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Frameless Glazing
Frameless Glazing
RAL COLOUR GUIDE
 
ANODISED FINISHES
 
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Brushed Stainless Steel Finish

 

Linished Stainless Steel Finish

 

Bead Blasted Stainless Steel

 

Polished Stainless Steel Finish

 

Laser Cut Stainless Steel Sheet

 
System Finishes in Architectural Glass Structures

The team at Glazing Innovations will offer there professional opinion based upon the aesthetical information provided. We pride ourselves upon the guidance we provide from initial consultation through to works completion and maintenance guidance.

 

Architectural glazing system finishes hold an equally important aesthetical role to the glass itself. Whilst framework often represents an ever decreasing proportion of modern architectural glass. It is normally the framework design and finish that establish the o/all charm of a glass structures appearance. Section sizes of any material will increase proportionately to there structural requirement and even structural glass fins can loose some of their aesthetical benefits on some smaller span, glass fin reliant designs (spliced fins/ multiple unit glass connections).

 

Whilst frameless glass structures with stainless steel fittings and minimal framework is often the desired choice. Some applications may be better completed with further framework design consideration. Both internal and external views should be equally considered.

 

Our company offers many system finishes and bespoke deviations; however specialise in the supply of architectural metal finishes and structural glass components.

 

Typically our designed components comprise of a Polyester Powder Coated, Anodised or Stainless Steel finish.

 

Frameless Glazing Systems are often provided in a polyester powder coated and/or stainless steel finished. Systems typically utilise stainless steel glass fittings, glass fin assemblies and aperture brackets, with some deviation on preferred aperture framework options (with window, door and vent considerations where applicable).

 

Structural Glazing Systems are also often provided in both either a polyester powder coated frame or stainless steel frame and finish. Anodised finishes may also be consideration. Typically the framework is only primarily visible internally, resulting in the framework finish mainly requiring internal aesthetical considerations.

 

Due to cost, Framed Glazing Systems (Patent Glazing/Curtain Walling) are normally provided in a polyester powder coated or anodised finish. Due to the framework typically being isolated internally and externally a choice of dual colours or finishes can always be considered.

 

You will find general information regarding the typical framework finish specifications below (including images to assist in the general specifying of a finish). If you would like to consult one of our sales team regarding any aspect of architectural glazing design, please do not hesitate to contact us with your enquiry accordingly.

Polyester Powder Coating to Architectural Glass Components

Polyester Powder Coating of visible framework offers a magnitude of colour variations to compliment most design interfaces. Our company typically supplies and therefore quotes as standard the powder coating of any standard colour within the RAL range. BS reference colours and extended guarantees can also be quoted if required.

 

As we understand how time consuming many aspects of specifying architectural glass developments can be, we have provided an indicative chart of the majority of colours and references in the adjacent scroll window. Please note that these are provided as an initial guide only and that a colour swatch/sample should be obtained prior to deciding upon a final colour reference.

 

The most typical requested colours include:-

 

RAL 9010 (off white)

 

RAL 9005 (jet black)

 

RAL 7015 (slate grey)

 

The polyester powder can be supplied in a matt, semi gloss or full glass finish however a matt finish tends to be more popular due its smooth, low reflective surface. Care should be taken to ensure that the gloss level and reference specified is that of a standard colour (non standard colour and gloss finish combinations do cost a premium).

 

Care must be taken in ensuring that he make up of any polyester powder colour is suitable for external use and that the relevant BS standards are adhered to (vary subject to base material). These ensure a strict adherence to pre treatment procedures particularly in respect to cleaning and etch priming. Whilst polyester powder coating can also be applied to mild steel, a base red oxide coating should be applied as a minimum.

 

Polyester powder coating is achieved by the spraying of the polyester powder resin onto a statically charged section (the charge determines the thickness of the coating). A minimum of 40 microns should be specified (60 and 80 microns optional). Once complete the polyester is baked onto the surface within an oven at high temperature and then left to cool before handling. Once complete, the polyester powder coated finish provides a smooth durable surface layer.

Anodised Aluminium Finishes to Architectural Glass Systems

Anodised aluminium can also be utilsed within all glazing systems. As aluminium section surfaces are soft anodising is a brilliant way of maintaining the sharp appearance of an extruded profile and some form of the extrusions natural ‘grain’. The hardened surface is incredibly scratch and temperature resistant.

 

There are however cost implications with this finish as whilst fundamentally the application of this finish is not much more than polyester powder coating. The design and associated fabrication costs often increase due to aesthetical welding restrictions in fabrication. The framework must be fully protected during machining and more expensive grades of aluminium should be utilsed.

 

 

Typical types of the sulphuric acid anodising we provide include:-

 

Natural, Clear or Silver Anodising (no colouring added)

 

Black (colouring added)

 

Other colours do exist, however are not as readily available due to demand.

 

Due to the special considerations when utilising an anodised aluminium finish, please contact our sales team with your requirements to ensure a suitable budget has been accounted for.

Stainless Steel Finishes within Architectural Glazing Systems

With the ever increasing level of chrome and stainless steel fittings and appliances within the modern home, stainless steel components and cladding in glass architecture also reflect a modern trend. Costs are often prohibitive, however common within contemporary frameless glazing systems and door fittings/hardware to standard single glazed partitioning screens.

 

Sections are typically provided in Grade 304 Stainless Steel (grade A2 fixings), however special attention must be paid to adverse conditions such as marine environments. In this instance all components should be supplied in Grade 316 Stainless Steel (grade A4 fixings) due to salt moisture in the atmosphere reacting with the 304 grade. Other grades are available and hold further enhanced properties; however these are not common place within architectural glass structures.

 

Stainless Steel finishes within glass architecture are often specified as brushed/satin (producing a dulled, less reflective ‘grained’ effect) or polished/mirrored (producing a bright reflective finish). Patterned or Linished Stainless Steel can also be incorporated.

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