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When homeowners use a GGF Member company to carry out windows, doors or conservatory work, they are investing in professional workmanship and service of the very highest standard. Companies requiring flat glass or glazing products from a GGF Member can also be assured they are dealing with the best companies in the industry. So if you are wanting to improve your home or property, or simply need a glass and glazing product or service, why not browse our directory and contact a GGF Member Company in your area.

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Archives for June 2016

GGF Open-Minded About Brexit

Legislation, News, Politics |

Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive commented, “The GGF Membership can rest assured that we will continue to deliver the same level of benefits and service for our Members. In the short term, we must wait until the Party Conferences this autumn and see how the political parties shape their leadership, policies and direction going forward. There is no doubt that the implications of Brexit and the political uncertainty is already sending economic shockwaves through the construction and property sector, the scale of which may not be clear for some time and as such a tough trading climate that will impact companies both large and small is anticipated. In the meantime, we remain open-minded and will work in the background with our political advisers GK Strategy, our Members and key influencers in the broader construction industry to plan for all scenarios. I am confident that the Federation will be in a stronger lobbying position once the dust has settled on last week’s referendum. We will of course continue to keep our members, well informed as to the unfurling impact on our campaigns and our activities to ensure they are well-positioned to cope with any changes.” 

Kommerling will demonstrate its response to current building trends and designs with latest products

Members News |

Kommerling UK will be on stand C20 in Hall 17 at this year’s Glasstec exhibition, taking place in Dusseldorf from September 20-23rd, 2016. Viewed by many as the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry, mechanical engineering and glass craftsmanship, this is the ideal forum for Kommerling to present its latest product developments.
“The boundaries of what can be achieved using glass are expanding all the time and Kommerling recognises the need for continual research and development to ensure that the latest innovative building designs and applications can be realised;” said Chris Davis. One of the company’s most interesting collaborations is with South Korean company, G Smatt. The two companies have worked closely over the last few years to develop a ground breaking construction grade laminated glass with minute LEDs that bestows the glass with media functionality. A sample installation is planned for the stand and Kommerling envisage that this will become one of this year’s show’s most eye catching features.

Kommerling and G-Smatt Glass consolidate their relationship with a series of exploratory meetings wi

Members News |

G-Smatt Glass, CEO Ho Joon Lee, was joined by Chris Davis of Kommerling for a series of high level meetings in the UK as G-Smatt starts to plan its move into the UK and wider European markets. The two companies have worked closely over the last few years to develop a ground breaking construction grade laminated glass with minute LEDs that bestows the glass with media functionality
“We have now successfully installed our product in over 50 different buildings in the Far East and Asia. It has been well received and is transforming buildings that were eyesores into destination city landmarks. With the continuing investment in new developments both in London and other major metropolitan centres we feel that it is the right time to start making the key players aware of this product’s potential. Not only does it deliver on all the construction criteria but it will enable the shell of a building to generate more profit for the developer if used correctly,” explained Ho Joon.
One of the organisations that was privy to a full presentation about the products capabilities was Eckersley O’Callaghan where more than a dozen engineers were able to see videos of existing installations and find out more about the possibilities offered by this construction grade glass, with benefits. “This glass will allow us as engineers to deliver buildings and facades that have a dynamic appeal. The impact that an installation of this type will have on the surrounding cityscape is hard to evaluate but there is the potential to put more traditional media displays and external lighting installations in the shade,” commented Sanmukh Bawa, engineer with the company. Other companies also showing an interest in the product include Arups, Hamilton-Erskine and ICON.
G-Smatt also have plans in place to open an office in Los Angeles later this summer to serve the American market.
The small LEDs are placed at regular intervals approx 40-90mm apart, depending on the specification and when viewed from the inside there is less than 0.3% reduction in visibility through the glass. This is considerably less than when one of the current alternatives such as an overlay or frame structure is used which can give the impression of being in a cage or prison cell when viewed by the building’s occupants. Even when illuminated at night people within the building will not be dazzled by reflection as less than 10% of the light emitted by the LED’s is reflected back into the building.
The science within the glass
Kommerling has worked closely with G-Smatt’s development team to make this innovative glass a commercial reality. The company’s R&D team in Pirmasens, Germany has developed a new formulation for the resin that is used to bond the two layers of glass around the encapsulated LEDs. There were several complex issues that had to be accommodated, namely:
– a passive curing profile was required to avoid high temperatures and pressures damaging the embedded LED and FPCB components.

– the resin had to be compatible with and not compromised by the presence of the adhesives used to secure the LEDs
– the conductive adhesive that fixes FPCBs onto the FTO coated glass would be dissolved by a traditional glazing sealant
and finally the resin had to have a similar refractive index as the glass and was required to cure without any bubbles, otherwise these would become greatly illuminated once the LEDs were lit on.

GGF RELAUNCHES 22 UPDATED TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

News, Politics, Technical News |

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has re-launched 22 technical Data Sheets to ensure GGF Members and the wider industry are fully up to date with the correct technical information and latest guidance. For the first time there is now a complete set of curved glass Data Sheets providing advice on all the types available: annealed, thermally treated, laminated and insulating units. The publications deal with complex shape requirements and tolerances through to safety performance requirements and visual quality.

In line with the safety requirements of BS ISO 11485-3, the latest GGF Data Sheets explain the testing and performance necessary to classify curved safety glass within the UK. Importantly the claim for manufacturers and installers of curved safety glass is included, with the steps required for Members to comply, giving end users complete confidence in the final safety performance.

Updated GGF Data Sheets in Section 4:

4.12.1 Curved Glass Part 1: Generalities – Terminology, Properties and Basis of Measurement and Test 
4.12.2 Curved Glass Part 2: Curved Annealed Glass 
4.12.3 Curved Glass Part 3: Curved Thermally Treated Glasses

4.12.4 Curved Glass Part 4: Curved Laminated Glasses 
4.12.5 Curved Glass Part 5: Curved Insulating Glass Units

Following publication of EN 15752-1 and EN 15755-1, the whole suite of GGF Data Sheets providing advice, testing and installation of adhesive backed polymeric films has been revised and updated. Particular attention has been given to water quality during installation, cure times and preparation of the glass surfaces to be filmed.

GGF Data Sheet 5.16.1 has also been revised, and details all appropriate optical and visual quality factors of fire-resistant glass, used either as single panes or incorporated into an IGU.

Updated GGF Data Sheets in Section 5:
5.16.1 Appearance and Visual Quality Specification for Fire-Resistant Glass and Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) Incorporating Fire-Resistant Glass

5.18.1 Visual Quality for Adhesive Backed Polymeric Filmed Glass 
5.18.2 Installation Quality Standard for Applying Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film to Glass 
5.18.3 Recommendations for Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film Applied to Glass: Definitions, Descriptions and Components 
5.18.4 Recommendations for Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film Applied to Glass in the Overhead Position for Containment of Glass in the Event of Failure: Types of Systems and Precautions in Use 
5.18.5 Recommendations for Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film Applied to Glass in the Overhead Position for Containment of Glass in the Event of Failure: Test Method 
5.18.6 Recommendations for Blast Mitigation: Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film Applied to Glass 
5.18.7 Standard for On-Site Peel Adhesion Testing of Aged Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film Applied to Vertical Flat Glass
5.18.8 Adhesive Backed Polymeric Film Guidelines for Installation onto Existing Glazing

Following the revision of GGF Data Sheet 4.4.1 for thermally treated soda lime silicate glass products, two new publications complete the suite of latest information and advice available, which include spontaneous breakage and interference phenomenon.  As larger and higher performing glass types are used, effects such as anisotropy or iridescence are sometimes more noticeable. This GGF Data Sheet details the features of anisotropy, the effects of incident polarized light and viewing angles necessary to highlight this particular phenomenon.

Updated GGF Data Sheets in Section 4:
4.4.1 Thermally Treated Soda Lime Silicate Glass Products – General 
4.4.2 Thermally Treated Soda Lime Silicate Glass Products – Spontaneous Breakage 
4.4.3 Thermally Treated Glass: Appearance – Interference Phenomenon

Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs commented: “Revised and updated Data Sheets in line with the latest British, European and International standards gives a welcome boost the technical knowledge and best industry advice available to our members and to the broader glass and glazing industry. With the recent introduction of Approved Document Q, Members also have access to the whole suite of security glazing Data Sheets with the 8.1 series. As security concerns and terrorism threats increase, technical advice is crucial in reducing harm or damage to people in property. This new information will help mitigate the effects of manual attack, firearms attack, and blast resistance.”

Updated GGF Data Sheets in Section 8:
8.1.1 Security Glazing – Part 1: Definitions and Description 
8.1.2 Security Glazing – Part 2: Manual Attack Resistant Glazing 
8.1.3 Security Glazing – Part 3: Bullet Resistant Glazing 
8.1.4 Security Glazing – Part 4: Explosion Resistant Glazing 
8.1.5 Security Glazing – Part 5: Framing and Installation

Printed copies of the GGF publications can be purchased at https://shop.ggfmembers.com. 

Alternatively, GGF Members can download copies free of charge via the GGF Members Area https://www.ggf.org.uk/technical-information/glazing-manual-21

 

GGF LOOKS FORWARD TO GLASSTEC

Events, News |

The GGF will once again exhibit at Glasstec Dusseldorf (20-23 September) and join key players of the glass industry at the premier global trade fair for the glass industry.

With the leading international companies of the sector confirming their participation in April this year, the number of registered exhibitors and, hence, occupied exhibition space already exceeds previous event’s levels. Over 1,200 companies from glass machinery production, glass manufacturing and skilled crafts will be exhibiting at a show, which has been a highlight in the industry calendar for over 40 years.  

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented; “This is an important fair for the GGF to attend because of the technical innovations, networking and consultation opportunities. Though primarily our membership stems from the UK, many of our Members in the glass manufacturing and glass processing sectors also operate internationally and Glasstec provides an excellent platform for us to offer Member support and raise brand awareness to the broader international audience.” 

Glasstec 2016 has a comprehensive programme of special shows, events, congresses and information forums in store for visitors from all industry sectors. This includes the highlight of the trade fair – the special show glass technology live.

The Federation welcomes all Members and non-Members going to the show, to visit the GGF stand in Hall 11/stand #D72.  

For more information on Glasstec Dusseldorf please click here.

GGF SCOTLAND GOLF DAY

Events, News |

GGF Scotland Members and guest players benefitted from a great Golf Day on the 26th May as 32 people attended Gourock Golf Course for a fantastic day of golfing and networking.

Alex Gray, Chairman GGF Scotland, commented: “The GGF Scotland Golf Day has developed over many years to become a major event in the GGF calendar, and this was our biggest turn out yet. The weather held out for us and the scenery at Gourock Golf Club was spectacular. Players even got to witness a nuclear submarine and a cruise liner sail past while playing! Thank you to all the players who joined us for helping to make it a superb day.”

Prizes for the course, presented at the dinner in the clubhouse after play, were first, second and third place, longest drive and nearest the pin.

The winners were:

1st prize – James Thomson, Ultraframe

2nd prize– Alan Hyde , Thermoseal

3rd prize– Bob Sturrock, Abacus Agents

Longest Drive – Rob Small, CEN Solutions

Nearest the Pin – Chris Megson, Capital Glazing

Members also enthused about the day, comments included:

“A lovely course with fantastic views of the Clyde and surrounding area. A good challenge of golf with great company” Chris Megson, Capital Glazing Ltd.

“A great day out. Fantastic course, superb company and unbelievable scenery. Hope to come back soon.” Ron Hepburn, Stevenswood

“Extremely well organized golf day, the course was fantastic” Neil Needham, CEN Solutions

“Great golf course, great four ball and great front ‘a’. The views were much better than the golf play but very enjoyable to meet everyone and have a good day. It beats working!” Kevin Nickolay, Hodgson Sealants

“Great day, great course, great company. Well done GGF!” Brian Mcdonald, Profine

The GGF is planning two further Golf Days this summer in the South East and the North West of England. For more information on GGF Golf Days please email info@ggf.org.uk

 

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