Over the past century, Swift Glass has established a reputation as a leading fabricator of precision glass products. As a pioneer in the glass industry, we have remained relevant and competitive by keeping abreast of the latest in glass machining technology. Our cutting-edge capabilities include precision glass computer numerical control (CNC) machining services and ultrasonic machining.
While they incorporate similar computer technology, glass CNC machining and ultrasonic machining have distinct characteristics that make them ideal for different applications. Below, we discuss the finer points of glass CNC machining vs ultrasonic machining to help you select the right process for your needs.
What is Glass CNC Machining?
Glass CNC machining, also known as glass milling, uses computer-directed tools to precisely remove material from a glass workpiece. CNC machining allows operators to cut and shape the workpiece on multiple axes, and can be used to create a wide range of sizes, shapes, and features such as grooves, slots, and holes.
The precision and versatility of glass CNC machining makes it ideal for use in a wider range of applications and industries, including:
Aerospace/ Defense: CNC machining is used to create gauges, instruments, and other components with complex shapes.
Biotechnology: Biotech companies use CNC-machined components such as flow cells to facilitate material flow through precision channels and cavities.
Semiconductor: The semiconductor industry uses precision CNC-machined glass for wafer stages, reference frames, mirrors, and lenses.
Telescopy: Telescopes and microscopes require highly accurate and stabilized mirrors and lenses that can only be produced using precision CNC machining.
What Is Ultrasonic Machining?
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Ultrasonic machining, sometimes called ultrasonic drilling, uses a slurry of abrasive particles and ultrasonic vibrations to remove material from a glass workpiece. Unlike cutting and milling, the slurry removes miniscule amounts at a time, finely grinding the desired shape into the glass. The slow abrasion eliminates the potential for stress buildup in the workpiece, conserving the crystalline structure and strength of the glass.
Ultrasonic machining is highly versatile and can be used to create cavities and holes of varying shapes, sizes, and depths, including highly specific outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) features. Industries that benefit from the use of ultrasonic machining for glass components include:
Aerospace: Ultrasonic machining is used to create pressure sensors, flight instruments, and other sensitive glass components in airplanes and spaceflight equipment.
Automotive: Ultrasonic machined glass forms high-grade sensors for proximity detectors, back-up applications, and other safety features.
Medical: A variety of medical devices incorporate glass components that have been machined using ultrasonic methods.
Semiconductor: The semiconductor industry regularly incorporates ultrasonic machined glass for wafers, electrodes, distribution plates, lenses, and mirrors.
CNC Machining vs. Ultrasonic Machining
While both glass CNC machining and ultrasonic machining are used to create precision glass components, each method offers unique benefits for specific applications.
Glass CNC machining is highly versatile and can be used to create complex components within extremely tight tolerances. CNC machining has the added benefit of producing accurate components with minimal human oversight.
Ultrasonic machining is capable of producing accurate shapes, holes, and cavities in even extremely hard glass that can be difficult to mill. Since it does not require direct pressure, heat, chemicals, or electricity, ultrasonic machining applies less stress to the glass material, facilitating stronger components ideal for critical applications and high-pressure operations.
Since ultrasonic machining does not deform or stress the glass, it is the perfect option for components that require multiple holes and cavities. The gradual removal of extremely small amounts of surface material allows ultrasonic machining to drill to exceptionally precise depths. Unlike CNC milling, ultrasonic machining can drill multiple holes with a great degree of speed and precision without compromising the integrity of the workpiece. For complex glass components with many holes, this can be an extremely effective and cost-effective method of mass production.
Ultrasonic Machining Services at Swift Glass
Glass CNC machining and ultrasonic machining both offer distinct advantages. At Swift Glass, we pride ourselves on choosing the perfect method for the job at hand. We remain at the forefront of the glass fabrication industry by incorporating the latest technology. Leveraging over 100 years of experience, we work closely with our customers to find the perfect fabrication solution for every project. To learn more about ultrasonic machining and other custom fabrication capabilities at Swift Glass,contact us orrequest a quote today.
With almost 100 years of experience working with manufacturers, the team at Swift Glass knows how important choosing the right glass fabrication vendor is for the success of a project. The vendor you select can be the difference between a successful production run that finishes on time and up to standard and a slow production run that results in poor-quality parts and extra fees.
With our years of experience in the industry, we created a helpful checklist of essential criteria to look for when searching for your company’s next glass fabrication vendor. The key characteristics include:
Quality Control
When hiring a vendor, you expect them to meet your manufacturing and quality requirements. Depending on your application, you may require compliance with certain standards and regulations, such as clean room-quality operations or domestically produced parts.
To ensure that your glass fabrication vendor can meet your project requirements, look for:
Cleanroom capabilities. Cleanrooms provide a clean, controlled environment for inspections and packaging services. They enable manufacturers to meet a variety of standards and produce parts for sensitive applications.
Inspection equipment. Every order, regardless of whether it is one prototype, small quantities or a large volume production, should pass through several extensive levels of quality control.
Quality control protocols. Manufacturers with established strict quality control protocols are more likely to provide high-quality parts and products.
Domestic facilities. For many companies, it’s crucial to have products made in the USA for marketing and quality control purposes.
Experience. Companies with a well-established reputation for satisfied customers offer clear evidence of their expertise and quality of their services.
Flexibility
A flexible vendor offers greater value than an inflexible vendor, especially when you’re looking for a long-term vendor relationship. Manufacturing flexibility allows a vendor to handle different types of production projects that your business may need in the future. Characteristics of a flexible vendor include:
A wide range of production capabilities. Flexible manufacturers more often offer capabilities for small and large volume production runs.
A deep material inventory. Manufacturers that maintain a material inventory simplify the supply chain process and increase the efficiency of the production process.
A variety of equipment and in-house services. Look for companies that provide turnkey solutions, including manufacturing, finishing, and secondary or value-added services. These companies allow for one-stop shopping, which keeps the total cost of production lower and accelerates the turnaround time for your project. Additionally, the range of manufacturing capabilities reflects the company’s ability to handle complex or intricate projects.
Cost & Customer Service
Glass fabrication vendors that provide comprehensive customer service can offer significant savings. By working closely with their clients, these vendors can help find the optimal glass solution at the lowest possible cost. Our team will work with you to understand your project needs and ensure the best possible solution for your part.
Learn More About Swift Glass’s High-Quality Glass Fabrication Services
Finding the right glass fabrication vendor is essential to the success of your project. At Swift Glass, we check off every requirement on the list, including having the quality standards, flexibility, and customer service capabilities to meet all of your production demands. If your company is searching for a glass fabricator, we’re here to help.
From magnifying glasses to tinted windows to one-way mirrors, people prize glass for its ability to transmit (or not transmit) light.
Measuring light transmission and transmittance plays a huge role in selecting an appropriate type of glass for your needs. Transmittance measures the amount of light able to pass through a material without the material reflecting or absorbing it. Therefore, transparent glass will transmit 100% of light, translucent material only allows some light to come through, and opaque glass will achieve close to 0% transmittance.
A few key differences exist between light transmission and transmittance. Understanding the distinction between these two terms will help you select the perfect type of glass for your application.
Transmission vs. Transmittance
Transmission refers to the amount of incident light that successfully passes through glass or other material, and it’s usually expressed as a percentage of light that made it through the material. On the other hand, transmittance refers to the amount of light that a material disperses, effectively resulting in an inverse value of that found for transmission.
There are two basic types of transmission—external and internal—and both differ from light transmittance:
External transmission is calculated from the intensity of the incident light as it enters the glass versus the light’s intensity after exiting the glass. This transmission measurement technique provides an accurate figure of the actual amount of light allowed to pass through a material.
Internal transmission is determined by the light’s intensity once it has entered the glass versus its intensity after it leaves the glass. Internal transmission primarily measures the light filtration ability of the glass itself, allowing you to get a more accurate idea of the glass’s properties.
Transmittance refers to the amount of light energy that the glass absorbs, scatters, or reflects. It’s measured using the formula T = I/I0, with T denoting the transmission intensity, I indicating intensity, and I0 indicating intensity at the start. This calculation allows you to determine the ratio of transmitted radiant power to incident radiant power, giving a greater idea of a glass’s ability to block photons.
How Does Transmittance Apply to My Application?
Transmittance values can vary based on which application or common industry nomenclature they use.
For example, while most manufacturers measure industrial glasses in terms of external transmittance, they usually measure filter glasses in internal transmittance. This is because manufacturers can put an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the glass’s surface, reducing the amount of light intensity lost to reflection.
A couple of common applications that measure transmission include:
Testing window tint or films for cars, homes, and businesses. Desired tint levels will correspond with the amount of light the glass transmits.
Measuring glass clarity. Many industries have stringent specifications governing the use of glass in assembly regarding both external or internal transmission. For instance, FAA specifications for airport and aerospace applications typically govern the product’s external transmission potential.
It’s also good to keep in mind that engineers who design optics for extreme environments must recognize that each type of glass will have slight variations in chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, all of which factor into their ability to reflect and absorb light.
Glass for All Occasions at Swift Glass
At Swift Glass, we pride ourselves on having delivered industry-leading custom glass manufacturing services for almost 100 years to OEMs across the country. Our experience and dedication to customer success enables us to understand our customers’ intricate needs and exceed their expectations.
We’re an ITAR-registered, ISO 9001:2015–certified company and a worldwide leader in fabricated glass parts. We offer holistic assistance in glass crafting, material selection, and custom design, maintaining a high standard of precision and quality.
To learn more about the optical properties of glass, download our latest eBook here, and don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions.
The differences between low-iron and traditional clear glass are pronounced enough that many people can’t believe what they’re seeing – or what they haven’t been – when they’re shown low-iron glass options. Traditional clear glass can be hazy and is often faintly tinted, even at its best. Color issues may arise on the edges of thicker pieces and light often isn’t allowed to truly penetrate the glass due to its chemical makeup.
Conversely, low-iron glass offers a practical solution to common problems associated with traditional clear glass. Glass that is specially manufactured to have a low iron content can shed the bulk of the color casting (tinting) that comes along with traditional glassmaking methods. This lack of color provides exceptional clarity and top-notch light transmission.
What Is Low-Iron Glass?
Low-iron glass, also known as optically clear glass, is made from silica and contains very low amounts of iron. The low iron levels serve to remove the blueish tint that’s associated with thicker traditional glass. Low-iron glass sees wide use in solar applications and is also popular in the aquarium and display industries, where clarity is valued.
Low-iron glass usually has a ferric oxide content about ten times less than ordinary plate glass. Iron is intentionally lowered through the use of special silica sand with naturally low iron levels. This low iron content is what provides the glass with exceptional color neutrality and clarity.
Low-Iron Glass vs. Standard Clear Glass
Iron Content
Traditional glass typically has a ferric oxide content of close to 0.1%. This oxide is one of three key iron oxides of iron.
Manufacturers have managed to get ferric oxide levels down to just 0.01% in low-iron glass.
Color Tint
Standard clear glass’s higher iron content means that it has a blue-green tinge. For those looking to back-paint or coat their glass, low-iron options should not be overlooked. The green hues associated with traditional clear glass can become problematic in terms of aesthetic appeal, as the edges of thicker pieces of glass can often times appear nearly black, creating both an eyesore and color problems. This can create conflicting color problems when painting.
Low-iron glass boasts virtually no color tint. It offers individuals and businesses alike the opportunity to color-match their glass and ensure that it remains aesthetically pleasing. A clearer starting point means less work with color-matching when you need to paint your glass. While even low-iron products will continue to have a hint of color to them, it has been found that smaller pieces will generally exhibit far less tint than larger ones.
Light Transmission
Light transparency can be improved by up to 6% simply through the modification of iron content in glass. Low-iron glass provides maximum brightness and clarity with a higher visible light transmittance than traditional clear glass. Applications requiring an unrestricted view can see tremendous improvement with the use of low-iron glass over more traditional options. Low-iron glass achieves these optimum levels of clarity thanks to its iron levels; light transmission levels will virtually never dip below 90% with low-iron glass.
Light transmission is not perfect in low-iron glass, though thinner cuts of low-iron glass will boast more impressive light transmission levels than those that are thicker. One should also consider that between two cuts identical in thickness; however, low-iron glass will always win out over traditional clear glass in terms of light transmission.
Low-Iron Glass Solutions from Swift Glass
At Swift Glass, our experts will guide you through the process of selecting an appropriate low-iron glass solution for your home or your business. For a wide range of applications, low-iron options are the superior choice for those in need of clarity.
If you’re interested in incorporating low-iron glass into your personal or business endeavors, feel free to contact us for more information or to learn more about our optical display glass materials.
Understanding the behavior of light can be an important factor when determining which glass materials to use for your manufacturing process. When light passes through a substance, it decreases in velocity. This is manifested by an increase in the substance’s refractive index. Much can be learned about the optical properties of a glass material by looking at its refractive index.
Refractive index is useful for various reasons. For one thing, it can be used to calculate the focusing power of lenses and the dispersive power of prisms. It can also be used in estimating the thermophysical properties of hydrocarbons and petroleum mixtures.
What is the Refractive Index?
Also commonly referred to as the index of refraction, the refractive index, n, measures a ray of light as it travels from one medium to another. As it begins to travel through a material, the interaction between electrons and photons reduces the speed of light. As the density of the electrons increase, the velocity of light becomes slower. This is why light moves at its highest possible speed in a vacuum, where no electrons hamper its speed.
Knowing the refractive index – among other thermal, chemical and physical properties – helps ensure that the glass material you’re considering for your application is suitable for its intended use.
Determining the Refractive Index of a Material
The ratio between the speed of light in a vacuum and the lower velocity of the light as it travels through a given material enables us to determine the refractive index of a given material.
In addition, the amounts of transmitted and reflected light will determine not only the refractive index of a glass material, but also its angle of refraction. This is because light gets transmitted and reflected as light rays pass through the surface of a glass material.
The light’s transmission angle can be calculated using Snell’s law:
The discrepancy between the light’s transmission and the incidence angle becomes bigger as the index of refraction becomes larger. When this occurs, there is a change in the existing refractive index between the glass and the surrounding medium.
When Θi = 0°, the amount of reflected light can be determined using the following formula:
Lastly, the intensity of light is reduced by an average of 4% due to lost reflection from the surface of most glass materials with a 1.5 refractive index.
A change in the index of refraction due to changes in wavelength is known as chromatic dispersion.
Conclusion
Swift Glass has been providing custom glass manufacturing services for nearly a century, and providing high-quality solutions to OEMs is one of our core principles. Our experience and dedication to customer service enables us to understand the intricate needs of our customers, and to exceed their basic needs.
An ITAR registered, ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Swift Glass is a privately-owned global leader in the quality fabricated glass parts. Swift Glass offers assistance in craftsmanship, material selection, and manufacturing of custom solutions, and design, while guaranteeing high quality and precision.
Glass wafers are circular pieces of precision glass used in numerous technical and industrial applications. Swift Glass’s wafer fabrication process utilizes proprietary technologies to deliver the finely-made components required by our customers in a range of demanding industries.
High-quality glass material is selected, then the wafer is carefully shaped via cutting and grinding processes, then further machined to create the wafer’s edge profile and detailing, followed by finishing processes such as lapping and polishing. Each wafer is subjected to a highly controlled inspection process using precision laser measuring equipment to gauge total thickness variation and ensure it is within accepted tolerances.
Below, learn how glass wafer technology is being utilized in four popular sectors: MEMs and electronics, semiconductors, biotechnology, and integrated circuit (IC) packaging.
MEMs and Electronics
The microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) and electronics industries utilize glass wafer fabrication in wafer packaging and as substrate carriers. In MEMS and electronics applications, glass wafers are used in wafer packaging of sensitive components, due to their superior functionality and extreme reliability over time and in the face of harsh environments.
As a carrier substrate, glass is chosen due to qualities such as thermal stability and chemical resistance. In the medical device industry, these wafers are used to facilitate gas-tight MEMS enclosures.
Semiconductors
Glass wafers are used as a carrier substrate in the production of semiconductor wafers, which are fabricated from more delicate materials that can easily bend or tear. The glass substrate component allows the semiconductor wafer to be handled safely in spite of its delicate, thin qualities. Glass is chosen for its superior chemical and thermal stability, and the possibility of reuse can reduce cost and environmental impacts for some applications.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand rapidly, the glass wafer semiconductor market is expected to grow more than six percent between 2018 to 2022. There is significant crossover between semiconductors and other sectors. For example, semiconductors (and the wafers they contain) are used in a variety of MEMS and consumer electronics featuring IoT connectivity.
Biotechnology
Wafer fabrication produces glass substrates used in a variety of biotechnology applications. Borosilicate glass, a quality option in glass for medical devices, offers superior resistance to high levels of heat and energy, as well as radiation exposure, such as within X-ray equipment.
Wafers are also used in the production of microfluidic chips using nanoimprint lithography, where glass acts as a substrate. Glass offers the clear optical transparency required in many biotechnology applications, making it a common choice for use as a capping layer over devices made from silicon. Wafer bonding processes such as anodic and thermal bonding create a hermetic seal.
Integrated Circuit (IC) Packaging
Glass wafers are used in a variety of integrated circuit (IC) packaging applications, acting as a substrate to deliver better performance and cost effectiveness. Glass vias (TGV) and wafer level glass capping (WLC) are improved packaging solutions that offer enhanced technical performance, thanks to specific glass properties including stiffness and roughness under 0.5 nm rms. Glass protects the IC against impact and corrosion while holding the contract pins and leads that connect it to external circuits.
Learn More About Glass Wafer Fabrication
Swift Glass produces a wide range of precision glass wafers to meet the unique specifications of your application. Learn more about our glass wafer fabrication process and request a quote for wafer fabrication today.
We’re excited to announce that Swift Glass now offers custom cutting and precision grinding glass fabrication services for Gorilla® Glass.
Swift Glass’s advanced technology can transform Gorilla® Glass with custom waterjet cutting and glass cutting, edge grinding and beveling, and even additional chemical strengthening for protection against extreme environments.
“We’re thrilled to add another top-quality Corning glass to our inventory of glass materials,” said Sheila Burke Reynolds, Vice President of Swift Glass Company. “Gorilla® Glass provides a high-end solution for our customers’ very particular industry needs.”
The Swift Glass/Corning partnership rests firmly in both companies’ long histories of innovation. Corning’s research has delivered social breakthroughs from the glass for the original Edison light bulb to the first low-loss optical telecommunications fiber, while Swift’s manufacturing technology has provided groundbreaking solutions in optics, aerospace applications, biomedical technology, and more.
Swift Glass provides more than just cutting, grinding, thermal tempering and chemical strengthening services. Its company-wide commitment to excellence ensures quality solutions from initial material selection all the way to final inspection and packaging.
For more information on Corning Gorilla® Glass and Swift’s portfolio of specialty materials and manufacturing services, visit the Gorilla® Glass capabilities page on Swift Glass’s website or contact the Swift Glass Company online to request a quote.
If you’ve ever wondered why your glass order was quoted at a certain number, you are not alone.
“What makes up the cost of my glass?” is one of the most common questions we get here at Swift Glass.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to the price of a glass part — the quantity of the order and the size of your glass piece being the two most obvious factors. Here are three other notable considerations.
Shape
Advances in manufacturing technology have led to advances in glass shaping capabilities. Processes like state-of-the-art glass drilling, waterjet cutting, and computer numerical control (CNC) machining can all be applied to glass shaping.
Today, glass parts can have virtually any shape, from standards like squares and circles to highly complex organic, irregular, and geometrical shapes. The more complex the shape of your glass, however, the more advanced technologies required to produce it. The use of advanced machining processes adds to your glass prices.
Edgework
There are many different forms of edgework that you could specify for your glass part, and they all have an impact on the price of glass.
The most basic edgework, a simple cut, is required for virtually every glass part as a matter of course, and will have minimal to no impact on the cost of glass.
Cut and swipe, a swipe being a very slight bevel, will increase your glass price modestly. Very complex edge grinding, such as special or custom bevels, could increase the cost of glass considerably.
Strengthening & Tempering
Strengthening and tempering procedures — additional steps performed after your parts are cut — increase your glass prices. If your glass parts are going to be used in a challenging environment and face exposure to extreme heat, pressure, stresses, or chemicals, a strengthening processes is likely required.
Chemical strengthening processes are best for glass that will encounter wind load and thermal stress, while thermal tempering is ideal for glass that will be used in high pressure, high heat, and explosive environments.
Get More Price Factors
The glass price factors here are only a small sample — there are dozens of considerations that go into the price of a glass quote. To learn more about the different ways glass cost is determined, download Swift Glass’s latest guide, What Affects the Price of My Glass?
LED lights and lighting systems are becoming increasingly common in the lighting industry.
The rise in the use of LED lights by commercial building owners and managers, and industrial manufacturers is due in part to the federal government’s energy efficiency standards. Updated periodically by the Department of Energy, new efficiency standards in 2012 require lights to use 25% less energy.
More importantly, commercial and manufacturing spaces are also realizing that using LED lighting carries a great number of benefits.
The Benefits of LED
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, use a semiconductor as a light source. In short, voltage applied to the semiconductor prompts electrons to jump from one atom into an electron hole, an atom with a missing electron. This recombination releases energy in the form of visible light photons.
The primary benefit of LED lights is their incredible energy efficiency, using as much as 90% less power than standard bulbs. LED bulbs have vastly greater lifespans than standard bulbs, lasting up to 40 times longer — an average of 50,000 hours as compared to about 1,500 hours for incandescent bulbs.
Related to lifespan is their increased durability — the diode is encased in epoxy resin, making it much sturdier than the thin filaments of incandescent lights. They are resistant to shocks, impacts, and vibrations, so they are much harder to break. Their durability also allows for their use in extremely cold and extremely hot applications.
Popular Applications and Installations
LED lighting and lighting systems are being used in a variety of applications. Household use is increasing, as is commercial and industrial usage. But there are other interesting usages arising, as well.
One of these is in sports arenas. It was long believed to be impossible to light large venues with LED lights, but that has proven to be very false — in 2015, roughly 90% of all large-scale sporting venue operators that installed new lighting systems opted for LED lighting systems. Sports teams across the nation have saved millions of dollars in electricity costs after making the switch.
Another unexpected application for LED lighting has been museums. The University of Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum, as an example, switched to LED lighting as part of an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. They’re expected to eliminate 44 tons of carbon from their footprint, not to mention their expected savings up to $64,000, over the next 5 years. As an added bonus, LED lights generate no ultraviolet light at all, protecting the museum’s delicate artifacts from UV damage.
Manufacturing Glass for LED Lighting
Having been manufacturing glass for the lighting industry for more than 80 years, Swift Glass is a nationally recognized expert in lighting glass — including LED lighting glass. We’ve manufactured glass for major LED installers using specialty glass. We can also offer thermal tempering for added strength. These capabilities, and more, make Swift Glass ideal for manufacturing glass applications for LED lighting and lighting systems.
Reshoring manufacturing jobs back to the United States from overseas is a trend we’ve been seeing over the past several years, and one that’s sure to continue into the near future.
According to a recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, the U.S. gained 10,000 reshored manufacturing jobs in 2014, and hundreds of companies will follow suit in the coming years.
Reshoring is becoming more popular for manufacturers across the country as they recognize the true cost of working with offshore factories. Long lead times, poor communication, high transportation costs, huge shipping risks, lower product quality, and a closing wage gap abroad are just a few of the many factors pushing us towards a reshoring initiative.
In addition to declining conditions abroad, American technology and productivity are stronger than ever. In just a few years, there will be virtually no benefit or cost savings to keeping our manufacturing operations overseas, and soon we will see more products than ever, “Made in America.”
Some of the most impactful benefits of reshoring include:
Higher Quality Materials
Overseas manufacturing does not always guarantee the same quality standards like ISO, for example, with which domestic manufacturers are expected to comply. As a result, product quality can be lower in comparison.
Competitive Prices
In addition to the recent increased labor cost trend in China, overseas manufacturing naturally requires greater shipping costs. By moving manufacturing back home, we can reduce these shipping costs while maintaining wage expenses.
A Strong Economy
Reshoring creates more jobs at home and invigorates the U.S. economy.
Shorter Lead Times
Housing every step of production under a domestic roof increases agility and autonomy, which in turn cuts down on order lead times. The lengthy hassle of dealing with overseas shipping that can add weeks or even months to a product’s time to market will be avoided.
Here at Swift Glass, we’re proud to support the recent reshoring trend in American manufacturing and the positive impact it has had on our economy. Located in Elmira, New York, Swift Glass has provided industries across the country with glass fabrication services for nearly 100 years — and hope to provide the same level of service and quality for 100 more.
Thank you to all of our customers for their continued support of Swift Glass, and for customers everywhere who are creating more reshoring opportunities.
Over the past century, Swift Glass has established a reputation as a leading fabricator of precision glass products. As a pioneer in the glass industry, we have remained relevant and competitive by keeping abreast of the latest in glass machining technology. Our cutting-edge capabilities include precision glass computer numerical control (CNC) machining services and ultrasonic machining. 
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Transmission refers to the amount of incident light that successfully passes through glass or other material, and it’s usually expressed as a percentage of light that made it through the material. On the other hand, transmittance refers to the amount of light that a material disperses, effectively resulting in an inverse value of that found for transmission.
Low-iron glass, also known as 
Refractive index is useful for various reasons. For one thing, it can be used to calculate the focusing power of lenses and the dispersive power of prisms. It can also be used in estimating the thermophysical properties of hydrocarbons and petroleum mixtures.
Advances in manufacturing technology have led to advances in glass shaping capabilities. Processes like state-of-the-art glass drilling, 
There are many different forms of edgework that you could specify for your glass part, and they all have an impact on the price of glass.
Strengthening and tempering
Reshoring is becoming more popular for manufacturers across the country as they recognize the true cost of working with offshore factories. Long lead times, poor communication, high transportation costs, huge shipping risks, lower product quality, and a closing wage gap abroad are just a few of the many factors pushing us towards a reshoring initiative.
Sincerely,
