We are focused on five main technological areas:

Glass Composition development of novel compositions allows manipulation of the optical and physical properties of glass, and through concurrent development and refinement of the fusion and float processes, a wide range of products are produced in our primary glass lines.

Coatings, both Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition (MSVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) are used to enhance the color and optical properties of glass substrates. Additional functionality, such as on-glass antennae, can be provided through the use of coatings.

Innovative development of the Glass Forming and Fabrication processes allow manufacturing to produce the desired range of glass thickness and product shapes with high efficiency. Glass Fabrication process development is used to provide customers with enhanced product functionality. There is general trend in the industry towards integration of vehicle electronic functions into glazing. PPG has targeted concepts that fill consumer needs while, at the same time offering specific design to meet OEM requirements.

In the Electronics area, PPG augments its core competencies through symbiotic partnerships with outside vendors.

Development of enabling technologies is the fifth area of concentration. Computer modeling, instrumentation, product characterization and analytical capabilities must be continually enhanced to keep pace with product and process development.


Glass Composition

Development is focused on new high performance products for international automotive and commercial markets. How to achieve the required color while attaining the visible and solar spectral performance requirements within cost limits is the challenge.

New concepts in glass composition are developed through modeling and crucible melts. Once all specifications are met in the lab, the result is moved to a production line for trials. Carefully selected combinations of materials, furnace design and process variables result in high standards of quality and throughput in glass manufacturing. To
maximize utilization of capacity, we design our products for short transition times.

While research focuses on experimentation and modeling, glass samples of new compositions are prepared from test trials and sent to our customers to draw on their imagination. The samples represent transparencies that could provide product differentiation for vehicles and commercial structures.


Coatings

On-line coatings are deposited by Chemical Vapor Deposition on hot float glass in the bath. Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition in a vacuum chamber deposits coatings independent of the float line.

When using a radiometer, the rotational speeds differ between an insulating glass unit made with Sungate® coated glass and that of an uncoated insulating glass unit.

Sungate® Low-E Glasses transmit less heat energy while allowing most of the visible light through. Even though the coated glass reflects more heat energy that an uncoated glass, it does not appear visibility reflective. This combination of enhanced insulating glass performance with the aesthetics of an uncoated glass is what makes Sungate® and Solarban® Low-E Glasses so desirable for the architects and homeowners.

Our researchers are continuously challenged in looking at various materials, thin film multiplayer systems, product mix and methods of coating glass. Futuristic specifications from architects and automotive manufactures create a culture where new designs drive innovation.

Our research effort is focused on creating next generation heat load reduction coated products and processes with emphasis on aesthetics. Working at our manufacturing coater facilities, we develop and transfer products and processes with the goal of highest quality at the lowest cost in the industry.