Have you ever stopped to appreciate the magic of glass in your home? From slim shower doors to sparkling windows, glass offers a unique blend of beauty and functionality. But what you might not realise is that most of the glass you encounter isn't your basic, run-of-the-mill pane. It's been transformed through a process, giving it remarkable properties and a whole new design vocabulary. This is the world of processed glass, and it is revolutionising the way we look at interior design.
What is processed glass then? Let's break it down – any glass that has undergone a treatment to enhance its properties is considered processed glass. This can involve a range of techniques, from heat strengthening (making it more durable) to lacquering (adding a splash of colour) to etching (creating a textured surface). Think of it as taking a basic ingredient and transforming it into a culinary masterpiece – the possibilities are truly endless.
Processed glass isn't just about aesthetics; it's a game-changer for modern design. Imagine walls made of frosted glass panels, bathing your space in soft, diffused light. Or picture-perfect, tempered lacquered glass shutters that add a touch of luxury and durability to your kitchen.
In this blog, we'll delve into some of the most common processes applied to glass, unlocking its potential in architecture, design, and beyond.
Toughening or tempering is a process that involves heating glass to approximately 650⁰C and then rapidly cooling it. This special treatment makes the glass perfect for shower doors, tabletops, railings, partitions and even facades because of its enhanced durability.
Heat soaking is a method used to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage in toughened glass. By subjecting it to high temperatures, any hidden flaws that could cause the glass to shatter unexpectedly are exposed. This way, only the strongest, most reliable glass panels make it to important applications like building exteriors, railings, shower cubicles and even your car windshield. It's a proactive approach to safety, ensuring these critical areas stay strong and secure.
Sandblasting, frosting, or etching techniques involve the removal of glass material from the surface to create a frosted, textured, or patterned finish. This process adds privacy and visual interest to the glass while still allowing light transmission and makes it ideal for shower enclosures, partitions, feature walls or surfaces for interior spaces. From delicate floral motifs to bold geometric patterns and entire surface etching for a matt-finish, the possibilities are endless.
Lacquering involves applying a layer of lacquer or paint to the surface of the glass. This not only adds colour but also enhances durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Lacquered glass is popular in kitchen backsplashes, furniture, and wall claddings, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. If you are seeking stylish yet functional interiors, explore the captivating world of Saint-Gobain's lacquered glass, now available in toughened variants as well for added durability.
Imagine sunlight streaming through your windows but with a touch of sophistication. Tinted glass achieves this by incorporating metal oxides during its manufacturing process. These microscopic additions act like sunglasses for the glass itself, absorbing a specific range of sunlight. The result is a visually captivating tint that subtly imbues the glass with a desired colour. But the benefits go beyond aesthetics. Explore a premium range of Tinted glass that effectively reduces glare and heat gain, making your space cooler and more comfortable. It also offers a gentle layer of privacy, perfect for areas where you desire some control over visibility.
Of all the glass enhancements, the mirror is perhaps the most transformative. Similar to reflective glass, a metallic coating is applied to glass, but in this case, it is optimized for maximum reflection. This creates the perfect mirrored surface, allowing you to see yourself and your surroundings with perfect clarity. Mirrors have transcended functionality, becoming a staple in homes and commercial spaces alike. They add depth and dimension, enhance natural light, and play a crucial role in your daily routines.
Switchable glass, also known as smart glass, offers the unique ability to change from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch. It is made by sandwiching a layer of liquid crystal or electrochromic material between two glass layers with a conductive coating. When an electric current is applied, the glass changes from transparent to opaque or tinted. Switchable glass, like SGG Priva-Lite, offers a sleek and dynamic solution for switching between privacy and transparency.
Insulated glass, or double glazing, consists of two or more glass panes separated by a spacer filled with air or inert gas. This combination significantly improves acoustic and thermal insulation, reducing energy costs and enhancing indoor comfort. With a variety of options available, it is an excellent choice for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home, regardless of the weather outside.
Not all processed glass is about aesthetics; lamination prioritizes safety and strength. This technique involves bonding two or more glass panes together with a resilient interlayer. The resulting laminated glass offers several advantages. Even if the glass breaks due to impact, the interlayer holds the fragments together, minimizing injuries and preventing them from scattering. This makes laminated glass ideal for applications like shower doors, skylights, and areas prone to high winds or seismic activity. Additionally, the interlayer can be chosen to provide UV protection or even soundproofing capabilities.
The world of processed glass offers a variety of solutions, from enhancing aesthetics and comfort to prioritizing safety and security. So, the next time you encounter glass, take a moment to appreciate the science and innovation behind its transformed properties and make informed choices!
How is tempered glass processed??
Glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled with high-pressure air, significantly increasing its strength. This process ensures it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, enhancing safety.
What glass is best for railings?
For railings, laminated glass is the best choice. The interlayer between the two sheets of glass ensures the railing doesn’t shatter even if broken, ensuring safety and strength.
What type of glass is the strongest?
Tempered glass or toughened glass is one of the strongest types of glass available. It is heat-treated to increase its strength and durability, making it much tougher than regular glass and resistant to breakage.
Shivani, an architect based in Pune, seamlessly balances multiple creative pursuits with over four years of experience in architectural practice. A graduate of VIT’s PVPCOA, her professional journey began with Kamat and Rozario Architecture in Bangalore, where she gained exposure to interior and architectural projects of varied scales. Read More
