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New architectural glass technology at GlassBuild America

Our showcase of some of the new technology on display in Atlanta.

Anchors to substrate
crlaurence.com
C.R. Laurence has introduced its new hydraulic patch fitting for interior all-glass entrances. The system features an innovative hydraulic self-closing mechanism that is integrated into the patch fitting. The fitting eliminates the need to cut into the floor to install a conventional floor closer because the closing mechanism is housed in the patch itself. It only requires anchoring of the base plate to the substrate. Not only does this simplify installations, it also enhances esthetics by reducing the amount of visible hardware such as cover plates and overhead closers. The new patch fitting features adjustable closing and latching speeds as well as a 90-degree hold-open option for added convenience. The system is designed for 3/8- or 1/2-inch monolithic tempered glass. It can hold doors up to 220 pounds and 39 inches in width. The hydraulic patch fitting is part of a suite of innovative self-closing entrance systems from C.R. Laurence including the DRS 1202 swinging door system and the Vernon Series hydraulic door hinge.

Touchscreen menu
inagas.com
With strong roots in the North American IGU markets, Inagas was back at GlassBuild America 2017 with more innovations. It showcased its range in conjunction with distributor partner, Quanex Building Products. Visitors saw live demonstrations of the SmartFill 4. The Smartfill 4 is a four-line machine designed for high production of argon-gas-filled insulated glass units. Each line operates independently from the other with a combined maximum flow rate of 120 litres-per-minute using the patent-approved Smartstart lance system. Featuring a touchscreen menu, the Smartstart system allows an operator to remotely start the gas filling process by pressing a button on the lance body instead of having to return to the machine. The lance body incorporates an LED light, which on activation of the filling process turns green then red on completion of the fill cycle. To match the increased emphasis on quality and production traceability, the Smartfill 4 is also available with data logging and a print facility that records the date, time, gas fill level, fill cycle time and line number of every gas-filled IG.

Non-slip glass
walkerglass.com
Walker Textures Traction is a line of anti-slip acid-etched glass. It consists of two well-known patterns – 406 and 407 – as well as Force: a full-surface etch without any pattern at all. The demand for acid-etched glass in pedestrian areas has steadily increased over recent years. Its remarkable qualities of light transmittance and esthetics have unquestionably contributed to this situation. The Walker Textures Traction anti-slip acid-etched glass products ally discretion, light transmittance, durability, safety and add an undeniable sophisticated touch of design. The coefficient of friction for the three Traction options has been calculated based on “ANSI A137.1:2012 Section 9.6 – Procedure for Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF).” Traction glass is typically used as part of a multi-layer glass assembly requiring appropriate engineering. Walker Textures Traction offers many advantages, including a superior coefficient of friction with no restriction of light flow; superior resistance to surface contamination from dirt, oils, chemicals, liquids and food; and a sophisticated touch of design. Conducive to high quality edgework, Traction exhibits excellent wear-resistance properties and a consistent acid-etched finish. The glass is free of iridescence. Clear and ultra-clear colours are available, with other substrates available on demand. Thicknesses are six to 12 millimetres for the 406 and 407 patterns, six to 19 millimetres for Force. Available dimensions are 96 by 130 inches standard for all three options with a 96- by 144-inch maximum size for Force. Tempering of ultra-clear glass is recommended for pattern 406 and 407, to correct slight colour variances caused by the Walker Textures Traction manufacturing process.

Rock solid
baileycranes.com
Brandon glass lifters from Bailey Specialty Cranes and Aerials feature a rock solid boom with more reach and glass side shifting. The 6,000-pound lifting hook operates safely with an included load indicator/limiter and winch attachment. A man basket attachment is available, as are engineered solutions for specific applications.

Many surface options
sinometalresourcesinc.com
Sinometal offers two kinds of extrusions with many variations in between. Its integrated production facilities include 30 extrusion presses with an annual production capacity of more than 200,000 metric tons. With checks and balances in place throughout the manufacturing process and ensuring that business associates adhere to strict specifications, Sinometal consistently delivers products of superior quality. Aluminum extrusions come in the following surface treatment options: anodizing in different colours, bright dip, powder paint in different colours, wood surface finishes, brushed nickel, polished nickel, buff surface finish and mill finish. Customized mould design and machining is available on request.

Great low-E results
tkitaly.com
Oscillating Master temper ovens from TK cover a size range suitable to meet any production requirement with openings from 1,300 to 3,300 millimeters. The lines are equipped with advanced process control technologies to always guarantee the best quality. In addition to the wide range of tempering glass, the Master temper oven is suitable for coating low-emissivity glass (both magnetron and pyrolytic). Excellent results are obtained with the 0.01 low-E soft system.

The Master temper range has two systems for tempering low-E glass: convection by hot air directly inside the heating chamber, and pre-heating the chamber with hot air. For both solutions, the automatic convection system allows tempering low-E glass with excellent results. Key features include ceramic rollers in fused silica handled by double belts. Loading, furnace, tempering and unloading cycles are independently powered and driven by an inverter. The heating elements are assembled and fixed on panels for long-life and stability with the Greek system.

Power control is provided by SCR in independent zones on both the upper and lower side. The blower groups are driven by DC and/or AC motors with an inverter.
The Master features certical separate adjustment of the bowing ducts with independent pressure-checking for each blowing duct. Process control is run by PLC and a supervision PC. Operation and setting of the processing parameters is easy. The furnace includes an independent UPS system that supplies power to the furnace and completes loading by discharging the glass. Each line can be custom configured, for example, the side chamber for the fan can be placed in the position most suited to the work space. An integrated system equipped with an infrared thermo-camera checks, records and stores the temperature of the glass surface, allowing the operator to trace every load when the work is finished.

Sleeker sightlines
jeberkowitz.com
JEB debuted the JEB 3Seal HM Plus warm-edge spacer system for insulating glass units. The new JEB 3Seal HM Plus spacer features triple-seal technology, including an advanced high-strength and ultra-high-modulus silicone secondary sealant, which improves argon gas retention and delivers a sleeker sightline allowing for diverse, bold and esthetically appealing architectural designs and energy efficiencies. With its no-metal design, the JEB 3Seal HM Plus spacer has shock-absorbing properties that counteract glazing stresses caused by wind, while also minimizing thermal conductivity and enhancing condensation resistance. 

No production interruption
bystronic-glass.com
The B’Vario TPS and B’Jumbo TPS from Bystronic are individual production solutions for all types of orders providing unique versatility. They are system solutions for insulating glass with thermoplastic spacer (TPS). The thermoplastic spacer is applied directly onto the glass by the machine from a single drum as part of insulating glass production. The width of the spacer can be changed as desired during operation without any time loss. Separate production processes for the sawing, bending, connecting, desiccant filling and butylation are no longer needed, saving both time and money. The system eliminates the need to stock different spacer profiles and connectors. With the B’Vario and B’Jumbo systems, suitable spacer is always available and no offcut, dirt or waste is produced. Production can mix manufacture on a single line, removing the need to split orders into standards and specials. Continual, uninterrupted operation is achieved thanks to the dual-drum pump system with the material drum change taking place during production. The patented bevel joint ensures a perfect primary sealing of the thermoplastic spacer, even on the joint. There is no production interruption when changing the spacer width or when dealing with triple insulating glass units with asymmetric structure.

Sensitive coatings OK
lisec.com
This year, Lisec presented a new horizontal washing machine that has been specifically designed for glass lites with different types of sensitive coatings.
The washer also handles glass sheets which are dedicated to be coated after the washing process as well as any monolithic or laminated glass with optimum results and no residues. Thanks to its intelligent design, the machine ensures easy maintenance, reduced noise levels and considerable energy savings.

Meets any lamination challenge
cassosolartechnologies.com
Continuous laminating lines from Casso Solar may consist of an entry washer; a temperature-controlled lay up room with PVB unwind stands; overhead glass transfer assists and pop-up caster tables; preheat ovens to bring laminate to 110 to 120 Fahrenheit prior to first de-airing the press; an oversized roll de-airing press; a tacking oven to bring the laminate to 160 to 180 F; a final tacking press; and an unload conveyor with overhead assist. Full PLC recipe control is included. For customers processing coated or low-E products, Casso-Solar full top convection systems reclaim the lost production volume over uncoated products. Casso-Solar Technologies systems are available to run with and without an autoclave. Production requirements determine which system works best for each customer. Recommendations for new and used autoclaves can also be provided. Batch laminating systems can process PVB, EVA, urethane and DuPont SentryGlas without the need of an autoclave. Productivity packages can provide up to 1,500 square feet of six-by-six millimeter product per eight-hour shift. Standard, hurricane-proof and noise-reduction glass are easily produced.