Curved Glass

Curved glass and curved elements can be an essential aspect of a design or project. They can create natural organic shapes in a space or room, providing a feeling of openness. Using curved glass is a fantastic way to build a feature that unites all external and internal faces of the design.

All our curved glass units are made in kiln baths where the radius of the curve required is cut into metal templates with water jets, forming the shape of the glass curvature. We place the flat glass over the metal mould in the kiln and raise the temperature. It rises from 1 to 1000 degrees in seven minutes, and the glass takes on the shape of the curve.

Curved glass can be made in one of three distinct ways, creating three main types of curved glass, each suited for different applications:

• Annealed Glass Bends (non-impact resistant)
• Laminated Curved Glass (impact resistant)
• Toughened Curved Glass (impact resistant)

Toughened Curved Glass

We can laminate toughened panes for a higher degree of safety glass for overhead panels. Toughened curved glass panels can also be heat-soaked for better resistance against Nickel Sulphide Inclusion.

Both toughened and laminated curved glass panels can be used together to form a double or triple-glazed curved glass unit for external uses. We can treat curved units with all manner of performance coatings for a more functional glass piece, such as Low-E coatings, solar control coatings, self-cleaning coatings, etc.

The results of glass curving can range from cylindrical single curves to complex non-cylindrical items with tight radius curves and tangents. The maximum glass sizes, angles and radius curves depend on the glass thickness to be used to allow for tight radius curves for a wide range of applications in architectural, commercial and residential installations.

At the Showroom

Curved glazing can be incorporated into a wide range of bespoke glazing systems. One of the most popular is being used to create curved glass walls. 

The newly renovated IQ Glass Showroom in Amersham has a bespoke triple glazed, curved glass wall installation. All curved structural glass panes used were toughened and heat soak tested to reduce the chance of a nickel sulphide breakage. 

The outer pane uses two panes of structural glazing laminated together, and argon gas cavities for unparalleled thermal performance values. 

Being able to see this type of innovative glazing solution up close allows you to appreciate how the curved glass wall offers clear panoramic views while maintaining a minimal design. 

Visiting the showroom also has the benefit of dedicated one-on-one time with a technical sales advisor who can talk you through all the glazing options for your project whilst also showing you in person.