Vidrio — historia, estructura, propiedades y usos

Datos clave

SiO2Network

Float 1959Process

A1; integrity ≠ insulationFire

~1 W/m·KK

Pilkington floatIcon

ceramicsFamily

Vidrio is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under ceramics: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.

Scores compare Vidrio with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates.

Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.

Introducción profunda

Deep dive: Vidrio

Vidrio (SiO2–Na2O–CaO (typical soda-lime)) is a family of grades whose density ~2.5 g/cm³, heat band softens ~500–700 °C, and fire letter A1.

What “the material” actually is

Vidrio is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry SiO2–Na2O–CaO (typical soda-lime), density ~2.5 g/cm³, heat band softens ~500–700 °C.

This atlas treats Vidrio as a system: mill route, coatings, tests and the cavity it sits in.

Heat, fire and insulation

Conductivity note: ~1 W/m·K. Insulation score 28/100 is relative to 32 entries — metals lose, VIPs and aerogels win.

Fire letter in editorial use: A1. Do not equate A1 with “safe in a blaze” or E with “illegal”. Assemblies decide.

How it is made and used

Origin: Mesopotamia / Egypt; float 1959, Near East → St Helens. The process chapter follows feedstock → conversion → forming → finish → install.

Uses span buildings to defence / safety. Pairings matter: technical-ceramics.

Market and circularity

Producers below are landmarks, not an endorsement ranking. Prices are bands, not live quotes.

Circularity mark 70/100. Ask which scrap, which certificate, which year.

Perfil

Resistencia 50

Resistencia al calor 58

Prestación al fuego 88

Aislamiento 28

Trabajabilidad 55

Circularidad 70

Preguntas frecuentes

Is Vidrio non-combustible?

Declared reaction class in this atlas: A1. Assemblies still need resistance tests.

Does Vidrio insulate?

Thermal mark 28/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: ~1 W/m·K.

What is the density band?

~2.5 g/cm³

How is it made?

Origin story: Mesopotamia / Egypt; float 1959 (Near East → St Helens).

Can it be recycled?

Circularity mark 70/100 — editorial, route-specific.

Typical melting or failure heat?

softens ~500–700 °C

What should it be paired with?

technical-ceramics: Crystalline cousins that do not flow like glass.

Where is it specified?

Buildings, transport, energy and consumer goods — see the uses chapter.

Iconos

Pilkington float

United Kingdom · 1959

Pilkington float is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Portland Vase

Italy · Roman

Portland Vase is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Crystal Palace

United Kingdom · 1851

Crystal Palace is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Owens machine

United States · 1903

Owens machine is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Low-e IGU

Global · 1980s–

Low-e IGU is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Gorilla Vidrio

United States · 2007–

Gorilla Vidrio is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Stained cathedral

Europe · medieval

Stained cathedral is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Vidrio wool cousin

US / DE · 1930s–

Vidrio wool cousin is a reference point in the public image of Vidrio.

Activa o desactiva iconos: cada barra se reescala al líder de tu selección.

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Enfrentamientos

Misma familia, otras notas — elige un duelo.

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Vidrio vs Cerámica técnica

Cara a cara →

Materiales similares

Vecinos más cercanos en los seis ejes del atlas.

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Más en Cerámica y madera

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🪟Vidrio

Datos clave