Category: Reflective Glass

What Is Reflective Glass & How Is It Made?

Post author By AIS
Post date April 24, 2023
No Comments on What Is Reflective Glass & How Is It Made?

Have you ever seen a building with a mirror-like surface that seems to reflect the sky and the surroundings? That’s probably reflective glass! This unique building material has been used in architecture for decades and is still a popular choice for modern buildings worldwide. In this article, we’ll examine what reflective glass is, how it’s made, and why it’s so useful.

What Is Reflective Glass?

Reflective glass is a type of glass that has been treated with a special coating that reflects light and heat. This coating is usually made of metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide, and it’s applied to the surface of the glass during manufacturing. The coating is so thin that it’s almost invisible, but it greatly impacts how the glass looks and behaves.

The Reflective glass comes in various colors, from bronze and blue to silver and green. The color of the glass is determined by the type of metal oxide used in the coating. For example, a coating of titanium dioxide and iron oxide will give the glass a bronze color. In contrast, a coating made of titanium dioxide and silver will give the glass a silver color.

How Is Reflective Glass Made?

Reflective glass is made using a process called pyrolysis. This process involves heating the glass to a very high temperature and then applying the metal oxide coating to the surface while the glass is still hot. The metal oxide coating is then fused to the glass, creating a strong bond resistant to fading, scratching, and weathering. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how reflective glass is made:

The raw materials for the glass are melted in a furnace at temperatures above 1500°C.

The molten glass is then poured onto a bed of molten tin, which smooths out the surface of the glass and gives it a uniform thickness.

The glass is then heated to a temperature of around 600°C.

While the glass is hot, the metal oxide coating is applied to the surface using magnetron sputtering.

The coated glass is then cooled slowly to room temperature, which allows the metal oxide coating to bond with the glass.

The glass is then cut to size and tempered, which makes it stronger and more durable.

Applications of Reflective Glass

Reflective glass is a versatile material that can be used in various applications. Here are some examples:

Commercial Buildings: Reflective glass is commonly used in commercial buildings, such as office towers, hotels, and shopping malls. It can help reduce energy consumption and create a sense of privacy while also enhancing the aesthetics of the building.

Residential Homes: Reflective glass can also be used in residential homes, particularly in areas with high levels of sunlight and heat. It can help reduce energy consumption and protect furniture and artwork from UV damage while providing privacy.

Automobiles: Reflective glass is also used in the windows of automobiles, such as cars and buses. It can help reduce glare from the sun and keep the interior of the vehicle cooler.

Conclusion

Reflective glass is a unique and useful building material that has been around for decades. It’s made by applying a metal oxide coating to the glass’s surface, which reflects light and heat. This coating makes the glass energy efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Reflective glass is used in various applications, including commercial buildings, residential homes, and automobiles.

It’s particularly useful in hot and sunny climates, such as India, where it can help reduce energy consumption and protect interiors from UV damage. If you’re looking for a building material that’s both practical and stylish, reflective glass might be the perfect choice for your next project.

What Are Reflective Glasses and Its Uses?

Post author By AIS
Post date June 9, 2020

Over the years, the meaning of ‘home’ has changed manifold. Now, a ‘home’ has more character, personality, and functionality than ever before. Urban homes have become more open and innovative to match the fast-paced lives of city dwellers.

Yet, many problems persist. Most homes lack appropriate fenestrations, designs, etc., to handle the ever-rising global temperature and climate change. Meanwhile, our energy consumption rates are skyrocketing with increased reliance on heating and cooling systems.

Energy efficiency is the need of the hour, and it calls for a transformation – a transformation best offered by glass! As renowned French-Swedish architect Le Corbusier puts it, “Modern life demands, and is waiting for, a new kind of plan, both for the house and the city.”

Benefits Of Reflective Glass

For those people who are eco-friendly and believe in energy efficiency, opting for solar control glass or reflective glass can be the best choice! There are many benefits and advantages to using these types of glass.

1. Energy-Efficient Fenestrations

Did you know that around 90% of heat gain happens through windows and doors? To prevent your home from feeling like a sauna, you can use reflective glass for fenestration. This is because it lowers heat gain and the differential in temperature to provide a cosy ambience.

It will absorb and reflect a significant amount of the outside heat and keep you cool during the summer! What’s more, you can lower your energy bills by cutting down on the use of artificial lighting and heating and cooling systems.

2. Superior Daylighting

With reflective glass, you get to enjoy the two primary benefits of daylight, that is, reduced reliance on artificial lighting and lowered electricity costs. It allows natural light to pass through, creating brighter and more cheerful interiors throughout the day.

Moreover, reflective glass distributes diffused light across the space to reduce solar glare while keeping the indoors smelling fresh and airy. Besides that, daylight has a direct impact on your productivity, mood, and overall well-being. Thus, premium daylighting means premium health!

3. Aesthetic Galore

The versatility of reflective glass is truly impressive! From tints and patterns to a wide variety of shades, there are many design options to choose from. Architects and interior designers can set new benchmarks in design, style, and comfort with reflective glass.

Moreover, it works well with several architectural elements, from metal panels and spandrels to frames. It is a dynamic architectural element in that its appearance changes with any change in the sky. Best of all, it has a natural sheen and glossy finish, making it a visual delight.

Where Can It Be Used?

Primarily, reflective glass solutions are used to combat the rising rate of energy consumption – as they block the solar heat and glare from entering inside. Several architectural designs are used as green, sustainable elements for their high performance against heat ingress and delectable visual appeal.

Here are some typical applications of reflective glass

1. Structural Façade Glazing

For building a façade, nothing works better than glass – glimmering as the sun hits its surface, reflecting the changing sky; indeed, a visual masterpiece. Yet, at the same time, the building’s interiors can suffer from solar glare and overheating.

This is why most structural façade glazing is done using reflective glass. It minimises heat ingress and solar glare to lower reliance on AC units, keeping indoors cooler throughout the day.

In the range of products offered by AIS Glass, AIS Opal is a perfect fit for structural façade glazing. It provides excellent solar-control properties to keep the building’s interiors from heating up.

2. Glass Windows

In residential and commercial structures, around 90% of the heat enters through windows. To counter this, you may install reflective glass windows for their effective solar-control properties.

They block out UV and IR rays and excessive heat from seeping in for a while, allowing natural light to flood the interior space, and offering a brighter, more comprehensive look indoors. You get optimum daylighting without the disadvantage of overheating.

3. Skylights

While brilliant for daylighting needs and facilitating indoor-outdoor living, skylights can increase interior heating after being exposed to the sun 24×7.

Therefore, to reduce overheating and solar glare, skylights made of reflective glass windows work supremely well. Their solar control properties are highly beneficial in absorbing most UV rays falling on them, lowering heat gain in the process.

The AIS Advantage

As an energy-efficient solution, reflective glass windows are incredibly beneficial. Reflective glasses offer numerous advantages to their users like visual comfort, daylighting, energy savings, enhanced privacy, premium aesthetics, and flexibility of design. And they’re suitable for several internal and external glazing applications.

At AIS Glass, we offer high-quality glazing solutions for all your architectural needs, and you can choose from a diverse range of best-in-class, customisable products. We offer world-class quality reflective glass in various shades, styles, sizes, and thicknesses.

Are you looking for reflective glass solutions? Get in touch with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions on Reflective Glass Windows

Post author By AIS
Post date April 13, 2020
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The inimitable effect of glass in architectural designs is a testament to its effectiveness in providing uniqueness to structures. Glass offers the perfect solution to all your architectural needs; with its incredible customisable properties, it can fit your aesthetics.

As environment friendliness is the need of the hour, the heat-reflecting property of reflective glass windows can be used to ensure thermal control and decrease energy consumption. Reflective glass windows meet the requirements of India’s tropical climate without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Their protective glazing can absorb the heat and reduce solar glare preventing discomfort for the occupants. They also aid in maintaining a proper room temperature inside the buildings. Reflective glass windows are the ultimate option for sustainable living.

What Are Reflective Glass Windows?

Reflective glass windows are coated with a thin layer of metallic glazing, which has heat-reflecting properties. Such a coating on glass prevents solar radiation through selective spectral filtering and allows only natural sunlight to pass through. Reflective glass windows also provide filtering of harmful solar radiation and glare through absorption. Thus, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of natural daylight inside your homes and offices without concern for harmful UV rays. AIS Glass offers customised reflective glass windows with a wide range of products. Our variants come with hard-coated glass and in different patterns to help you make the right aesthetic choice. If you want to learn more about reflective glass and its uses you can visit our website.

These reflective glass windows are highly durable and long-lasting; with world-class solar control technology, they can block excessive heat in the summer months and preserve warmth in the winter months. For a country like India, with its tropical climate woes, reflective glass windows can be an excellent alternative for an eco-sensitive, sustainable living space. For architects and interior designers, such windows present ample opportunity for a master creation.

What Type of Coating Is Used on Reflective Glass?

A metallic coating is applied to the surface of reflective glass, which blocks heat and controls solar radiation. In the age of green buildings, more and more emphasis is being given to eco-friendly technologies that can effectively reduce energy consumption without compromising the aesthetic sensibility of the structures. Reflective glass windows, with their mirror-like finish and colourful metallic glazing, can add an excellent decorative touch to your house and office designs. AIS Opal Trendz is one such patterned reflective glass that provides an effective glazing solution with its variety of colour and style options.

How do Reflective Glass Windows Work?

The unique metallic coating on reflective glass windows blocks external heat from entering indoors and in effect sustains a favourable temperature for the occupants. Since reflective glass does not rely on electricity, its properties will not be affected by any power outage. Your reflective glass windows will absorb the harmful rays of the sun and reflect excessive glare while keeping the indoor temperature favourable. AIS products like the AIS heat-strengthened glass are made with a superior process where the glass is slow-heated and slow-cooled to withstand high temperature differentials for high performance.

Reflective glass windows are not like a reflective mirror, but they give the illusion of one. This quality makes them an effective stylistic choice for exterior applications. Shining, shimmering glass buildings are all the rage today. Architects and interior designers can use this quality of reflective glass windows to create some exciting structural designs.

What Are the Benefits of Using Reflective Glass Windows?

As mentioned above, reflective glass windows are beneficial in numerous ways. Their solar control technology is a one-way solution to prevent colour fading in carpets, curtains, and furniture. The heat-reflecting property of the glass ensures that you get optimal sunlight without any harsh glare from solar radiation. They also help make your homes and offices more eco-sensitive. Reflective glass windows can help reduce energy consumption throughout the year. Visual and thermal comfort are also offered in both hot and cold weather, a quality that further solidifies its high-end functionality.

A significant use of reflective glass windows is for matters of privacy. Outsiders cannot look inside through the glass; however, the insiders will have a clear view of the outside world. Another wonderful benefit of using reflective glass windows, especially for exteriors, is the beautiful reflections it will present when the sunlight bounces off them. Your home or office building will be shimmering with light, offering a spell-binding view to the spectator. Nothing can compare to the shine of reflective glass windows.

Why Use AIS Reflective Glass Windows?

AIS provides reflective glass windows with customisable options to suit your architectural needs. You can consult our experts to ensure the correct thickness and tint for your glass requirements. Windows with reflective glasses like the AIS Sunshield Trend and AIS Opal will provide a dynamic colour palette for trendy exterior and interior applications. Available in a wide range of exciting products with different application benefits, we provide efficient heat-reflecting technology for optimal usage. AIS specialises in highly durable, trendy, and value-for-money products with superior performance quality. We also offer glass processing as per your requirements. Contact us today to learn more!

Choosing an Ideal Reflective Glass: Aesthetics meets Functionality

Post author By AIS
Post date February 29, 2020
No Comments on Choosing an Ideal Reflective Glass: Aesthetics meets Functionality

The world of glass is an ethereal one indeed. There is a glass solution to meet every unique need. Be it that of strength, privacy, security, acoustic-insulation, or energy-efficiency; glass fulfills them all in style. And in this awe-inspiring universe of glass, reflective glass holds a significant place due to its superior aesthetics and stellar functionalities. After all, it allows buildings to achieve a great visual appeal while providing thermal comfort along with energy-efficiency.

What Is Reflective Glass?

Reflective glass is float glass with a thin metallic coating that provides it with a darker shade that helps combat solar glare. Reflective glass has diverse applications in both residential buildings as well as commercial enclaves. The interior applications include display cabinets, display windows, high-quality photo frames, table-tops, wardrobes, etc. The exterior applications include commercial façades, shop displays, restaurant fronts, air traffic control towers, petrol bunk windows, etc.

Reflective Glass: Perfect Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality

As discussed, reflective glass is a versatile material with multifarious applications. It is the perfect amalgamation of aesthetics and functionality. Let us understand a few of the key benefits of installing reflective glass in your home or office –

Optical Comfort

Tinted reflective glass undoubtedly encourages a more soothing atmosphere inside a building by reducing the solar glare along with providing a bold and sharp appearance to its façade. This type of glass allows for optimal sunlight filtration and hue neutrality that further eliminates the need to install blinds or window shutters. Reflective glass manufactured with a Low-E coating increases optical comfort and also makes the building more energy-efficient.

Colour Diversity

Reflective glass is available in varied hues such as bronze, silver, dark grey, green, dark blue, etc. You can choose the hue that aligns with the colour of your building’s framing, stonework, and metal panes. These hues protect your interiors from absorbing harmful UV rays and also significantly reduce the HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit) costs.

Ensures Privacy

The metallic coating on the glass surface provides a one-way mirror effect, rendering it opaque for people standing on the outside looking in. This allows for privacy while letting you or your guests or employees take advantage of the panoramic view of the outside. People and vehicles on the opposite side can simply see a reflection of themselves on the surface of such buildings.

Summer Comfort

Reflective glass allows for tonnes of natural light to shower in without absorbing any of the scorching heat that can make you uncomfortable. This treated glass surface allows light to reflect through but reflects away the heat the said light brings. This makes dwelling very comfortable, especially during the sweltering summer months.

Variety of Options to Choose From

Now that you have learned about the many benefits of reflective glass, you must be wondering about the variants. This type of glass comes in four major variants and is capable of addressing all your performance and design needs.

Opal Solar Control Reflective Glass

This type of reflective glass can be used for home and office exteriors as it cuts heat from your buildings. Opal is a popular choice for heat reflection and is available in several hues, thus enhancing the visual appeal to the building’s façade. This solar control glass comes in shades of royal blue, bronze, pearly grey, aqua blue, golden white and cool green. It is also available in a wide range of sizes and density.

Ecosense Reflective Glass

Ecosense offers exceptional thermal comfort, reduces heat and UV absorption and makes your building energy-efficient. It is the ultimate amalgamation that provides optimum daylighting and aesthetics. This is a high-performance reflective glass and is specially designed to meet the requirement of every Indian customer who needs cooling more than heating. Ecosense can be installed in differing shades of blue and green. It can also be installed without any colour – clear reflective glass.

Super Silver Reflective Glass

Super silver is a heat reflective glazing solution manufactured through the process of CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). CVD technology for making this type of reflective glass is far superior to the traditional spray-coated reflective glass available in the market. Super silver glass reduces solar glare and provides thermal as well as optical comfort inside the building. This glass reflects light during the day giving it one-sided mirror properties that also provide privacy to people inside. Super silver glass is available in various colours, sizes, and thickness.

Sunshield Reflective Glass

If you live or work in a particularly hot location then Sunshield glass is for you. Its strong coating provides a building with ultimate cooling comfort. Sunshield can be installed in several colours, thickness and sizes. It allows the light to reflect through without absorbing the heat and also helps provide solid protection against UV rays.

Get the Best of Reflective Glass at AIS Glass

Can’t decide which type of reflective glass to choose from? Turn to AIS Glass for all your reflective glass-related woes. We offer the aforementioned variety of reflective glass in several colours and customized sizes and thickness. Experience optimal daylight and glare management and keep unwanted heat at bay with AIS Glass’ innovative glass solutions. Get in touch today!

Different Uses of Reflective Glass

Post author By AIS
Post date February 5, 2020
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Reflective glass holds a significant place in the awe-inspiring universe of glass due to its superior aesthetics and stellar functionalities. It protects against solar glare, contributes to architectural aesthetics, and increases energy efficiency. The reflective glass reflects away a greater amount of heat as compared to ordinary float glass and is also less prone to thermal breakage.

Applications of Reflective Glass

Glass with reflective coatings has found several applications in architecture. These coatings have high reflectance, which provides UV and IR protection. Listed below are some of its applications for your reference. 

Exterior applications

Reflective glass is widely used in the exteriors of commercial façades, shopping malls, educational institutions, stand-alone storefronts, air traffic control towers, restaurants, hotel rooms, petrol bunk windows, and much more.

Benefits of Reflective Glass

As seen above, reflective glass is a versatile material with multiple applications. Its prime advantage is that it significantly reduces solar glare absorption, but that is not all. Listed below are a few key benefits of installing reflective glass at your home or office.

Optical comfort

Coated reflective glass undoubtedly provides a more soothing atmosphere inside an office space by reducing the harsh solar glare. It is designed specifically for optimal sunlight infiltration. The tint or hue further eliminates the need to install blinds or window shutters inside a room, which means you get an enhanced sense of space. Reflective glass manufactured with a Low-E coating increases optical comfort and makes the building more energy-efficient. Energy efficiency makes a structure more sustainable, reduces energy bills, provides enhanced thermal comfort, reduces the need for artificial lighting, and much more.

Varied colour choices

Reflective glass is available in various shades, such as bronze, silver, dark grey, green, dark blue, etc. You can choose a shade that best aligns with the colour of your structure’s framing, panelling, stonework, etc. Reflective glass panes also significantly reduce HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit) costs and enhance their lifespan.

Ensures Privacy

A certain type of thin metallic coating on the glass’s surface can also provide it with a one-way mirror effect, rendering it opaque for people standing on the outside looking in. This gives people on the inside of the glass structure privacy while letting them take advantage of the panoramic views of their external surroundings. People and vehicles on the outside can only see a reflection of themselves on the surface of such buildings.

Summer comfort

Reflective surfaces cut back on the solar glare and scorching heat but allow for tonnes of natural light to pass through, enhancing overall thermal comfort inside a building. This makes dwelling behind reflective glass very comfortable, especially during the sweltering summer months. If you work or live inside a structure that is in the direct line of solar glare, reflective glass is the perfect solution for you.

Unsung health benefits

The hues on the reflective glass are not just for show. The coating protects the interiors of your building from absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays. This is not only beneficial for you but also for your furnishings, like upholstery, carpets, rugs, etc. Exposure to harsh sunlight can cause these furnishings to fade quickly.

The Bottom Line

Looking to get reflective glass panes installed? Turn to AIS for all your glass-related woes. We offer high-quality reflective glass in several colours, sizes, and thicknesses. AIS has been one of the leading reflective glass manufacturers in India for over 30 decades. We provide end-to-end services with a quick turnaround time. Log on to our website or give us a call to get a customised quote today!