For more than three decades, GLASS SERVICE (GS) has been a trusted partner to the global glass industry, delivering services advanced hardware and software solutions that enhance glass melting, refining, and forming processes. With projects realised worldwide, the company supports manufacturers in consistently improving both product quality and production stability.
A cornerstone of this expertise is the Glass Service Laboratory Division, a specialised laboratory dedicated to the identification and root cause analysis of glass defects. Glass Service’s laboratory focuses on bubbles, stones, cords, surface defects and other inhomogeneities that can significantly impact final product quality. By combining process know-how with advanced analytical techniques the company delivers practical, actionable insights that help customers prevent defects and improve manufacturing performance.
GS’ laboratory services include High Temperature Observation (HTO), enabling direct monitoring of molten glass behaviour at high temperatures during melting, as well as redox state measurements of glass. These advanced methods deliver critical information for melt control, furnace optimisation and overall quality management.
Precise bubble analysis with fast turnaround
Bubbles present in glass products are analysed using high resolution mass spectrometry, allowing fast and precise determination of both gas composition and concentration. Each year, the company analyses approximately 3,000 bubbles, providing a robust statistical foundation for fast and reliable interpretation. the analyses cover a wide range of gases commonly found in bubbles, including N2, CO2, O2, Ar, SO2, H2S, COS, CO, CH2 and H2. Upon request, additional gases can be examined with semi quantitative results.
GS’ specialists are capable of analysing even microscopic bubbles down to 0.05 millimetres in diameter. To meet production needs, analyses with results within 36 hours offer express can be offered, as well as standard analyses with a turnaround time of up to three days.
Comprehensive solid defect characterisation
For solid inhomogeneities, GS employs a combination of digital optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS detection. This integrated approach enables precise determination of defect morphology, optical properties, structure and chemical composition, leading to reliable identification of their origin within the production process.
On average, GS analyses around 700 solid defects per year, allowing them to continuously expand their extensive defect database and practical expertise. As a result, the company can respond efficiently to customer inquiries.
Customers receive easy-to-understand yet highly detailed technical reports that translate complex analytical results into actionable insights. Supported by high-quality imagery and thorough defect analysis, the reports clearly identify the most probable source of the defect, helping customers effectively address the issue and prevent its recurrence.
Glass Service Laboratory Services provide glass manufacturers with the confidence that every defect is thoroughly understood and effectively addressed supporting stable production, higher quality, and reduced losses.
