Bent Glass
Bending is a processing method that involves curving of sheet glass. The process takes place under high temperatures, while the sheet bends under its own weight or under pressure, and after forming the glass is tempered.
Currently, the company applies two technologies for production of bent (curved) glass.
Bent glass is a sheet of glass which, exposed to temperature, is shaped as necessary using special molds (frames) made of metal. After heating to a temperature of 600 degrees, glass becomes sufficiently plastic, bending under the effect of gravity and taking the form of a metal template. In addition, modern technology makes it possible to bend flat glass in a complex shape, ultimately allowing creation of spherical glass structures.
The second fully mechanized technology involves production of curved tempered glass directly in a special furnace without resort to any molds. After heating to a plastic state, the glass blank is automatically moved to a special furnace compartment, where it is given the desired shape by means of special rollers. The radius of the semi-cylinder is set in computer mode. As compared to the first production technology, bent tempered glass acquires all properties of safety glass.
Glass bending by modern methods eliminates the prevailing opinion about fragility of sheet glass. In enables creation of both stylish and safe high-strength structures. Also, with the help of new technologies, curved (bent) glass can take various forms, expanding thereby the boundaries for implementation of design ideas.
Technical production capabilities
Maximum size of tempered bent glass:
- With R from 1,200 mm – 3,600 х 2,350 mm (where 2,350 mm is the arc length)
- With R from 350 mm – 2,000 х 700 mm (where 700 mm is the arc length)
Furthermore, bent glass is easily amenable to all types of processing, which makes it possible to use it for creation of decorative and functional products of any configuration, and apply various images and inscriptions onto the surface by means of photo printing and other technologies.
Application
- windshields for transport (public, railway, water)
- glass facades and windows of buildings
- retail and industrial equipment (chiller cabinets and furniture showcases), glass furniture, interior
- enclosing structures (railings and stairwells, panoramic elevators)
- glass partitions in premises (shower cubicles, shop windows, office partitions)