Figured Glass

Decorative and durable, figured glass is generally used in applications where privacy or obscurity is desired-but light transmission is still important. Figured glasses are available in a wide variety of patterns, to add the perfect complement to many interior designs. Heavy figured glasses provide added strength and support, and are a fast-growing product category.

All figured glass begins as a "batch" of materials, including silica, sand, soda, and lime. These materials are melted together in a tank, and the molten glass mixture is fed onto a machine slab. The glass flows under a refractory gate, which controls glass volume and speed, then moves between two counter-rotating, water-cooled rollers. One of these rollers is embossed, imprinting a distinct pattern onto the soft surface of the glass-while the other roller is smooth. The result is a piece of glass that is figured and textured on one side, while smooth on the reverse. The distance between the two rollers determines the ultimate thickness of the glass.

After it moves between the rollers, figured glass is "annealed"-or cooled slowly in order to remove any residual stresses. Figured glass can then be cut into standard sizes-or cut into customized sizes for a specific customer application. The glass is then inventoried and ready for delivery.

Figured glass solutions are perfect for a range of residential and commercial applications-enabling architects, builders, and specialty manufacturers to create translucent works of art.

There are more than a dozen figured solutions to meet a spectrum of applications in the commercial, residential, and specialty glass industries. Versatile and beautiful, figured products have the unique ability to separate space, while sharing light. Figured glass solutions are used in shower doors and tub enclosures-including frameless shower doors-as well as interior partitions, translucent door and window treatments, foyers, and vestibules. These high-quality solutions also have applications in patio furniture, shelving, decorative furniture, and lighting fixtures.