Common Glass Terms A thru C

ACID ETCHED

Glass that has been chemically treated with an acidic material, such as hydrofluoric acid, to produce a surface finish that will diffuse transmitted light, reduce glare and has a "frosted" appearance. The treatment on glass is used to diffuse light, reduce glare and obtain a translucent appearance. It may be used for both interior and exterior applications. The treatment on mirror is used to obtain a soft matted reflection. The treatment can be applied to provide different levels of translucence, either uniformly over the entire surface or in selected areas creating decorative patterns. Also see etched glass, frosted glass, satin etch.

ANNEALED GLASS (NON-TEMPERED)

Basic float glass that has been treated through a heating and controlled cooling process to result in a product with internal stresses reduced to a level that it can be handled, cut, finished, and fabricated.

 BENT/CURVED

Flat glass which has been formed into a curved shape or profile using extreme heat and a mold or frame. Bent or curved glass can be heat treated, further fabricated into laminated or insulated units and incorporate a variety of decorative features.

CARVED GLASS

Glass into which a three dimensional sculpted image or design has been created by sandblasting or etching to different depths within the surface. (Also see etched, sandblasted)

CAST GLASS

Glass with a textured "hot cast" surface produced by pouring and pressing molten glass onto or into a mold. (Also see slumped, patterned)

CERAMIC FRIT

A pigmented glass enamel fired onto the glass at temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and permanently fused to the glass surface. Ceramic frit can be applied using a full coverage coating process, a silkscreen process or a pre-printed ceramic decal. This type of decorative glass is available in many colors, patterns and translucencies and is used for both exterior and interior applications.

CHANNEL GLASS

A structural glass system that creates light transmitting walls. A perimeter frame is used with various widths and sizes of U shaped glass channels. As exterior window wall, channel glass respective to windload requires only one perimeter frame, eliminating need for vertical or horizontal frame members. The system also allows for glass openings to be formed into arcs, serpentine walls, and columns or tower designs. Non-tempered float glass channels have cast surface that provides privacy and light diffusion.

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