Tempered Bent Glass Quality

Mr. Thomas E. Noe, Glasstech, Inc.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for curved or bent tempered glass in buildings and other commercial applications. Architects are now specifying more curved or bent glass to be used exteriorly in building facades and interiorly in many unique applications in order to create more efficient and dramatic effects than if ordinary flat glass were specified. Many different bent glass products in use require tempering of the glass for added strength, safety or both.

With this growing demand comes the need for development compliance with applicable international quality standards and specifications that can support the advancement of the use of these value-added products.

Glass that is formed into shapes and then quenched exhibits characteristics different in many respects than flat glass. Curved or bent glass is formed while the glass temperature is elevated above the softening point when the thermo-mechanical properties of the glass are different. In cases where the tempered bent glass is post-processed, care is required in order to control and preserve the intended dimensional and/or safety characteristics.

This paper will provide an update on the on the applicable quality specifications being applied to these products.

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The Authors

Mr. Thomas Noe Glasstech Thomas Noe currently serves as Director of Customer Service & Systems Engineering for Glasstech, Inc. a Perrysburg, Ohio glass engineering and equipment company where he has been employed since 1984. ... Read more