glasstec 2018: XXL glass as key theme

At this year’s glasstec trade show, one of the key themes will be XXL glass, its uses and the numerous processes it can undergo to inspire designs in architecture.

XXL glass will be a key theme to inspire designs in architecture at this year’s edition of glasstec, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany 23-26 October.

Over the last few years, the topic of larger glass sizes for design and aesthetics has become popular. Lengths of up to 18 metres are now possible and one company already has its sights set on the 20-metre mark in 2018.

Glass manufacturers such as Sedak, Thiele Glas, AGC Interpane and Saint-Gobain are now able to produce 18 x 3.21 metre glass and Sedak is already envisaging 3.51 x 20 metres from mid-2018.

Depending on the customer’s preferences, the finishing of XXL glass involves the same stages as any other glass: processing (i.e. cutting, drilling and edge treatment), pre-tensioning (partial toughening, safety tempering and heat soak testing), ceramic printing (web-feed and digital printing), coating and laminating. AGC Interpane and Sedak are currently both in a position to make multi-pane thermal glasses up to 3.21 x 15 metres.

The XXL glass exhibited at glasstec 2018 will be multifunctional: specially cut, curved, bent, with striking printing and can be dimmed as little or as much as required.

XXL glass focuses on edge seals and sun protection. At least one edge is limited to a length of 3.2 metres, so that the deadweight for larger glass increases disproportionately on the narrow side, due to the manufacturing process. Depending on the mounting of the glass onto the façade, the bond on the edge seal must achieve far more to ensure structural stability and to satisfy the need for impermeability.

For XXL glass, switchable glazing is a smart solution, which will address glare, aesthetics and wind load. Switchable glass technology makes it possible to trigger the tint actively or passively. The most promising solution is currently the active electrochromic variety, such as E-Control glass, with internal and nanostructured coating. The glass turns blue when a low voltage is applied, creating the so-called ‘electrochromic effect’.