Hot bent glass is a curved glass formed by softening flat glass at high temperatures and molding it in a mold, which combines aesthetics and functionality. However, the following precautions should be taken when using it to ensure safety, durability, and effectiveness:
1、 Preparation and inspection before installation
Size and appearance verification
Confirm that the curvature and size of the hot bent glass match the design drawings perfectly, to avoid stress concentration during installation due to size errors (which may cause cracking).
Check the surface for bubbles, impurities, scratches, or edge damage. The edges need to be polished (rounded or chamfered), and sharp edges that have not been treated may crack due to uneven stress.
Supporting structure adaptability
The installation frame (metal, wood or wall) should be flat and stable, with a curvature that fully conforms to the glass, avoiding local suspension or point contact (which can easily cause stress concentration).
It is recommended to use elastic cushioning materials (such as rubber gaskets, silicone glue) to fill the gaps between the glass and the frame, reducing stress caused by vibration and temperature changes.
2、 Key points during installation process
Avoid violent installation
When transporting, gloves should be worn, and both hands should support both sides (not the edges) of the glass. It is forbidden to lift or drag with one hand. The center of gravity of the curved glass is prone to deviation, and the edge may crack under the force of one hand.
During installation, it is prohibited to use hard objects to strike the glass surface. When fixing screws, expansion space should be reserved (the diameter of the screw hole should be 1-2mm larger than the screw) to avoid local stress caused by over tightening.
Sealing and waterproof treatment
When installing outdoors or in humid environments (such as bathrooms and balconies), the edges should be sealed with weather resistant silicone sealant to prevent moisture from seeping into the frame, causing the glass and adhesive layer to peel off or the frame to rust.
If used in load-bearing scenarios (such as glass coffee tables, countertops), invisible supports (such as metal brackets) need to be installed at the bottom to avoid single point load-bearing.
3、 Usage environment and daily maintenance
Temperature and Load Limitations
Temperature range: The temperature resistance of hot bending glass depends on whether it is tempered (ordinary hot bending glass has a temperature resistance of ≤ 150 ℃, tempered hot bending glass has a temperature resistance of ≤ 280 ℃). Avoid contact with open flames or sudden cooling and heating (such as placing a container filled with hot water directly on the surface of the glass). If the temperature difference is too large, it will cause uneven thermal expansion and contraction and rupture.
Load bearing limit: The strength of the curved part is lower than that of the flat part, and the load bearing should be designed according to the glass thickness (usually ≥ 5mm) and curvature. Overloading (such as multiple people leaning against the curved glass guardrail at the same time) or placing sharp heavy objects (such as metal brackets directly contacting the glass) is prohibited.
Cleaning and maintenance methods
Cleaning agent selection: Use neutral glass cleaning agents (such as solutions without alcohol or hydrofluoric acid) to avoid strong acids and alkalis (such as toilet cleaners and acid rust removers) from corroding the glass surface or coating (if Low-E film is present).
Wiping method: Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe. Stubborn stains can be softened with warm water first. It is forbidden to use hard objects such as steel wire balls and blades to scratch the surface.
Regular inspection of sealant: Check the edge sealant for cracking and aging every year, and promptly replenish the sealant to prevent water vapor from corroding the joint between the frame and glass.
4、 Safety precautions
Priority should be given to tempered and hot bent glass
Ordinary hot bent glass breaks into sharp fragments, posing a safety hazard; Tempered hot bent glass (customized) breaks into obtuse angle particles, providing higher safety. It is recommended for use in public areas with high pedestrian traffic (such as shopping malls, residential guardrails) or load-bearing scenarios.
Special scenario protection
High rise or outdoor: If used as an external window or balcony guardrail, it must comply with building regulations (such as thickness ≥ 8mm, wind pressure resistance, seismic design), and be pasted with explosion-proof film (to prevent falling after breakage).
Children's activity area: Avoid choosing curved glass with prominent curvature (prone to collision), or installing protective strips or soft packaging edges.
5、 Transportation and storage recommendations
Transportation protection
Custom wooden boxes or foam brackets are used for fixation, and soft materials are used to separate the glasses to prevent friction or collision; Long distance transportation requires fixing the vehicle body to reduce edge stress caused by bumps.
storage environment
Store in a dry and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight (long-term exposure may cause aging of the film layer), and use wooden supports at the bottom to prevent moisture; When placed vertically against the wall, the inclination angle should be ≤ 15 ° to avoid the deformation of the curvature caused by the self weight of the glass.
summarize
The core considerations for hot bending glass revolve around stress control (avoiding local stress during installation), environmental adaptation (temperature, humidity, load-bearing), and safety protection (tempering treatment, edge protection). By standardizing installation, rational use, and regular maintenance, it can maximize its aesthetics and functionality while reducing the risk of rupture. If used in construction or engineering scenarios, it is recommended to consult professional manufacturers for customized installation solutions.