Borosilcatglasses in different designs and formats

Borosilicate Glass

This type of glass was invented in 1887 by SCHOTT founder Otto SCHOTT. By adding a high proportion of boron oxide to silicon oxide, as an additional network former in a glass melt, borosilicate glass acquires several outstanding properties that make it ideal for demanding technical applications.
Range of borosilicate glasses of different thicknesses

A special material

Based on two main building blocks, silicon oxide and boron oxide, borosilicate glass is characterized by a densely cross-linked glass network. This material displays higher chemical durability and thermal resistance than conventional glass types such as soda-lime glass. Engineers as well as product designers alike can benefit from superior performance and versatility to help them bring their visions to life.

Glass U-bend made from DURAN® borosilicate glass

A glass which offers many options

Borosilicate glass is manufactured using a variety of molding processes. It can be drawn as glass tubing for pharmaceutical packaging and as flat glass, or it can be shaped using the microfloat process. This results in a wide variety of glass shapes and glass thicknesses, all of which feature a very smooth surface. Due to the variety of forming options, this material offers a unique spectrum of geometries for a growing range of applications.

Scientist pouring glass powder into a ceramic bowl in a laboratory

Material variations

Different types of borosilicate glass are defined by the mixture of boron oxide and silicon oxide and by the addition of other components. Borosilicate glass with low alkali and alkaline earth content offer high chemical durability, a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and high electrical insulation. By increasing the alkali and alkaline earth content, the CTE can be adapted to specific applications.

3D printed glass ornament in front of orange furnace

Printing in the third dimension

Discover the role of high-grade DURAN® borosilicate glass in the world’s first 3D glass printer.

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Signaling the future

Find out why Finnish beacon light innovator Obelux sees a bright future with DURAN®glass tubes in its long-life LED devices.

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