Processing.

Q. What are the basic edge finishes to a piece of glass?

1. Arrissed Edge - The sharp edges are machined, not a finished edge, suitable for glazing or handling purpose or to reduce the risk of thermal fracture in annealed glass.
2. Smoothed Edge - The edge of the glass is machined flat and the edges arrissed but not polished.
3. Polised Edge - The edge of the glass is machined flat, the edges arrissed and the edge polished.
4. Bevel - The face surface of the glass is ground way and polished to various widths and thickness at the edge. Unless the thickness at the edge is specified, it will be to our normal setting.  

Q. What diameter hole can be put into a piece of glass?

A. Between 6 - 50mm.

Q. Can you polish or bevel shapes?

A. Shapes can be bevelled and polished. Internal radii must exceed the minimum radius for the type of machine the glass is being worked on. Submit details of the shape required.

Q. Can you cut a shape from a .dxf file emailed to you?

A. Yes.

Q. Can "cut outs" or "notches" for plug sockets or other items be incorporated in the glass?

A. Yes, normally in toughened glass to increase the strength of the finished piece so there are rules as to how close to the edge or corner they can be, submit a dimensioned drawing for approval.

Q. What sort of glass can be used in a barrier or balustrade?

A. BS6180 defines the type of glass depending on the type of framework and building it is used in. Your Architect, Specifier or Building Control will specify the, Uniformley Distributed Load (UDL) in kN/m and / or Point Load in k/N. On receipt the type of building, eg. domestic or commercial and the loadings, we can make a recommendation as to the type of glass to be used.

Q. Glass floors, is there a maximum area and special frame?

A. We have data for the appropriate thickness up to 1m2. Submit the UDL in k/M and Point Load in k/N and advise if, a domestic floor, dance floor, corridor or stairtread, for our recommendations.

Q. Mirrors, how do I determine the, thickness, edgework, number of holes and whether safety backing is required?

A. We have tables to help determine the thickness. If the edge is exposed it should be polished. A mirror will normally hang on the screws put in first, so 4 or 6 holes in the right position with the correct fixings, will be sufficient.

Q. What thickness sould I use for a shelf?

A. Again, we have tables and will advise.

Q. What is the mirror with stripes on?

A. "Venetian Stripe Silvered", deceives the eye by reflecting light from the bands of silvered glass but obviously not a secret viewing mirror.