How is molten tin used in the float-glass manufacturing process?

In the float-glass method, molten tin serves as a perfectly flat, stable surface upon which molten glass is shaped.12

The process functions as follows:
* Formation: Molten glass, at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C (1,800°F), is poured from a furnace directly onto a bath of molten tin.12
* Smoothing: Because the tin is molten, it provides a completely level surface. The glass floats on this bath, spreading by gravity to achieve a uniform thickness and smooth finish on both sides.12
* Solidification: As the glass travels along the length of the tin bath, it is gradually cooled until it reaches a nearly solidified state.1
* Efficiency: This technique eliminates the need for traditional grinding and polishing, which were required in older manufacturing processes to achieve optical clarity.32

While the glass is produced on the tin, some tin may be absorbed by the contact face of the glass. Additionally, in a variation known as the electro-float process, tin can be used as an electrode to help implant metal ions into the glass surface.13