To order custom float glass, define the glass type, thickness, finished dimensions, edgework, processing requirements, intended use, quantity, and delivery conditions before requesting a quotation. These details help a supplier assess feasibility, calculate packing and freight needs, and identify specifications that may need confirmation. Standard float glass is flat glass formed on a molten metal bath; it can be supplied in clear or tinted options and may be used as a base for further processing. At Shanglin Glass, we recommend sharing a complete specification sheet or drawing so our team can review the request before production planning.
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This guide is intended for building-glass distributors, façade and glazing contractors, fabricators, project procurement teams, and OEM buyers sourcing glass to defined dimensions. It is also useful if you are comparing suppliers or preparing a first inquiry and need to know which technical details affect quotation and production. The right specification depends on the project, local regulations, fabrication plan, and installation details, so this guide is a starting point rather than a substitute for project-specific design review. Confirm safety and performance requirements with the responsible designer or relevant professional.
Float glass is produced as a continuous ribbon and cut into sheets. “Custom” generally refers to selecting or specifying characteristics such as glass composition or appearance, thickness, sheet size, and subsequent processing. Float glass may be supplied as a monolithic product or used as a starting material for processes such as tempering, lamination, coating, or insulating-glass fabrication. These processes change the product specification, so make clear whether you need unprocessed float glass or a finished, processed component.
Common choices include clear float glass and tinted float glass, with the final availability depending on the supplier’s stock and production capability. Buyers may also request low-iron glass where appearance or light transmission is a priority, but should confirm the exact product and visual expectations with the supplier. If the glass will be tempered, laminated, coated, or assembled into an insulating glass unit, state this at the inquiry stage. Processing sequence and compatibility can affect which base glass and dimensions are suitable.
Thickness options are product- and supplier-dependent. As a practical inquiry range, buyers often ask about nominal thicknesses such as 3 mm, 6 mm, or 10 mm; these examples are not a guarantee of availability for every color, size, or processing route. Ask the supplier to confirm applicable thickness tolerances and whether the specified thickness is nominal. For a weight estimate, a commonly used approximation for glass is about 2.5 kg per square metre per millimetre of thickness, so a 6 mm sheet is approximately 15 kg/m² before packing.
Start with the intended application rather than selecting thickness in isolation. A window, partition, façade component, display panel, and furniture insert can have different requirements for dimensions, edge treatment, safety glazing, loading, and appearance. The project designer or applicable code may require a specific safety-glazing construction; ordinary annealed float glass should not be assumed to meet that requirement. Provide the supplier with the application and any drawings or performance criteria so the quotation reflects the product you actually need.
Use a controlled drawing or dimensioned schedule when pieces have different sizes or cut-outs. For example, a request for “clear glass, 6 mm, 1000 × 2000 mm” is more actionable when it also states the units, edge finish, quantity, and whether the dimensions are finished sizes. A sample format such as “1,000 mm × 2,000 mm, 6 mm nominal, polished edges, 20 pieces” is an inquiry example only; it does not establish that a particular supplier can manufacture or ship that configuration. Ask for written confirmation of the approved specification before placing the order.
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Identify where the glass will be installed and whether the project documents specify safety glazing, impact resistance, thermal performance, or other requirements. Do not choose a basic float product solely because its size and thickness appear suitable. Share applicable drawings, schedules, or written requirements with the supplier, and have the responsible project professional confirm that the proposed construction meets the intended use. Requirements can vary by building type and market.
Provide finished dimensions and mark holes, notches, cut-outs, and edge details on a drawing. Confirm whether the dimensions are subject to manufacturing tolerances and how orientation will be identified during packing. If processing is required, confirm the order of operations and whether the selected base glass is appropriate. Avoid relying on a verbal description when a dimensioned drawing can prevent ambiguity.
Glass is fragile and heavy, so discuss crate type, piece arrangement, protection, shipping method, and site handling before finalizing the order. Confirm the destination, delivery terms, unloading arrangements, and who is responsible for checking the shipment on arrival. Agree on how visible quality will be reviewed and how any discrepancy should be documented. These points do not replace the product specification, but they help align expectations from dispatch through receipt.
Custom float glass pricing depends on factors such as glass type, thickness, sheet dimensions, processing, quantity, packing, and destination. A request involving special colors, mixed sizes, complex edgework, or further fabrication may be evaluated differently from a straightforward cut-size order. Minimum order quantities and production availability vary by supplier and specification, so avoid assuming a universal MOQ. Request a quotation that separates product, processing, packing, and delivery terms where possible.
Lead time should be confirmed for the actual order rather than estimated from a generic schedule. It may depend on material availability, production planning, approval of drawings, processing steps, packaging, and transport arrangements. Ask the supplier to state the expected production and dispatch timing, and clarify when the schedule begins—for example, after specification approval or deposit confirmation. If the project has a fixed delivery date, provide it with the first inquiry and ask whether it is achievable before committing.
A capable supplier should be able to review the requested specification, identify missing information, and confirm which items are feasible before order acceptance. Evaluate the supplier on communication and documentation as well as price. Request written confirmation of product description, thickness, dimensions, processing, tolerances, packing, quantity, delivery terms, and any agreed inspection criteria. For Shanglin Glass inquiries, include drawings and destination details so we can assess the request and respond with relevant supply options.
Custom float glass ordering is most reliable when the product, finished dimensions, processing, application, quality expectations, and delivery plan are defined together. Confirm safety and project requirements with the responsible professional, and obtain written supplier approval of the final specification before production. Prices, MOQ, availability, and lead times depend on the exact order and destination, so request confirmation rather than relying on general assumptions. To start a quotation with Shanglin Glass, send your glass type, thickness, dimension schedule, processing details, quantity, destination, and required delivery date for review.
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