3form Pressed Glass FAQ - Office Dividers | | 3form
Pressed Glass – Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3form Pressed Glass?
3form Pressed Glass is a laminated glass that utilizes 3form’s beautiful inserts from the Varia Ecoresin product line and robust range of colors within the C3 color system. It is a safety glass that is available in annealed or tempered glass, and in clear float or low iron options.
What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is tough, has enhanced thermal resistance, and will break into small, rounded pieces or cubes of glass, minimizing the risks of cuts and shards if the glass is broken. Tempered glass is also referred to as ‘toughened glass’ or ‘heat strengthened’ because the surface of the glass can withstand four times the impact of standard glass. Tempered glass is created by substantially heating the glass and thereby reorganizing the actual glass structure to a much stronger configuration. Tempered glass cannot be fabricated after the tempering process. Tempered glass is most susceptible to breakage at the edge of the glass. If the edges of the glass are exposed to striking or impact, annealed glass may be a better solution.
What is safety glass?
Safety glass is a glass that is designed to promote safety and to reduce or minimize the likelihood of cutting and piercing injuries when the glazing materials are broken by human contact.
Does our Pressed Glass qualify as safety glass?
Glass can only be referred to as ‘safety glass’ if it passes the ANSI Z97.1 American National Standards for Safety Glazing Materials used in Buildings-Safety Specifications and Methods Test. 3form’s Pressed Glass (and Poured Glass!) passes the ANSI Z97.1 test and can therefore be considered as safety glass.
3form Pressed Glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breakage, it is held in place by an interlayer, typically either polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), between two or more layers of glass. The interlayer keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large, sharp pieces. This produces a characteristic “spider web’ cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass.
Does the PVB/TPU serve other purposes than just safety?
The PVB/TPU interlayer also gives the glass a much higher sound insulation rating, due to the damping effect, and also blocks 99% of transmitted UV light.
Why should our customers choose 3form Pressed Glass?
Several reasons:
1. 3form Pressed Glass has a number of design interlayers to choose from, including most of the Varia Ecoresin line. Organics, Graphic, Moderna textiles, along with C3 offer extensive design freedom from a single source. Additionally, clients are able to mix and match the C3 colors to create over 10,000 custom colors.
2. The C3 system makes it easy to design a space using a consistent color scheme while incorporating various materials as required for performance reasons. For example, use Chroma for a horizontal surface, Varia Ecoresin for curved ceiling panels, and Pressed Glass for a sliding door.
Who are the main competitors in laminated glass?
There will not be many competitors with laminated glass using organic and interesting inserts as found in the 3form system. However, laminated colored glass is abundant and competes with the various color options available in 3form Pressed Glass.
Many glass shops use the Vanceva film color system, a color system offered by Saflex (owned by Solutia). Saflex partners with various glass manufacturers. The largest partners are Arch Aluminum and Old Castle. See the following link or Appendix A at the end of this document.
3form can produce Vanceva solutions, but will not be cost competitive with other glass shops for this solution.
What is the Vanceva color system?
The Vanceva color system uses 13 different colored films, printed on PVB, that can be combined with a maximum for four interlayers. Thus, this system creates over 715 color combinations. C3, on the other hand, offers compared 5,456 color combinations. Each of their colors is assigned a number, 1-9, with additional colors assigned A-D. A product called “1234” means the first layer is color #1, the second layer is color #2, the third layer is color #3, and the fourth layer is color #4. A “0” means no color. A product called 0001 simply means the product uses one layer of color #1 and nothing else. A product called 1111 uses four layers of color #1. Also, Vanceva colors can actually be offered by 3form, but we cannot be cost-competitive with the other shops that offer Vanceva colors and thus do not market this solution.
If my customer wants to use color with Pressed Glass, what are their options?
You can achieve color in 3form Pressed Glass three ways:
o Recommended – Universal C3 Colors. Using the Universal C3 colors, which utilize the same film as C3 Chroma, Pressed Glass C3 is the highest quality, lowest cost and quickest lead time for color within Pressed Glass, and is also color-coordinated with the other C3 products. Reference “C3 [x] Layers” on the price list, up to 3 layers available.
o 2nd option – Woven Colors. The same woven colors in the Varia Ecoresin system are also available in Pressed Glass. The translucency of glass make the textile more visible. Reference “Woven Color” on the price list. You can use one layer of woven color. If you would like more layers of Woven Color within a sheet, contact Azar.
o 3rd option – Supplemental C3 Colors. Using the same colors as the Supplemental C3 colors, which are standard in Varia Ecoresin, this option requires a standard lamination process preceding the custom lamination of Pressed Glass and thus costs more and has a longer lead time than the Pressed Glass C3 Color and Woven Color options. You can use up to three layers of C3 in this option as a standard. Using four or five layers of color is also an option, but you need to email Azar for custom pricing/approval.
What 3form products can be made in Pressed Glass?
If the product is on the Pressed Glass price list, it can be done. If it is not on the price list, it means that either we have tested it and cannot do it, or have not tested it yet. Therefore, if the item you want is not on the Pressed Glass price list, use the Custom Project Process to see if the insert you desire is available in Pressed Glass. We will then either confirm that it is not or run a test to see if it can be done.
Will organic products fade over time with exterior exposure like in Varia Ecoresin?
Yes, even with UV stable glass, organic products will have changes in color over time. We know that the main cause of organic fading pertains to drying out of delicate organics over time and not UV. The resin binders we use for Pressed Glass UV stabilized and act as strong UV screens.
What is the gauge tolerance of Pressed Glass?
The gauge tolerance of Pressed Glass is - 1/16”. The gauge listed on the price list is a “should not exceed” gauge, meaning the sheet, at a maximum should be the listed gauge, and can be as thin as 1/16” less than the listed gauge.
Do I need to order a full sheet?
No, you can order a piece as small as 1’x1’. However, any pieces that are smaller than 5 square feet will be charged the price of 5 square feet. If you order ten 2’x2’ pieces of the same material, each of those pieces will be charged at 5 square feet instead of 4. Having said that, should you have a job with many smaller parts that charging each at 5 square feet may seem unreasonable, please contact Azar to discuss the specifics of the project.
Can multiple layers be used in Pressed Glass?
Yes. In C3, for example, up to 3 layers of color can be combined.
You may be able to combine other inserts, but any non-color, multi-layer requests need to go through the Custom Project Process.
Requests for two or more layers of Woven color should be directed to Azar.
Also, any Varia Ecoresin sheet can be made in Pressed Glass – the worst case scenario would entail making a standard lamination sheet of Varia Ecoresin using the C3 colors and then using that laminated sheet as an interlayer in Pressed Glass. However, this solution will prove to be more expensive and have a longer lead time, and needs to go through the Custom Project Process.
What is the difference between Clear Float and Low Iron?
Clear Float is the standard, less expensive glass that has a green edge and an overall green hue which is more noticeable as the thickness of glass increases. Low Iron is an alternative option to Clear Float. Low Iron has superior clarity to Clear Float and colors will be more true in Low Iron. However, it is more expensive and does have a very slight green hue that is more noticeable as the thickness of glass increases.
For translucent materials, lighter colors, and for thicker gauges, upgrading to Low Iron for increased optical clarity may be desired.
For opaque materials, darker colors, and thinner gauges, the color and clarity of Clear Float may be sufficient.
Also, products can have one side Clear Float and one side Low Iron, so for a one sided Pressed Glass product, it can be ordered with a Low Iron front and a Clear Float back.
What is Starphire glass?
Starphire is PPG’s branded name for Low Iron glass.
What is Low E glass?
Low E stands for “low emissivity”, and is a thin coating that can be added to Pressed Glass. The low E coating has a slight amber color. Low E Glass absorbs a significant amount of infrared light, lowering the total heat flow through the glass panel. In other words, Low E Glass keeps interiors warm when the weather is cold, and keeps the heat out when the weather is warm. The coating is very fragile and therefore is usually applied to an inner lite of a double pane application (like an IGU). Low E is usually only used in exterior window applications and specified for thermal efficient glazing, though not many exterior window applications necessarily use Low E.
How do I price Pressed Glass?
Grab your Pressed Glass price list and follow these directions:
1. Find the product in the alphabetically-sorted list on the left.
a. For Pressed Glass Color (i.e. C3 or the Chroma colors), reference “C3 [x] layer(s)”.
b. For C3 colors laminated in Varia Ecoresin first, then glass, reference “C3 [x] layer(s) Varia…”
c. For Woven Colors, reference “Woven Color”.
2. Find the gauge you want – note that not every product is available in each gauge.
3. In the intersection of that product and gauge, the price is listed.
a. This price assumes annealed, clear float glass, with no edges polished.
b. If the price is in red, it is tempered glass instead of annealed.
c. If the price is a bolded font and has a “+AC”, there is an additional, per piece price to add on the far right of the price list. Note that these per piece prices are per piece, and not per square foot. These additional cost items include the following products:
i. Wood – because of the incremental cost of the insert.
ii. Pure Color – because it goes through the Standard Lamination process first.
iii. HighRes – because of the incremental cost of the insert.
d. Quantity discounts apply to both square foot pricing and additional cost items.
e. Quantity premiums only apply to square foot pricing.
f. Shipping is quoted from 3form West as a standard.
What is a standard-sized piece?
A standard-sized piece will be each of the following:
1. 50 square feet or less
2. 129 inches or less on the width
3. 129 inches or less on the length
Otherwise, it is a custom-sized piece. Custom-sized pieces require a 20% price increase to the square foot pricing.
Why are certain products more expensive in thinner gauges than thicker gauges?
Thin pieces of glass are difficult to handle and are more prone to breaking. Thus, the incremental quality and cost issues relative to thin glass is priced into these products. The second thinnest gauge offering for any product is almost always less expensive than the thinnest gauge offering.
What is the standard lead time and what are my expedite options for pressed glass?
From the Master Price List, ‘Lead Time and Expedite Schedule’ tab:
|Product |Standard Lead Time |4 Weeks |3 Weeks |2 Weeks |
| |Exception Quantity* | | | |
|Pressed Glass |Annealed Glass |25 |na |na |Standard |
| |Tempered Glass |25 |na |na |Standard |
| |C3 Supplemental |25 |na |na |na |
| |HighRes |25 |Standard |25% / $1000 |40% / $1500 |
*orders of over 50 sheets need to be given a case-by-case lead time
Also, note the following exceptions and additional information:
If a sheet is fabricated (has holes or custom cuts), then the standard lead time for Tempered and HighRes glass increases by one week and expedites are no longer available.
Orders with individual panels that are any of the following require a case-by-case lead time:
• thicker than 2”
• longer than 10’ in any direction
• with the exception of C3 - Varia Ecoresin sheets that are pressed in the standard lamination process first and then put in glass
• custom materials
Why can’t I get an expedite option on tempered glass?
Unlike Varia Ecoresin, which is cut after layup, tempered glass must be cut and heat-treated prior to layup and lamination. Both the top and bottom sheet are cut separately on a waterjet or a water cooled CNC machine, then tempered. In short, the process is longer and complicated, and unfortunately, not conducive to expedite availability.
My client wants to book the order now to get his lead time set, but he doesn’t have final drawings. Can I just book the order to begin the lead time and get the drawings later?
Absolutely not. While this is a bad practice for orders in Varia Ecoresin and Chroma utilizing fabrication, it is deadly in glass. Glass is cut to size and fabricated prior to layup, so the order cannot start until drawings are provided.
What is the standard format for full panels?
A standard panel, if not otherwise specified, will be Annealed, Clear Float glass and will not have any finished edges. Tempered, Low Iron, and finished edges can be specified.
How many crates does an order need?
One crate can hold up to 2000 pounds of glass.
1. Determine the total weight by referencing the pounds per square foot as indicated on the price list
2. Multiple by the number of square feet
3. Divide by 2000
4. Round up to determine the number of crates needed
What is the standard format for sampling?
Some PNP samples are in Low Iron, and some Clear Float. Below is a breakdown:
Low Iron: all Pressed Glass Color, Linen White, Marrakesh White, Zebrano
Clear Float: Electra Silver, Hummingbird HighRes, Thatch 50%, Lattice Buff, Seaweed, Tea Party,
All PNP (standard) glass samples, as a standard, are made with 2 adjoining edges polished, adjoining to show what two edges polished forming a corner would look like.
All custom glass samples, as a standard, have no finished edges and are sampled in Clear Float unless you specify Low Iron. Finished edges can be ordered on custom sampling.
Why are only certain Varia Ecoresin patterns available in Pressed Glass PNP, and the rest have to be custom?
Cost. The cost of making and inventorying that many samples is prohibitive. Instead, we hand select patterns in attempt to demonstrate the different types of interlayers that can be used in Pressed Glass.
Why are only certain patterns showed on the website, when many more can be made in Pressed Glass?
The website indicates that only a select number of patterns are shown there, and that a rep should be contacted to inquire about other patterns. This alleviates the pressure of not carrying certain products in PNP because of web exposure.
What is the lead time for a custom glass sample?
Two weeks.
What are the options for edging on Pressed Glass?
You have several options for Pressed Glass options:
1. Unpolished edges. This will result in a rough edge in which the top and bottom pane of glass may be shifted as much as 5/16”. This is only an appropriate solution for a framed application and should never be used if the client needs to seam two pieces together. This is the default finish. Below are a couple examples of what Pressed Glass will look like without finished edges:
[pic]
2. Polished edges (annealed glass). A polished edge will be flush with a subtle easing, as shown in the image. PNP samples have two edges polished as a standard. Here is what a polished edge will look like.
3. Polished edges (tempered glass). Tempered glass is polished in individual pieces (lites) first, and then laminated together. Thus, some slippage can occur where the top glass piece and bottom glass piece do not line up evenly. Below is a picture of two glass panels, one on the right, and one on the left, showing how the two pieces of glass lites can slip and not line up in the final, laminated panel.
[pic]
Here are the slippage tolerance clients can expect with polished edges on tempered glass:
9/16” or less – up to 1/16” of slippage
Greater than 9/16” – up to 3/32” of slippage
See Appendix B for photos of actual, tempered product with polished edges.
4. Beveled edge (annealed glass). There are various shapes that can be mitred onto glass edges for a beveled look:
My client is lining up several glass panels together and wants the edges to match. What are the options for the Pressed Glass edges?
Laminated glass can be ordered with or without polishing. Any time an edge is exposed or needs to join with another panel it should be polished. The only time glass edges should not be polished is if they are captured in some kind of frame system. Here is what you can expect:
Unpolished edges: Each piece of glass will be cut on a standard glass cutter. There can be some variation in this cut. Additionally, there is a tolerance for the top and bottom piece of glass not lining up perfectly. The tolerance is up to 5/8” in variance as a combination of shifting and cut variance. Here are two glass panels (one on the left, one on the right), unpolished, next to each other:
[pic]
Annealed glass with polished edges: The glass will be laminated and then polished. The edges will be even and the top and bottom will have a subtle easing. This is the best option for matching multiple glass panels to each other. Here are two glass panels (one on the left, one on the right), polished, next to each other:
[pic]
Tempered glass is polished and then laminated. The edges will be even, but there can be a shift from the top piece of glass to the bottom piece of glass. Here are two glass panels (one on the left, one on the right), tempered, next to each other:
[pic]
What are the options to modify the level of opacity in Pressed Glass?
As a standard, Pressed Glass comes with a very transparent look. Depending on the type of insert, the customer has options to increase the level of opacity on Pressed Glass.
C3 Color in Pressed Glass, along with Wood, use TPU and are thus more limited in opacity options. To increase the level of opacity, specify acid etched glass, which has a similar appearance to the patina finish for Varia Ecoresin. This can be specified on either side or both sides, but has to be on the outside of the glass panel, and not next to the interlayer.
For most products, which use PVB, using acid etched glass is also an option. In addition to that, customers can request any one of three special PVB interlayers to increase opacity: PVB White 80%, PVB White 65%, and PVB White 7%.
• PVB White 80% - the least opaque, lessens the clarity but can still be seen through, like resin
• PVB White 65% - this option results in a level of opacity that limits the details that can be seen through it, though general shapes can be seen
• PVB White 7% - this option is the most opaque and cannot really be seen through
What is fritted glass?
Frit is a ceramic paint that is permanently applied to glass during the tempering process. Since Frit glass requires tempering, quotes for Frit glass will already include tempering. Frit has a permanent quality and is easy to clean since frit is often put on the inside of a laminated glass unit and therefore cannot be soiled.
Frit can be any color (match to a supplied sample or a Pantone color), and the two primary colors of frit are white and Pro Etch (similar to acid etch in look). Any custom color can be matched but will have color match charges, a longer lead time, and sampling can take 4-5 weeks. White and Pro Etch are always in stock. Please use the custom project process to request custom colors in frit.
There are approximately 25 standard frit patterns, most using different sized dots or lines. Custom patterns can be created, and the associated one-time screen costs for this range from $1500 - $6000 depending on the size of the glass. Please use the custom project process to request custom frit patterns.
Frit is often used for its anti-skid properties on floor and stair applications (utilizing a dot pattern, for example). Frit can also be used as dots or lines to create a solar screen, and also to realize a graphic design in glass as an alternative to our Graphic line.
Is Pressed Glass suitable for Exterior Applications?
Absolutely. It is important to be aware that many of our interlayers (woven color, organics and certain films) for Pressed Glass are sensitive to effects of humidity, heat, and UV, among others. Generally, it is good practice to encourage 3form Pressed Glass be sealed and fully framed for exterior applications. As always, it is good practice to consult with the Product Technology Team if you are unsure about the best recommendations for an exterior specification for 3form Pressed Glass.
Can 3form Pressed Glass be fabricated?
3form Pressed Glass can be fabricated (holes, notches, etc) but cannot be heat formed. Any fabrication, outside mitered edges and beveled edges, would require the glass panel to be made in tempered glass. Mitered edges and beveled edges can be done on tempered glass or annealed glass.
Does 3form Pressed Glass meet any codes or standards?
3form Pressed Glass passes ANSI Z97.1 – the American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials used in Buildings – Safety Performance Specifications and Methods Test.
3form Pressed Glass also passes 16 CFR 1201 – Consumer Products Safety Commission Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials
Can 3form Pressed Glass be used in a wet application?
Yes. Any framed Pressed Glass in wet applications should have the Black Edge Sealant applied to the perimeter of each panel ($.50 per linear inch). The Black Edge Sealant is not intended to be exposed for aesthetic purposes.
For sealing organic inserts, the user can also specify a 1/8” edge deletion combined with a TPU layer instead of a Black Edge Sealant. This 1/8” edge deletion simply means the insert stops 1/8” away from the edge of the panel, and then the TPU completely seals the entire interlayer.
For the Universal C3 colors within Pressed Glass, the standard layup is sufficient to protect the color in a wet application.
What if the customer already has the panels and now needs the edges sealed?
The customer can use Essex Betaseal, a Dow product, as their black edge sealant for the panels.
Can 3form Pressed Glass be used in a point support application?
Yes. It should be done as follows:
• Use tempered glass
• Must have a balanced layup
• Minimum of 7/16”
• No glass should touch the metal of the point support; it should have a spacer of some sort. At least one surface spacer must be compressible and of a minimum 1/8” in thickness
• Holes must be positioned per the following:
[pic]
My client is not sure who will install the glass. What do you recommend?
Glass has special handling and installation requirements and should be installed by a professional glazier. Similar to other professionals like plumbers or electricians, glaziers are trained and experienced in knowing the special handling requirements for glass panels. 3form cannot be responsible if 3form Pressed Glass is broken due to the limited experience of the installer.
What is a bug?
Building codes require that safety glass (both laminated and tempered) have a permanent mark, known as a ‘bug’, on the glass that identifies the manufacturer, designation (i.e. tempered or laminated) and the codes or standards that the glass meets (i.e. ANSI Z97.1 and CFR 1201 Category II). All 3form Pressed Glass will carry this mark (bug) unless it is requested, in writing, that the glass contain “NO BUGS”. See Appendix C for pictures showing the look and size of a bug.
When might a ‘bug’ not be needed or desired?
A bug is not required in installations where safety glass is not required by code. For example, table tops or kitchen cabinets may not need a “bug” and in fact it may not be desirable to have a bug in these conditions. All Pressed Glass will have a bug unless it is requested, in writing, that the glass contain “NO BUGS”. See Appendix C for pictures showing the look and size of a bug.
What are some basic applications for 3form Pressed Glass?
3form Pressed Glass is ideal for applications requiring the performance of glass, whether it be rigidity, ability to span, safety performance, or aesthetic clarity. Sliding door systems, horizontal applications, IGUs, and even glass flooring, using a non-skid frit surface, are all possible with 3form Pressed Glass.
What is an IGU?
IGU stands for “Insulated Glass Unit”: two or more pieces of glass spaced apart and sealed to form a single-glazed unit with an air space, similar to double pane windows. IGUs are used in thermal control applications.
[pic]
Appendix A – Vanceva Manufacturers
Alabama
Global Security Glazing
Selma, AL 36702
California
Arch Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc.
City of Industry, CA 91748
Oldcastle Glass - Fremont
Fremont, CA 94539-7798
Oldcastle Glass - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Hehr Glass
Pomona, CA 91766
GlasPro Inc.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Florida
Arch Aluminum and Glass (Tamarac)
Tamarac, FL 33321
Massachusetts
LTI Smart Glass, Inc
Lenox, MA 01240
Colorado
Arch Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc.
Longmont CO 80501
Minnesota
Viracon
Owatonna, MN 55060
Mirror Factory
Plymouth, MN 55441
New York
Oldcastle Glass - New York
Hauppage, NY 11788
Ohio
Oldcastle Glass - Perrysburg
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Ohio (cont)
Arch Aluminum and Glass (ArchDeco)
Columbus, OH 43228
Pennsylvania
Dlubak
Blairsville, PA 15717
Standard Bent
Butler, PA 16003
Oldcastle Glass - Telford
Telford, PA 18969
North American Specialty Glass
Trumbauersville, PA 18970
Texas
Secur*Glass
Carrollton, TX 75006
Oldcastle Glass - Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Craftsman Fabricated Glass
Houston, TX 77092
Oldcastle Glass - Houston
Houston, TX 77043
Virginia
Guardian Galax
Galax, VA 24333
Wisconsin
Arch Wisconsin
Waukesha, WI 53186
For States Not Represented
Arch Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc.
for projects located in OR, WA, NV, AZ, NM,
British Columbia and Alberta, CAN
City of Industry, CA 91748
Arch Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc.
for projects located in WY and UT
Longmont CO 80501
Appendix B – Tempered Glass, Polished Edges
[pic]
[pic]
[pic]
Appendix C – Bugs
This is the safety glass bug that is on all non-tempered Pressed Glass (and Poured Glass as well).
[pic]
This is the tempered glass bug that is on all tempered Pressed Glass.
[pic]
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.