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Sekisui
Aids Designs In Glass
Sekisui
S-Lec SEF Interlayer is being used in the creation of a revolutionary
range of laminated glass panels that incorporate full colour photographic
images.
S-LEC SEF Film is an EVA interlayer that enables the creation of decorative
laminated glass products. Used in combination with PET, rice paper,
wire net and metal sheet, it opens up the possibilities for the use
of decorative glass as an architectural feature.
Sekisui
have been working with t4 DESIGN Limited of Mansfield, Notts, one of
the UK's leading glass laminators on a process that enables the encapsulation
of a 'photographic' image within the layers of a laminated glass panel,
producing a translucent, 'stained glass' effect. The company reports
excellent results after extensive testing and production trials.
The concept of applying photographic images to glass is not new, but
in the past this has been achieved by application of a film to one of
the external surfaces of the panel, or by silk screening. The major
drawback of these approaches is that the graphic image is left exposed
on an external face and is at risk from accidental damage from abrasion
or deliberate acts of vandalism.
Working with Sekisui S-Lec Europe, t4 DESIGN have developed a proprietary
digital printing process (D.P.I.) that enables them to 'capture' an
image between the interlayer and the glass which remains stable during
the manufacturing process - despite the heat and pressure that is inherent
in the production of laminated glass. The end result is a dimensionally
and UV stable decorative glass panel that will withstand accidental
or deliberate attempts to mar the image.
At present, t4 DESIGN produce decorative (D.P.I.) laminated units up
to a maximum size of 1450mm x 2800mm and standard units 2100mm x 2800mm
with a maximum thickness of 50mm.
Steve Jones, Technical Director with t4 comments, 'The Sekisui film
has proven to be the ideal material for us to work with in realising
the design possibilities that our technique delivers because it can
be processed at lower temperatures, thus preserving the integrity of
the image. We have tried other materials but they just don't have the
process ability of the Sekisui product. The ability to laminate an accurate,
full colour image opens up a range of applications for us, from balustrades
and partitions, to light boxes, shop fitting applications and corporate
branding'.
In addition to the decorative possibilities created by S-LEC SEF it
also prevents glass from shattering, minimising the chance of personal
injury and assists in the manufacture of anti-vandal glazing.
Steve Jones at sales@t4design.com
or John Jones at marketing@s-lec.nl