Glass

Glass

Presentation

Glass

Glass is made from quartz sand fused with heat Simple float glass can be altered to improve its properties for specific uses and combined with other technologies for functional and decorative products. Typical properties of glass are: degree of light transmittance, strength, energy efficiency, and fire resistance. Glass is often impervious to staining and scratching, is nontoxic, and often recyclable

Index

1. Properties of Glass

Degree of Light Transmittance

Energy Efficiency

Strength

Fire Resistance

2. Fabrication of Glass

Clear Glass vs. Low-Iron Glass

Float Glass

Cast Glass

Channel Glass

Laminated Glass

Tempered Glass

Wire Glass

Glass Block & Pavers

3. Surfaces of Glass

Surface Treatments for Glass

Properties of Glass

Properties of Glass

Degree of Light Transmittance

Light Transmittance: measurement of light able to pass through glass Light transmittance can be impacted by type of glass and surface finishes Regular float glass allows 75-92% light transmittance. If looking to reduce this number, adding frit to the glass can make the glass more opaque

• Films can be added to the glass surface to reflect light, reducing the amount of light transmitted

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Properties of Glass

Energy Efficiency

Tinted, reflective, electrochomic, suspended particle, and insulated assemblies address energy efficiency. Insulated Glass: two panes of glass, four faces to specify coatings Reflective Glass: coatings that are typically metallic that reduce solar heat gain Low-E Glazing: Reflects heat back to exterior in summer, holds and transmits heat in colder temps.

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Properties of Glass

Strength

Strength of glass is controlled by the cooling process called annealing. Glass cooled at a faster rate typically results in a stronger class. Heat-strengthened glass: 2x stronger than regular annealed (float) glass. Tempered glass: 4x stronger than regular annealed (float) glass - saftey glass because it is the most durable of regular glass types.

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Properties of Glass

Fire Resistance

Fire resistance can be enhanced up to a three-hour fire rating due to being held at a high heat until crystals begin to form. This is the production process for ceramic glass. This glass is still transparent and stabilizes the glass against thermal expansion when exposed to high temperatures.

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Fabrication of Glass

Fabrication of Glass

Clear Glass vs. Low Iron Glass

• Clear Glass
• Has a slight green tinge to it (despite its name) due to its iron content
• Green tinge is more noticable from a sied profile rather than face on
• Low Iron Glass
• Clearer in appearance due to lower iron content (up to 90% removed)
• Used where optimal clarity is of concern

Clear Glass vs. Low Iron Glass

Fabrication of Glass

Float (Annealed) Glass

• Also referred to as flat, plate, or annealed glass
• Simplest in construction (flat sheet)
• Manipulated with other processes and coatings to improve its properties & appearance
• Base glass for cast, laminated, and tempered glass

Float Glass

Fabrication of Glass

Cast Glass

• Produced by placing float glass on mold/form, then heated to form to the mold OR by pouring molten glass into a form directly
• Large sheets are possible
• Fine textures possible
• Custom forms possible (suggested for large order purposes as molds are expensive to make)
• Can be tempered
• Used for all applications

Cast Glass

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Fabrication of Glass

Channel Glass

• A type of cast glass with a 3D C shape form
• Translucent
• Soft, even diffusion of light
• Minimizes glare
• Used in areas where natural light is desired but privacy is also a necessity
• Can be self-supporting when reinforced with multiple channels together

Channel Glass

Exterior

Interior

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Fabrication of Glass

Laminated Glass

• Plastic films between layers of glass
• Can be designed to alter performance values
• Sound
• Blocking light or heat transfer
• Adding magnetic properties
• Can be designed to alter appearance
• Color
• Patterns

Laminated Glass

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Fabrication of Glass

Tempered Glass

• Thermal treated - inceased strength & safety
• When broken, forms small granular pebbles instead of shards (float glass)
• 4x - 6x times stronger than float glass
• NO WORK on tempered glass after its formation
• No driling holes for hardware
• no cutting or alterations
• Design decisions must be finalized before final production
• Stamped/marked in corner

Tempered Glass Stamped

Fabrication of Glass

Wire Glass

• Another type of safety glass
• Fire-rated
• If broken, glass falls in the wires instead of falling completely to the ground

Wire Glass

Fabrication of Glass

Glass Blocks & Pavers

• Blocks
• Hollow - two panes of glass, edges softened & melted together
• Various surface patterning options available
• Set in mortar or preassmbled
• Self-supporting, not load bearing
• Special corner/edges used similar to tile
• Pavers
• Set in mortar like bricks
• Can have a metal or concrete frame

Glass Blocks

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Surfaces of Glass

Tinted

Surfaces of Glass

Fritted

Glass can be tinted, fritted, sand-blasted, back-painted, mirrored, or carved Altering the surface of glass can change its visual appearance, and at times, its performance

Sand-blasted

Back-Painted

Carved/Etched

Insulated Glass & Low-E Glazing

Insulated Glass: two panels of glass, four faces to apply finish to. Protects from heat transfer, keeps cool air in. Low-E Glazing: Minimizes the transmission of UV and infrared light, while maximizing optimal clarity. Reflects heat back to exterior in summer, holds and transmits heat in colder temps.