How East Germany invented 'unbreakable' drinking glasses

It seems harder to get good glass anymore. I'm glad someone is working on it.

Maybe it is that plastic has taken over, maybe because it doesn't break. But we're finding out that plastic containers leach stuff - either chemicals or microplastics, so maybe there will be a resurgence for glass.

I like borosilicate glass. I think pyrex sold out and now makes soda lime glass products.

I got some simax glass containers (borosilicate) and they are really nicely made. The glass is optically very clear and super smooth. It can also go in a variety of temperatures.

The temperature differential that borosilicate glass can withstand before fracturing is about 330 °F (180 °C), whereas soda–lime glass can withstand only about a 100 °F (55 °C) change in temperature. This is why typical kitchenware made from traditional soda–lime glass will shatter if a vessel containing boiling water is placed on ice, but Pyrex or other borosilicate laboratory glass will not.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borosilicate_glass

From earlier today: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41173177 Smashing idea: how East Germany invented 'unbreakable' drinking glasses

This was both a fun read an raised a real problem with products in general, avoiding quality to assert more sales.

I like to imagine a secret meeting between glass manufacturers plotting how to shut this startup down xD

The name of the original glass is also fantastic, ”Superfest” meaning ”Super party” in my language :D