In modern glass production, various additives are used in addition to basic raw materials of glass sand, soda and limestone. The glass batch is melted at a temperature of approximately 1550°C. The resulting viscous vitreous mass is processed further after planing, i.e. degasifying at approximately 1200°C.

Glass blocks as well as pavers are nowadays moulded between a female mould and a male mould. Hollow glass blocks are composed of two halves. The webs of the two halves are heated to approximately 800°C and then pressed together under slight pressure.

During the following annealing process a vacuum of approximately 70% is formed in the block interior thus preventing the formation of condensation. The lateral surfaces of the glass block are provided with a web paint.

Glass blocks are manufactured in different sizes and patterns in accordance with the various requirements and applications. The present commercial method of manufacturing allow glass blocks with a maximum surface of 30cm x 30cm to be produced. They are used to produce straight and curved interior and exterior walls.

Glass blocks produced in the Federal Republic of Germany are standardized building materials and must meet the requirements of DIN 18 175 (Glass Blocks, Requirements and Testing). Their production is monitored externally by the State Material Research Laboratory of North Rhine Westphalia in Dortmund.

Glass for floors of reinforced concrete are manufactured similarly to glass blocks either in one piece or two pieces joined by melting as solid or hollow blocks with smooth or structured surfaces.

Glass for floors of reinforced concrete fulfill the requirements of DIN 4243 and are manufactured in different sizes.

They are used in manufacturing flat components for live and vehicle loads and supporting structures of glasscrete (DIN 1045, Section 20.3 Reinforced Concrete with Glass Tile Fillers).