Apparatus and method for producing sheets of glass presenting at least one face of very high surface quality

A method is disclosed for producing sheet glass having two faces, at least one of which has a high surface quality, the method comprising a treatment step wherein a stream of glass (1a) having a viscosity in the range of 100 to 10,000 poises is contacted with a forming tool (4a,4b), and wherein a reversible adhesion force exists between the stream of glass and the forming tool after contacting to prevent slippage of the stream. An apparatus is also disclosed for producing sheet glass according to the disclosed and various other methods of sheet glass manufacture, the apparatus comprising a forming tool having a means for controlling the temperature of at least a portion of the surface thereof.