Apparatus and method for forming thin glass articles

Embodiments of a method of forming a glass article are disclosed. The methods include supplying a glass ribbon in a first direction and redirecting the glass ribbon to a second direction different from the first direction without contacting the glass ribbon with a solid material. The glass ribbon may exhibit a viscosity of less than about 108 Poise and a thickness of about 1 mm or less. Embodiments of a glass or glass-ceramic forming apparatus are also disclosed. The apparatus may include a glass feed device for supplying a glass ribbon in a first direction and a redirection system disposed underneath the glass feed device for redirecting the glass ribbon to a second direction. In one or more embodiments, the redirection system comprising at least one gas bearing system for supplying a gas film to support the glass ribbon. 批露了形成玻璃制品的方法的实施方式。所述方法包含在第方向供应玻璃带，并在不使玻璃带接触固体材料的情况下，将所述玻璃带重新定向到第二方向，该第二方向不同于第方向。玻璃带可呈现小于约10泊的粘度和约1mm或更小的厚度。还批露了形成玻璃或玻璃-陶瓷的设备的实施方式。所述设备可包含用于在第方向供应玻璃带的玻璃进料装置，以及设置在玻璃进料装置下方用于将玻璃带重新定向到第二方向的重新定向