batch to minimize K40. Special controls assure high quality and batch-to-batch uniformity.
- "200" Glass is extractable borosilicate glass, is a clear borosilicate glass with exceptional thermal endurance that meets the requirements for both USP and ASTM Type I, Class A, borosilicate glass.
- "300" Glass is a chemically resistant clear borosilicate glass that meets all of the requirements for Type I glass as specified in the current revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
- "320" Glass is a similar composition to "300" except amber color for light sensitive applications. Meets UV light protection limits as specified in the current revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
- "400" Glass is a clear borosilicate glass that falls well within the limits for Type I chemically resistance borosilicate glass, as specified in the current revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
- "500" Glass is similar to the "400" formulation except amber color for light sensitive applications. Meets UV light protection limits as specified in the current revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
- "800" Glass is a superior soda-lime clear glass that meets requirements for Type III soda lime glass as specified in the current Revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
- "900" Glass is similar in formulation to "800" except amber color for light sensitive applications. Meets UV light protection limits as specified in the current revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
Other Glass Types
- Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate is one of the most popular used glasses. One reason for Borosilicate’s popularity is its low expansion coefficient; this characteristic allows the glass to resist breakage cause by temperature changes. The low expansion coefficient allows the glass to be used for such products and lab equipment, cookware and glassware. - Soda Lime Glass
Soda Lime is another popular glass; this glass is typically used for drinking glasses, tableware, bottles, jars, and windowpanes. Soda Lime glass is composed of silica, calcium and soda, the more silica in the glass mix the greater the resistant to thermal shock, though dose not compare to Borosilicate's thermal resistant. - Lead Glass
Lead Glass tends to be a softer glass, allowing for the glass to be cut showing off the glasses beauty. Lead glass tends not to with stand sudden temperature changes, or high temperatures. Lead glass is commonly used for glasses and decorative figurines.