Laminated U-shaped glass is an architectural glass material with unique structure and performance
Laminated U-shaped glass is a kind of architectural glass material with unique structure and performance. It combines the mechanical advantages of U-shaped glass and the safety characteristics of laminated glass, and shows many advantages in the construction field, as follows:
- Excellent mechanical properties
High strength and stiffness: The U-shaped structure itself has good bending resistance and wind pressure resistance. The sandwich design further enhances the overall rigidity and can withstand larger loads. It is suitable for large spans or building parts that require load-bearing (such as curtain walls, skylights, etc.).
Anti-deformation ability: The sandwich structure can reduce the deformation of glass due to temperature changes or external forces, avoid cracking caused by bending or twisting, and extend the service life.
- Outstanding security
Impact resistance and explosion-proof properties: The PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or other film layer in the middle of the interlayer can bond the broken glass fragments together. Even if it is broken by impact, there will be no flying glass slag, reducing safety hazards and complying with building safety standards.
Anti-theft and anti-vandalism: The sandwich structure increases the difficulty of damaging the glass and improves the anti-theft performance of the building. It is suitable for places with high safety requirements (such as banks, commercial buildings, etc.).
- Excellent optical and energy-saving effects
Uniformity of light transmission: The U-shaped structure can distribute light evenly and reduce glare. At the same time, the sandwich design does not affect the overall light transmittance and can create a soft indoor light environment.
Thermal insulation performance: The air layer or film layer in the interlayer can reduce the heat transfer coefficient (K value) and reduce indoor and outdoor heat exchange. With technologies such as Low-E coating, the energy saving effect is more significant and helps the building achieve green energy saving standards.
Sound insulation and noise reduction: The sandwich structure has a good blocking effect on sound waves, especially the attenuation effect on medium and high frequency noise. It can be used in buildings in noise-sensitive areas such as airports and railways.
- Flexible decoration and styling
Unique architectural aesthetics: The three-dimensional structure of U-shaped glass can create unique light and shadow effects. The sandwich design can be matched with colored film, frosted glass, etc. to meet personalized decoration needs. It is often used in the facade design of modern buildings.
Diversity of shapes: laminated U-shaped glass with different curvatures and sizes can be customized according to architectural design needs, adapting to complex shapes such as curved surfaces and broken lines, expanding the possibilities of architectural design.
- Easy to install and maintain
High construction efficiency: The modular design of U-shaped glass is easy to install, and the sandwich structure reduces the risk of damage during transportation and installation, shortening the construction period.
Low maintenance cost: The surface of laminated glass is not easy to be polluted, and the structure is stable. It does not require frequent maintenance during long-term use, reducing later operating costs.
- Wide range of application scenarios
Architectural curtain walls: both beautiful and safe, suitable for high-rise office buildings, commercial complexes, etc.
Lighting roof and skylight: Resist wind pressure, prevent falling, and provide sufficient light at the same time.
Partitions and screens: sound insulation and light transmission, creating a private and transparent indoor space.
Special buildings: places with high safety and lighting requirements, such as museums and exhibition halls.
1. Preparation of original glass sheets
High-quality quartz sand, soda ash, limestone and other raw materials are selected, mixed according to a specific ratio and put into the furnace to melt into molten glass at a high temperature of 1500-1600°C.
And grind the edges to prevent stress concentration.
2. Sandwich material preparation
Commonly used interlayer films are PVB (polyvinyl butyral), SGP (ionic interlayer) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), and the thickness is generally 0.38-1.52mm.
The film needs to be stored in a constant temperature and humidity environment (temperature 20-25°C, humidity ≤30%) for 24 hours in advance to avoid moisture affecting the adhesive force.
U-shaped glass molding process
3.U-shaped glass is formed by rolling method (high-efficiency process):
After the glass liquid is rolled and formed, it is pressed through a U-shaped glass mold, and then enters the annealing kiln (temperature 600-650°C) for slow cooling to eliminate internal stress. The annealing time is usually 2-4 hours.
4. Sandwich composite treatment
a. Glass cleaning and drying
Use deionized water and neutral detergent to clean the inner and outer surfaces of the U-shaped glass to remove oil, dust and other impurities, and then dry it with hot air (temperature ≤ 60°C) to ensure that no moisture remains on the surface.
b. Film laying and lamination
Place the U-shaped glass horizontally on a clean workbench, and cut the film according to the size of the U-shaped groove so that the film completely covers the inner surface of the glass (leave a 5-10mm margin on the edge). Make sure the film is in close contact with the glass to avoid bubbles.
c. Prepressure exhaust
Put the combined laminated U-shaped glass into pre-pressing equipment (such as a vacuum bag or roller press), heat it to 60-80°C under a vacuum of 0.05-0.08MPa, and keep it for 10-15 minutes to discharge the air between the film and the glass to form a preliminary bond.
d. Autoclave compounding
Put the pre-pressed glass into the autoclave and keep it at a pressure of 1.2-1.5MPa and a temperature of 130-140°C for 1-2 hours, so that the film is completely melted and firmly bonded to the glass.
After cooling to room temperature, take it out and check the interlayer bonding strength (peel strength ≥30N/cm) and internal bubbles (bubbles with a diameter of ≤1mm are allowed, no more than 5 per square meter).
5. Post-processing and quality inspection
edge processing
Perform secondary edge grinding or sealing treatment on the edges of the laminated U-shaped glass to prevent water vapor from penetrating into the interlayer and extend its service life.
Performance testing
Mechanical properties: Test wind pressure resistance (must meet GB/T 21086 standard), bending strength (deformation under load ≤ 1/200 of the span).
Safety performance: impact test (a 227g steel ball is used to drop from a height of 1.2m, and the fragments do not fly after the glass is broken), anti-theft performance (resistance to prying time ≥ 15 minutes).
Optics and energy saving: detect light transmittance (≥80%), heat transfer coefficient (K value ≤2.5W/(㎡・K)), and insulation volume (≥30dB).
6.Special process expansion
Coated laminated U-shaped glass: Low-E film, solar control film, etc. are coated on the surface of U-shaped glass to improve the energy-saving effect. The coating process must be completed before laminated composite.
Colored laminated U-shaped glass: Use colored PVB film or print glaze on the glass surface to achieve decorative effect. After printing, it needs to be cured at high temperature (temperature 600-700℃).
The production of laminated U-shaped glass combines glass thermoforming and laminated composite technology. Through multiple processes such as raw material control, U-shaped glass molding, laminated bonding and post-processing, it achieves high strength, high safety and energy saving.
