Reflective glass and colored glass are two special types of glass commonly used in modern life. They are used in different places according to their characteristics and functions. This paper introduces the manufacturing process and other characteristics of the two kinds of glass and other differences.
Reflective glass
Definition
Reflective glass, also known as coated glass. This kind of glass is made by coating the surface of the glass with one or more layers of metal or metal oxide coating. Gives it the ability to reflect light. This coating is generally performed by vacuum magnetron sputtering or chemical vapor deposition.
Manufacturing process
The manufacturing process of reflective glass involves the following steps:
Substrate selection: When we choose glass materials, we generally choose float glass.
Cleaning: Don't forget the cleaning steps. This step removes dust from the glass surface. A thorough cleaning of the glass surface before coating can ensure the adhesion of the coating.
Coating: The coating of metal or metal oxide on the surface of the glass by means of vacuum magnetron sputtering or chemical vapor deposition. Examples include silver, aluminum, titanium, tin oxide or zinc oxide.
Post-treatment: if the glass is heat treated or chemically treated. It can enhance the durability and stability of the coating.
Performance characteristics
Reflecting light: Reflective glass can reflect a lot of visible and infrared light. So if you use this glass in the room, you can effectively reduce the increase in indoor temperature.
Reduce energy consumption: in hot climates. By reducing the accumulation of indoor heat, you can reduce the frequency of air conditioning. So as to achieve the effect of saving energy.
Privacy protection: During the day, the external glare reflection will block the outside line of sight, so it can provide privacy protection. But at night, the reflection is greatly diminished. There is basically no privacy protection effect, and it is better to draw the curtains at this time.
Beautiful appearance: reflective glass has a unique mirror effect. The appearance is simple and clean, suitable for all kinds of modern buildings. It enhances the modern sense and aesthetics of the building.
Apply
Reflective glass has a wide range of applications, and the following are three areas where it is commonly used:
Building curtain wall: such as office buildings, high-end hotels and large shopping malls. It not only enhances the sense of sophistication in appearance, but also provides privacy during the day. The cooling energy consumption of the building area is reduced.
Residential buildings: Reflective glass can also be used in some Windows facing direct sunlight. Can provide indoor privacy protection and energy conservation.
Automotive manufacturing: As a car windshield and side window, reflective glass is also a suitable material choice. We are actually afraid of the sun when we are driving on the road. This situation is prone to accidents. And constant exposure to the sun can easily raise the temperature inside the car. So using reflective glass can avoid these situations. It can not only reduce direct sunlight, but also effectively reduce the temperature in the car. Good protection of the driver's safety.
Colored glass
Definition
Colored glass has metal oxides or other chemicals added to it during the glass manufacturing process. This allows the glass to take on a variety of colors. These colors are brightly colored and have a conspicuous decorative effect. It can also effectively absorb solar radiation, thus achieving the purpose of shading and energy saving.
Manufacturing process
The manufacturing process of colored glass is different from that of reflective glass. Its production is divided into the following steps:
Raw material selection: Colored glass needs to add specific metal oxides in the glass melting process. These oxides give the glass different colors. Such as iron oxide, nickel oxide and cobalt oxide.
Melt molding: the prototype is molten at high temperatures, and after cooling, colored glass can be formed.
Annealing treatment: The stress inside the glass can be eliminated by annealing treatment. In this way, the mechanical strength and stability of the colored glass itself can be strengthened.
Performance characteristics
Color variety: Colored glass is called colored glass because it has a variety of color options. Like blue, green, grey and so on. Different colors suit different architectural styles. You can choose according to different styles, or you can choose custom. In the decorative effect presented a very good aesthetic degree.
Absorption of radiation: colored glass of different colors can absorb different wavelengths of solar radiation. So it can reduce the transmittance of light and the intensity of transmittance. This will lower the temperature in the room.
Reduce glare: Colored glass can absorb a portion of visible light. So it reduces glare. There are some electronic devices that use this glass. In this way, our eyes will not feel too tired when we stare at the screen of electronic devices for a long time. Improved personal comfort.
Stability: A variety of colors is the most significant feature of colored glass. Then you may be worried that the color will fade over a long period of time. In fact, the performance of colored glass is very good. It will not fade or change color with time, and it is very durable. You can use it with confidence. Its stability ensures that its color lasts.
Apply
The scope of application of colored glass is similar to that of reflective glass. It is also divided into the following three parts:
Architectural Windows: tinted glass can be used in areas such as ordinary homes, office buildings and public buildings. Like their Windows or their walls. As long as you have this need, these places are no problem to install. Tinted glass can provide shading and energy saving. Effectively reduce the indoor temperature and save energy.
Interior decoration: Generally colored glass is used for office partitions, doors and Windows and furniture. It goes without saying in terms of functionality. It can provide privacy protection and guarantee private personal space. Aesthetically, the appreciation effect is very good.
Automotive glass: Colored glass can also be used in automobiles. For example, side Windows can be applied. Can effectively play the role of shading and privacy protection. Like reflective glass, it reduces the temperature in the car.
The difference between reflective glass and colored glass
Principle and function
Reflective glass: Reflective glass itself or the light reflected by the surface coating. It's all about reflection. The main function is to reduce heat transfer and provide corresponding privacy protection.
Colored glass: Colored glass can absorb light through the color of the glass itself. Focus on absorption. The main function is to reduce glare and absorb some heat.
So both have the effect of reducing heat. But they work differently. In the functional effect, the emphasis is not the same.
Manufacturing process
Reflective glass: requires coating on its surface. This membrane is the key to the reflection effect. Therefore, the coating process requires high-tech equipment. Care should also be taken in the production process.
Colored glass: It can be directly colored by adding compound substances such as metal oxides in the glass manufacturing process. Compared to the manufacturing process of reflective glass, the process is a little simpler. You just need to control the amount of metal oxide.
Appearance effect
Reflective glass: Reflective glass looks like a mirror on the outside. Especially in the case of direct sunlight, the effect is more obvious. Generally, when we are close, we can't see the situation in the room. The appearance has a strong sense of modern technology. So some architectural sites love to use this kind of glass.
Tinted glass: tinted glass can show uniform color. It has no specular reflection effect. A variety of colors to choose from. More suitable for decoration.
Optical characteristic
Reflective glass: mainly reflects light, can reduce the intensity of light through. It is more obvious in hot areas and can effectively reduce the indoor temperature.
Colored glass: mainly absorbs light, which can reduce the intensity of light through. The color display is prominent and reduces the glare effect. Improved visual comfort.
Application scenario
Reflective scenes: Used in buildings and cars that require energy conservation and privacy protection. Such as the curtain wall of high-rise buildings, office Windows, etc., these areas have a greater need for privacy protection.
Colored glass: Colored glass is mostly used in the architectural environment for decoration and shading needs. People pay more attention to its beauty than its functionality. So in some residential window decoration and some furniture decoration, it is more widely used.
Conclusion
Reflective glass and colored glass each have their own unique applications and advantages in modern architecture and decoration. Reflective glass, through its coating technology, mainly reflects light. It provides energy saving and privacy protection. Mainly suitable for a variety of high-rise buildings and modern design. Colored glass absorbs light by the color of its surface. Provides shading, glare reduction and decorative effects. Suitable for various decorative needs. Understanding the different characteristics and application scenarios of these two types of glass can help designers, engineers and consumers make more appropriate choices in different application environments.
