Hockey Glass is a relatively new form of lab-grown glass, designed to replace the more familiar form of ‘real’ glass in hockey arenas and arenas uprights. Its first public showing was during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where it was used to great effect in the ice hockey venue. Since then, the material has been introduced to the world of figure skating and many other sports as well, although it is still relatively unknown compared to its more established cousin.
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How Does It Work?
Hockey Glass is both strong and light, due mainly to its high-tech manufacturing process, which uses a computer-controlled laser to create perfectly smooth layers of glass (this is in contrast to the traditional way of making glass, which involves a chemical reaction between melted silica and liquid boric acid). This gives it a high tensile strength of about 454 MPa (65,000 psi), which is comparable to that of steel, making it the strongest of all non-carbonated drinks. This allows it to be used in place of metal bars in weightlifting competitions, which frequently replace metal bars with glass ones.
The smooth glass surface also means that it is ideal for skating and other sports where precision is required. It is also easier to transport and put up in the arena than most other glass types, as it takes up less space and needs less trucks to move it. Moreover, the production of this specialized glass means that there will be fewer breakages and repairs, leading to fewer lost matches and games due to technical errors.
When Will We See It On-ice?
In the 2018 Winter Olympics, hockey players have taken to the ice using this material, and it has been met with rave reviews. In fact, the only other glass that has received such praise is the same product used in Formula One, with which it is often compared. American ice hockey coach Joe Boudreau remarked that it was “like night and day” comparing the two products, while French ice hockey newspaper L’Equipe enthused that “Hockey Glass is the future of glass on the ice.”
Indeed, the smooth surface and sheer size (25 microns thick) of this glass make it easier for the eye to follow the action, while also minimizing distractions from outside sources (no more annoying pop-up ads on mobile devices during the game!). Its designers claim that this material can improve technical and tactical performance in arena sports by increasing visibility while also eliminating the need for distracting and potentially dangerous electronic devices. It also means that coaches and players will no longer have to be reticent about giving instructions to their teams during a game, due to fears of being overheard by other fans or journalists.
However, it is not yet available for public purchase. Its creators say that the world’s first glass designed for sport will be ready for sale in the next few months, with deliveries starting in October 2018. Pricing has not yet been announced but it will be in the $20,000-$25,000 range per meter, depending on the size needed.
Where Else Has It Been Used?
While the above examples show how it has been implemented in sports arenas, this material has other promising applications too. For example, it could be used to create a safer and more stable swimming environment for children, due to its buoyant nature. Moreover, the large size of this glass makes it ideal for use in large aquariums, where its creators say it can reduce evaporation by up to 90 percent and keep the water at the optimal temperature for tropical fish and other marine life.
Why Is It Important?
This material is important because it allows for the creation of a safer and more stable sporting environment for athletes. This is important because of the increasing amounts of kids and adults who are participating in sport activities, especially in extreme sports where injuries are common. In fact, the most recent data shows that over 500,000 injuries occurred during sporting events in 2016, with over 18,000 of these injuries being severe enough to require medical attention.
Though most of these injuries can be prevented through proper preparation and common sense, something as basic as removing shoes and using protective eyewear could prevent some debilitating injuries. This is why hockey glass is being implemented across the world, as it is easier to transport, handle, and install than many other types of glass. Its creators claim that this material will make a difference and allow for a more enjoyable athletic experience for everyone involved!
Moreover, the smooth and unbreakable surface of this glass allows for greater precision when training for various sports. It also improves the aerodynamics of whatever it is being used in, whether that be a car or a plane. Though we will have to wait and see how these benefits pan out in the long run, at least we know that this material is being used and it is making a difference already!
What Is The Future Of This Type Of Glass?
This type of glass will certainly be among the standards for future competition, especially in those sports that require a lot of skill and attention to detail, such as ice hockey and figure skating. Its creators claim that this material can improve technical and tactical performance in arena sports by increasing visibility while also eliminating the need for distracting and potentially dangerous electronic devices. Its designers say that this material can improve technical and tactical performance in arena sports by increasing visibility while also eliminating the need for distracting and potentially dangerous electronic devices.
While it is not yet available for public purchase, its creators claim that the world’s first glass designed for sport will be ready for sale in the next few months, with deliveries starting in October 2018. Pricing has not yet been announced but it will be in the $20,000-$25,000 range per meter, depending on the size needed.
Moreover, the large size of this glass makes it ideal for use in large aquariums, where its creators claim it can reduce evaporation by up to 90 percent and keep the water at the optimal temperature for tropical fish and other marine life.
According to its creators, this material is important because it allows for the creation of a safer and more stable sporting environment for everyone involved!