Angularly bent fire-viewing panels have been used for some time to create the visually enhanced impression of a fireplace. Until now, however, for physical reasons, these tended to develop a slight bulge at the outlets of the bending edge, as in the picture above left. The fireplace manufacturer has to take this bulge into account when fitting the glass ceramics exactly into a frame or even a frameless design.
A special bending process for glass ceramics, developed by SCHOTT, now solves this fundamental issue. The bulge at the outlet of the bending edge is considerably reduced, as can be seen in the picture above right. The flat pane of glass ceramics is almost ideally curved and can thus be integrated into frame constructions much more easily; the frames can be much slimmer. In addition, the mechanical solidity of the curved edge can be improved by up to 80%. The result is a visually more sophisticated play of flames as well as an additional enhancement of frameless designs – for a distinctive spatial impression.
The portfolio includes large bending radii between 30 and 95 mm. The soft curvature facilitates an even more natural fire experience and an all-round uninterrupted view of the flames. End customers experience a real campfire feeling in the middle of their living room. The variety of large bending radii allows fireplace manufacturers to differentiate themselves by using dense glass systems instead of two flat panes – thus creating designs that are both elegant and extravagant.
Further information: www.irlbacher.com/en/home/applications
Instant contact: glaskeramik@irlbacher.com
Founded in 1935 in Schönsee (Bavaria), the family-run Irlbacher group is today a global specialist in glass technology. On ten hectares, over 600 employees process more than 50 types of glass with the highest precision – for hygienic HMIs, elegant interior and exterior lights, stylish stoves, aesthetic building technology, functional sanitary objects or micrometre-precise for the process industry.
Irlbacher has the widest portfolio in glass processing worldwide. An in-house printing and design centre implements smart multi-material solutions. The Application technology department is constantly exploring new technical possibilities. The own R&D facilities contribute sophisticated touch solutions – and use the back of the HMI glasses to directly solder the corresponding electronics onto. Not to forget the company’s own mechanical engineering: These machines, transforming over 85 years of experience and knowledge into industrial processes, cannot be bought.
Over time, Irlbacher has developed into a solution provider for complex, glass-based assemblies. The basis for this is our own modular solution construction kit, consisting of a dozen well-developed technology platforms.
The company has continuously invested in sustainability since 1990 and is working on reducing its ecological footprint. Since 2018 Irlbacher has been one of the few medium-sized companies in the climate protection and energy efficiency group of the German economy. At the end of 2020, the company’s own CHP with a total output of 2.1 MW went into operation. This combined heat and power system saves over 1,100 t of CO2 every year.
Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas GmbH
Josef-Irlbacher-Str. 1
92539 Schönsee
Telefon: +49 (9674) 9200-0
Telefax: +49 (9674) 9200-120
http://www.irlbacher.com
Telefon: +49 1714237186
E-Mail: tw@robologs.com
