While easy on the eyes, several factors go into the design and development of curved glass. This blog article discusses the efforts that go into this stunning glazed wall.
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We already know why glass walls are popular: transparent, sustainable, acoustically superiority, light-friendly. As the technology in glass manufacturing advances, it’s becoming easier and easier to manipulate glass – or most other materials for that matter – into the shapes we want. A soothing alternative to sharp corners, glass walls provide the illusion of expanded space. They also allude to a sense of safety. When I visualize curved glass, I feel peace, ease, an aura of luxury.
When did humans first start using curved glass?
The earliest examples can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where they used it for decorative purposes such as in the making of mosaic windows. However, the production of curved glass was a difficult and expensive process. Today, it is still considered a luxury.
The resulting curved glass was used in many architectural designs, including the iconic Crystal Palace in London, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Throughout the 20th century, the production of curved glass continued to evolve, with new technologies and materials making it more accessible and affordable. Today, curved glass is used in a wide range of applications, from skyscraper windows to automobile windshields to smartphone screens.
Overall, the history of curved glass is one of innovation and evolution, as designers and manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with this versatile material.
There is more than one method to curve glass.
In the late 19th century, a new technique was developed for producing curved glass, called "bending." Hot bending is the most popular method for creating curved glass. As the name indicates, the straight or pre-curved glass is slid into a machine that has been heated from anywhere between 580 – 600°C. It slides over a set of rollers that have been bent into the angle of the desired shape. Gravity works its charm and pulls the glass against the shape of the wheels/rollers. In 10 seconds, the glass comes out of the other end, and voila: it’s curved. Adjust the rollers to fit the glass into the desired radius.
A more cost-effective alternative to hot bending, cold bending is more dependent on physical force. Unlike hot bending, cold bending does not require the glass to be significantly above room temperature. We must keep in mind that the glass must be tempered before applying this method.
Similar to bending, this technique involves heating a flat piece of glass in a kiln until it reaches its softening point, and then letting it slump into a mold through gravity. This method has more limits in terms of smaller radii.
Lamination is a process where two or more layers of glass are bonded with an adhesive material. This technique can be used to create curved glass by shaping the glass layers to the desired curvature before bonding them. This method is often used for creating curved glass that needs to be shatter-resistant or bulletproof.
Casting involves pouring molten glass into a mold with the desired shape, then cooling it until it hardens. This technique is often used for creating artistic pieces of curved glass, such as sculptures or decorative objects.
Vacuum forming is a method where a flat piece of glass is heated until it becomes pliable, then placed over a mold and vacuum-sealed around the edges. The vacuum causes the glass to conform to the shape of the mold, resulting in a curved piece of glass. This technique is commonly used in creating automobile windshields and other applications where a large, curved piece of glass is needed.
Each of these methods has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use will depend on the specific application and requirements of the project.
Let us rewind a bit.
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We have discussed the technology and physical labor that goes into the creation of curved glass. The mental labor must not go unappreciated. From providing the correct dimensions of job site to ordering the glass, it involves all the technical departments to employ thorough communication.
Curved glass goes through a far lengthier process than straight glass during the pre-production stages. The primary architectural drawings are sent to the drafting department to create a document called SDA (Shop Drawing for Approval).
The SDA is sent back to the architect. After client review and on-site measurements, the pre-production team analyzes dimensions and specifications. This process can take up to a day. There is absolutely no room for error. It is then sent to the drafting department. A drafter’s special attention to precision must not go unnoted.
Its intricate detailing can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the experience of the drafter. It is then sent back to pre-production for a final validation, then to the glass department which calculates the glass size and prepares the pdf to be sent to the purchasing department.
Curved glass is a dedication, with a myriad of factors and professionals involved in its creation. The result is a timeless element of sophistication and elegance to any space.
Mar. 08, 2021
What Are The Main Benefits Of Using Curved Glass?
Well-shaped curved glass as a material brings several key benefits, which will enrich any architectural design.
1. Aesthetics
Curved glass is an aesthetic winner. The flexibility and fluidity of this amazing material allow an unprecedented level of creativity in structural design. Under the guidance of an experienced glass manufacturer, curved glass is a highly adaptable material with almost unlimited opportunities, talents, and also provides important structural capabilities. The execution of the perfect curve allows architects to freely explore more organic and fluid concepts.
2. Strength and durability
The curvature of the curved glass plate makes it have a high degree of load resistance. When the engineering design is correct, the arch structure can even minimize the deflection. This makes it an excellent structural application where mechanical strength and durability are necessary. The careful design of curved glass can even reduce the use of other building materials, otherwise, the integrity of the structure needs to be maintained. In some cases, this can even reduce construction costs.
Curved glass can also be further strengthened by a process called tempering. In addition to improving its general durability, this also prevents temperature changes.
3. Transparency
Due to its inherent transparency, curved glass is a creative way to enrich the natural light of the building. The properly placed curved glass allows light to enter and pass through the building or structure, which is not only popular with people inside the building but also reduces the perception of external material quality. Using curved glass instead of standard flat glass means that architects can use light flow to create interesting effects or maximize natural light penetration. The presence of natural light in the building creates a more comfortable environment for people living or working, and also helps to reduce energy consumption, especially when a special thermal coating is applied to the glass.
Curved Toughened Glass is made by heating annealed glass to approximately 700 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooling the outer surface. This process makes the glass very strong and impact-resistant, and thus longer lasting.
To integrate curved glass into architectural design, what do you need to know?
Curved glass is a complex material, and it must be thoroughly understood in order to successfully integrate it into architectural design. Before applying curved glass to architectural solutions, you need to understand several key aspects.
Manufacturing parameters
The first stop of the visit should be an in-depth discussion with the glass manufacturer of your choice. This will allow you to fully understand and incorporate the strength of the material into the design, evaluate any restrictive functions, and design the structure in the most economical way.
How do you want to accomplish it?
A clear understanding of the possible aesthetic finishes, such as glass tones, digital ceramic printing, multi-panel laminates, double glazing, or any necessary architectural standards, will help you make informed design decisions. Once again, an experienced glass manufacturer should be able to tell you what opportunities there are to enhance your curved glass design project and suggest to you the best solution to meet any requirements.
Measuring
When designing a structure that includes curved glass, it is also important to have a clear understanding of the angle and radius you need. Matching these requirements with precise materials and manufacturing capabilities early in the design process will help eliminate any costly design changes. This also means that the manufacturing of curved glass can be automated as much as possible to reduce manufacturing costs. If you are afraid of measurement errors, especially when curved glass panels require a structure suitable for hand-built, it may be worth investing in professional help.
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