Method and apparatus for production of glass fibers utilizing spinning cup structure

摘要

A method and apparatus for producing glass fibers wherein molten glass is deposited onto a spinning cup structure. Centrifugal force urges the molten glass outwardly and upwardly along the inner surface of an upstanding wall of the cup structure. The glass is then extruded through small holes in the cup wall. A downflowing stream of hot gas passes downwardly along the outer surface of the cup wall to turn the fibers downwardly while producing an attenuation (reduction) of fiber diameter. The lower portion of the cup side wall is heated to achieve greater temperature uniformity of the fibers as they are formed. A cool gas curtain is formed about the downflowing hot gas stream to somewhat concentrate the hot gas stream for more uniform heating of the downflowing glass fibers.