MILLET GLASS INDUSTRY
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CURVED GLASS
Where innovative forming meets exceptional architectural vision
CURVEDGLASS
CURVEDGLASS
Why curved glass products are used?
Curved glass products are a highly specialized and increasingly popular choice in contemporary architecture and design due to their unique ability to combine aesthetic elegance with practical functionality. In essence, curved glass is chosen when design ambitions extend beyond straight lines, offering a powerful tool to create spaces that are not only beautiful and striking but also enhance the user experience. They offer possibilities that flat glass simply cannot. Here's why curved glass products are used.
Unparalleled Aesthetic Appeal and Visual Impact
Fluidity and Softness: Curved glass introduces an organic, flowing element to designs, softening the harsh lines often associated with traditional rectilinear architecture. This creates a more inviting and visually dynamic space.
Striking Form: It allows for the creation of iconic and distinctive building facades, skylights, atriums, and interior elements that capture attention and differentiate a structure.
Modern and Sophisticated Look:Curved forms are inherently futuristic and sophisticated, conveying innovation and high-end design.
Enhanced Spatial Dynamics and Perception
Sense of Openness: Curved glass can create panoramic, uninterrupted views, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments more effectively than segmented flat panels.
Improved Flow: In interiors, curved partitions or walls can guide movement, create more intimate zones within open-plan spaces, and improve the psychological flow of a room.
Natural Light Distribution: The curved surface can refract and distribute natural light in unique ways, potentially leading to more even illumination and reducing glare from specific angles.
Structural and Performance Advantages
Increased Strength (in some forms):A curved shape can inherently be stronger and more resistant to certain types of pressure (like wind loads) than a flat panel of the same thickness, due to its arching action, much like an arch bridge.
Aerodynamics: On building exteriors, curved facades can reduce wind resistance and localized wind loads, potentially influencing structural design and pedestrian comfort at ground level.
Self-Cleaning: For some exterior applications (like roofs or skylights), certain curved profiles can facilitate better rainwater runoff, aiding in a natural self-cleaning effect.
Versatility and Customization
Tailored Solutions: Curved glass can be custom-bent to precise radii and shapes, allowing architects to realize highly specific and unique design visions that are impossible with standard flat sheets.
Integration with Other Glass Types:It can be combined with other glass functionalities (e.g., laminated for safety/security, insulated for energy efficiency, printed for aesthetics) to create multi-functional curved units.
CURVEDGLASS
OUR PROCESS
OUR PROCESS
Millet Glass expertly shapes flat glass into stunning curves through controlled heating and precision forming.
At Millet Glass Industry, our expertise in shaping architectural visions extends to our advanced glass bending capabilities. Utilizing state-of-the-art machinery and time-honored techniques, we transform flat glass into elegant curves and forms, adding a unique dimension to interior and exterior spaces. Our meticulous process ensures that each piece of bent glass meets Millet Glass's stringent standards for quality, precision, and aesthetic appeal. Here are the key steps help you realize the most ambitious and elegant architectural statements.
#1 Design and Engineering
The process begins with detailed architectural and engineering plans. Computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) software are used to define the exact shape and dimensions of the curved glass. Key considerations at this stage include:
Radius of Curvature: Tighter, more complex curves require more intensive manufacturing processes like hot bending.
Panel Size: Larger panels can reduce the number of seams but pose challenges for handling, bending, and transportation.
Performance Requirements: The glass's required strength, energy efficiency, and safety ratings are determined here, which will dictate the subsequent fabrication steps (e.g., tempering, laminating).
#2 Glass Preparation
Once the design is finalized, flat sheets of architectural glass are prepared for the bending process.
Cutting and Edging: Large sheets of glass are cut to the precise size and shape of the final panel. The edges are then meticulously ground and polished to remove sharp points and reduce the risk of stress fractures during heating.
Washing: The glass is thoroughly washed to remove any dust, dirt, or other impurities. Contaminants on the surface can cause blemishes or even cause the glass to shatter during the heating process.
#3 Bending and Shaping
This is the core of the fabrication process, where the glass transitions from flat to curved.
Heating: The prepared glass is placed onto the mold inside a furnace. The temperature is slowly raised to around 1,100°F (600°C).
Shaping: The glass softens and, under the force of gravity (slump bending) or a mechanical press, takes the shape of the mold.
The bending can also be part of a tempering process, where the glass is rapidly cooled after bending to increase its strength.
#4 Post-Processing
After bending, the glass often undergoes further processing to enhance its safety and performance.
Laminating: Multiple plies of bent glass are bonded together with an interlayer (e.g., PVB) to create laminated safety glass. This is done in an autoclave under high heat and pressure.
Insulating: The curved glass can be sealed with another pane of glass to form an insulating glass unit (IGU) for improved energy efficiency.
Coating and Printing: Performance coatings (e.g., low-E) or decorative ceramic frit patterns can be applied to the glass.
Quality Control: The final product is rigorously inspected for dimensional accuracy, optical clarity, and compliance with safety standards before being carefully packaged and shipped to the job site.
CURVEDGLASS
THERMAL TREATMENTS
THERMAL TREATMENTS
Millet Glass enhances the performance and safety of its curved glass through expert thermal treatments like tempering and heat strengthening.
At Millet Glass Industry, we apply advanced thermal treatments to our curved glass to enhance its performance, safety, and longevity, ensuring it meets the diverse demands of modern architecture. Our expertise in bending glass is complemented by our comprehensive heat treatment capabilities, allowing us to offer curved glass solutions with superior thermal properties. Here are the thermal treatments available for curved glass.
Tempered
Tempered
Process: After glass lites are cut, they undergo the tempering process. This involves heating the glass to approximately 1200°F (650°C) and then rapidly cooling it with controlled air blasts.
Benefits for curved glass
Increased Strength and Durability: Tempering makes glass significantly stronger than its annealed (non-tempered) counterpart. A tempered curved pane is typically 4-5 times more resistant to impact and mechanical stress. This makes it ideal for applications that demand high structural integrity, such as: Structural glazing and facades: It can withstand high wind loads and other external pressures. Balustrades and railings: It can handle the dynamic loads and impacts common in high-traffic areas. Skylights and canopies: Its strength provides enhanced protection from falling objects or extreme weather.
Enhanced Safety Upon Breakage: The tempering process is a key safety feature. When tempered curved glass does break, it shatters into thousands of small, blunt, granular pieces rather than large, sharp shards. This dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury. This makes tempered curved glass an excellent choice for safety-critical applications like storefronts, public building and entrances.
Superior Thermal Resistance: Tempered glass has a high resistance to thermal stress and can withstand large temperature fluctuations without breaking. This makes it a great choice for applications that experience significant temperature differences, such as: Facades exposed to direct sunlight. In regions with extreme climates where glass may be subject to rapid heating or cooling.
Maintains Aesthetic and Aerodynamic Advantages: The tempering process doesn't compromise the aesthetic appeal of curved glass. It retains its flowing, organic form while gaining the functional benefits of tempering. The combination of a curved shape and increased strength makes it a premium choice for modern architecture, allowing for: Iconic designs and facades that are both beautiful and safe. Improved aerodynamics on building exteriors, which can reduce wind loads on the structure and improve pedestrian comfort at ground level.
Benefits for curved glass
Increased Strength and Durability: Tempering makes glass significantly stronger than its annealed (non-tempered) counterpart. A tempered curved pane is typically 4-5 times more resistant to impact and mechanical stress. This makes it ideal for applications that demand high structural integrity, such as: Structural glazing and facades: It can withstand high wind loads and other external pressures. Balustrades and railings: It can handle the dynamic loads and impacts common in high-traffic areas. Skylights and canopies: Its strength provides enhanced protection from falling objects or extreme weather.
Enhanced Safety Upon Breakage: The tempering process is a key safety feature. When tempered curved glass does break, it shatters into thousands of small, blunt, granular pieces rather than large, sharp shards. This dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury. This makes tempered curved glass an excellent choice for safety-critical applications like storefronts, public building and entrances.
Superior Thermal Resistance: Tempered glass has a high resistance to thermal stress and can withstand large temperature fluctuations without breaking. This makes it a great choice for applications that experience significant temperature differences, such as: Facades exposed to direct sunlight. In regions with extreme climates where glass may be subject to rapid heating or cooling.
Maintains Aesthetic and Aerodynamic Advantages: The tempering process doesn't compromise the aesthetic appeal of curved glass. It retains its flowing, organic form while gaining the functional benefits of tempering. The combination of a curved shape and increased strength makes it a premium choice for modern architecture, allowing for: Iconic designs and facades that are both beautiful and safe. Improved aerodynamics on building exteriors, which can reduce wind loads on the structure and improve pedestrian comfort at ground level.
Heat-Strengthened
Heat-Strengthened
Process: Similar to tempering, heat-strengthening involves heating the glass lites and then cooling them at a slower, more controlled rate.
Benefits for curved glass
Increased Strength with Less Distortion: Heat-strengthened curved glass is approximately twice as strong as a curved pane of annealed glass. This increased strength allows it to withstand higher wind loads and thermal stress. The slower cooling process, compared to tempering, also results in less optical distortion, roller wave, and surface bow. This is a significant advantage for applications where visual clarity and a pristine reflection are paramount.
Reduced Risk of Spontaneous Breakage: Heat-strengthened glass has a lower risk of spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulfide (NiS) inclusions. The lower surface compression stress in heat-strengthened glass makes it less susceptible to this phenomenon compared to tempered glass, which can break without warning if an inclusion is present. This makes it a more reliable choice for applications where such an event would be a major concern.
Favorable Breakage Pattern: Unlike tempered glass, which shatters completely upon impact, heat-strengthened glass fractures into larger, typically radial pieces that tend to stay in the glazing frame. This "in-place" breakage pattern is a critical benefit for certain applications, especially when combined with a laminated interlayer. It provides a secure barrier even after breakage, allowing time for replacement and preventing glass from falling and injuring people below.
Ideal for Laminated Assemblies: Heat-strengthened glass is often used as a component in laminated glass units. By combining two or more plies of curved, heat-strengthened glass with an interlayer, the final product achieves safety glazing status while retaining the superior optical clarity and reduced risk of spontaneous breakage of heat-strengthened glass. This makes it an ideal choice for: Overhead or sloped glazing systems, such as skylights and canopies. Curtain walls and facades on high-rise buildings where glass falling from the frame upon breakage would be a significant hazard.
Benefits for curved glass
Increased Strength with Less Distortion: Heat-strengthened curved glass is approximately twice as strong as a curved pane of annealed glass. This increased strength allows it to withstand higher wind loads and thermal stress. The slower cooling process, compared to tempering, also results in less optical distortion, roller wave, and surface bow. This is a significant advantage for applications where visual clarity and a pristine reflection are paramount.
Reduced Risk of Spontaneous Breakage: Heat-strengthened glass has a lower risk of spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulfide (NiS) inclusions. The lower surface compression stress in heat-strengthened glass makes it less susceptible to this phenomenon compared to tempered glass, which can break without warning if an inclusion is present. This makes it a more reliable choice for applications where such an event would be a major concern.
Favorable Breakage Pattern: Unlike tempered glass, which shatters completely upon impact, heat-strengthened glass fractures into larger, typically radial pieces that tend to stay in the glazing frame. This "in-place" breakage pattern is a critical benefit for certain applications, especially when combined with a laminated interlayer. It provides a secure barrier even after breakage, allowing time for replacement and preventing glass from falling and injuring people below.
Ideal for Laminated Assemblies: Heat-strengthened glass is often used as a component in laminated glass units. By combining two or more plies of curved, heat-strengthened glass with an interlayer, the final product achieves safety glazing status while retaining the superior optical clarity and reduced risk of spontaneous breakage of heat-strengthened glass. This makes it an ideal choice for: Overhead or sloped glazing systems, such as skylights and canopies. Curtain walls and facades on high-rise buildings where glass falling from the frame upon breakage would be a significant hazard.
CURVEDGLASS
CONFIGURATIONS
CONFIGURATIONS
Millet Glass offers a diverse range of curved glass configurations to realize your unique architectural designs.
Monolithic
Monolithic
Insulated
Insulated
Laminated
Laminated
Laminated Insulated
Laminated Insulated
Screen printing
Screen printing
Digital printing
Digital printing
CURVEDGLASS
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
Millet Glass offers a diverse range of curved glass configurations to realize your unique architectural designs.
Millet Glass Industry leverages advanced bending techniques to create stunning and functional curved glass solutions for a diverse range of applications across the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. Our expertise allows us to transform architectural visions into reality, adding a touch of elegance and innovation to every project.
Storefronts and Entrances
Create inviting and modern entrances with sweeping curved glass facades that capture attention and enhance curb appeal.
Interior Partitions and Dividers
Define spaces with elegant curves, fostering a sense of openness and flow while maintaining distinct areas in offices, retail spaces, and showrooms.
Display Cases and Counters
Showcase products with sophisticated curved glass displays that offer enhanced visibility and a touch of modern design.
Curved Balustrades and Railings
Enhance safety and visual appeal in atriums, balconies, and staircases with gracefully curved glass railings.
Skylights and Canopies
Introduce natural light in unique and architecturally striking ways with curved glass skylights and entrance canopies.
Furniture
Design distinctive and comfortable seating areas and tables with custom-bent glass elements.
Curved Windows and Doors
Create dramatic architectural features that enhance natural light and offer panoramic views.
Shower Enclosures
Design luxurious and space-saving curved glass shower doors and enclosures.
Staircase Railings
Add a modern and elegant touch to staircases with flowing curved glass balustrades.
Interior Design Elements
Incorporate curved glass shelves, fireplace screens, and decorative panels for a unique and personalized touch.
Sunrooms & Conservatories
Create bright and airy living spaces with curved glass roofs and walls that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor environments.
Building Envelopes
Create a modern, high-tech architectural designs where the building's form is meant to be a sculptural statement. The curved facade can create dynamic reflections of the sky and surroundings, making the building appear to change throughout the day.
CURVEDGLASS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Millet's curved glass offers a spectrum of possibilities, accommodating diverse radii, sizes and thicknesses to bring your most ambitious designs to life.
This section provides a detailed overview of our custom curved glass capabilities. Our expertise allows for the creation of uniquely shaped architectural glass to meet your project's specific needs.
A | Length
B | Curved width
C | Chord
D | Tickness
E | Radius
F | Depth
Important information
Coated glass products should be specified with the coating on surface 2, meaning the internal surface of the glass pane or the concave side of a bent unit.
Side "A" sizes capabilities
Side "A" sizes capabilities
Side A = The piece is bent on a vertical axis
Maximum curved glass sizes:
Width: 125” 31/32 (3200mm)
Height: 177” 5/32 (4500mm)
Minimum curved glass sizes:
Width: 15“ 3/4 (400mm)
Height: 23” 5/8 (600mm)
Side "A" radius capabilities
Side "A" radius capabilities
Side A = The piece is bent on a vertical axis
6mm
6mm
Glass Thickness:
1/4" (6mm)
Glass type:
Clear/Low-e
Maximum radius:
787” 13/32 (20000mm)
Minimum radius:
98” 7/16 (2500mm)
8mm to 12mm
8mm to 12mm
Glass Thickness:
5/16” to 1/2” (8mm to 12mm)
Glass type:
Clear
Maximum radius:
393” 11/16 (10000mm)
Minimum radius:
118” 1/8 (3000mm)
19mm
19mm
Glass Thickness:
3/4" (19mm)
Glass type:
Clear
Maximum radius:
393” 11/16 (10000mm)
Minimum radius:
137” 51/64 (3500mm)
Side "B" sizes capabilities
Side "B" sizes capabilities
Side B = The piece is bent on a horizontal axis
Maximum curved glass sizes:
Width: 125” 31/32 (3200mm)
Height: 196” 27/32 (5000mm)
Minimum curved glass sizes:
Width: 15“ 3/4 (400mm)
Height: 23” 5/8 (600mm)
Side "B" Radius capabilities
Side "B" Radius capabilities
Side B = The piece is bent on a horizontal axis
6mm
6mm
Glass Thickness:
1/4" (6mm)
Glass type:
Clear/Low-e
Maximum radius:
255” 29/32 (6500mm)
Minimum radius:
59” 1/16 (1500mm)
8-10mm
8-10mm
Glass Thickness:
5/16” to 5/32” (8mm to 10mm)
Glass type:
Clear
Maximum radius:
255” 29/32 (6500mm)
Minimum radius:
78” 3/4 (2000mm)
12mm
12mm
Glass Thickness:
1/2" (12mm)
Glass type:
Clear
Maximum radius:
255” 29/32 (6500mm)
Minimum radius:
98” 7/16 (2500mm)
19mm
19mm
Glass Thickness:
3/4" (19mm)
Glass type:
Clear
Maximum radius:
255” 29/32 (6500mm)
Minimum radius:
137” 51/64 (3500mm)
CURVEDGLASS
QUALITY GUIDELINES & CERTIFICATIONS
QUALITY GUIDELINES & CERTIFICATIONS
Millet Glass Industry ensures its curved glass meets rigorous safety and performance standards.
Committed to the highest quality, Millet Glass Industry produces curved glass that aligns with the highest standards of the industry. These standards ensure our curved glass meets stringent performance, safety, and quality requirements recognized across North America.
ASTM
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
American Society for Testing and Materials
E2190: Standard Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation. This foundational standard defines the comprehensive performance requirements our IGUs must meet, ensuring their durability and integrity under various environmental conditions.
C1464: Standard Specification for Bent Glass. This foundational standard governs the quality of the glass lite itself, setting crucial tolerances for dimensions like girth and height, and defining limits for geometric flaws such as crossbend and twist.
E2188: Is an accelerated aging test for insulating glass units (IGUs). It simulates years of real-world stress by subjecting IGUs to intense cycles of humidity, temperature extremes, and UV exposure. The primary goal of this test is to evaluate the durability and longevity of the unit's seals and the overall stability of the IGU, ensuring it won't fail prematurely.
E2189: is a test to ensure an IGU maintains crystal-clear visibility throughout its lifespan. It specifically measures the effectiveness of the unit's desiccant and sealing system in preventing the formation of internal condensation, or "fogging." The test involves subjecting the IGU to a controlled temperature cycle and then inspecting it for any visual evidence of fogging.
C1464: Standard Specification for Bent Glass. This foundational standard governs the quality of the glass lite itself, setting crucial tolerances for dimensions like girth and height, and defining limits for geometric flaws such as crossbend and twist.
E2188: Is an accelerated aging test for insulating glass units (IGUs). It simulates years of real-world stress by subjecting IGUs to intense cycles of humidity, temperature extremes, and UV exposure. The primary goal of this test is to evaluate the durability and longevity of the unit's seals and the overall stability of the IGU, ensuring it won't fail prematurely.
E2189: is a test to ensure an IGU maintains crystal-clear visibility throughout its lifespan. It specifically measures the effectiveness of the unit's desiccant and sealing system in preventing the formation of internal condensation, or "fogging." The test involves subjecting the IGU to a controlled temperature cycle and then inspecting it for any visual evidence of fogging.
SGCC
SGCC
Safety Glazing Certification Council
Safety Glazing Certification Council
ANSI Z97.1-2015: As an SGCC-certified manufacturer, our safety glazing materials meet the rigorous impact performance specifications and test methods outlined in ANSI Z97.1-2015. This certification, coupled with regular plant audits, provides independent, third-party assurance that our glass lites (such as tempered or laminated glass) are suitable for use in hazardous locations where human impact is a risk.
IGCC
IGCC
Insulating Glass Certification Council
Insulating Glass Certification Council
As a participant in the IGCC program, Millet's IGUs undergo independent, third-party testing and regular plant audits. This certification provides objective assurance that our products consistently conform to the highest standards for seal durability and performance, as validated against ASTM E2190.
CPSC
CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission
16 CFR 1201: Millet's safety glazing products also comply with the mandatory federal safety standard for architectural glazing materials, CPSC 16 CFR 1201. This regulation specifies impact requirements to reduce injuries from human contact with glazing in various architectural products like doors and large panels, further reinforcing the safety of our glass.
National Standard of Canada
National Standard of Canada
CAN/CGSB 12.1-2017: Safety Glazing (National Standard of Canada): Crucial for the Canadian market, Millet's safety glazing materials adhere to CAN/CGSB 12.1-2017. This updated National Standard of Canada specifies the performance criteria for safety glazing materials, particularly regarding human impact, ensuring compliance with Canadian building codes and safety regulations in applications such as doors, sidelites, and other locations requiring impact safety.
CURVEDGLASS
SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIERS
Millet Glass Industry partners with leading global suppliers, ensuring our curved glass is crafted with the highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology.
Vitro Glass (Vitro Architectural Glass), formerly PPG Glass, is a major North American glass producer known for its extensive range of architectural glass products. Headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, Vitro offers a wide variety of glass types, including low-E coatings (like Solarban and Sungate), tinted glass, low-iron options (like Starphire), reflective glass, and vacuum insulating glass (VacuMax VIG). Their focus is on providing energy-efficient, high-performance glass solutions for commercial and residential buildings, emphasizing innovation, consistency, and reliability. Vitro also offers decorative and specialty glass applications like bird-friendly.
Saint-Gobain Glass, a global leader in glass manufacturing with roots dating back to 1665 in France, offers a vast array of high-performance glazing solutions. Their product portfolio includes energy-efficient low-E glass (like the PLANITHERM and COOL-LITE ranges), solar control glass, acoustic insulation glass (STADIP SILENCE), safety and security laminated glass (STADIP PROTECT), decorative glass, and mirrors. Committed to sustainability, Saint-Gobain emphasizes energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint in their glass solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings worldwide.
Guardian Glass, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is a global leader in the manufacture of float, coated, and fabricated glass products for architectural, residential, interior, transportation, and technical applications. Known for their extensive product range, including the energy-efficient ClimaGuard and SunGuard series, Guardian emphasizes innovation and works closely with customers to meet specific project needs. With a commitment to sustainability, they focus on efficient resource use, waste reduction, and the development of high-performance glass solutions that contribute to energy savings and environmental responsibility in buildings worldwide.
CURVEDGLASS
FEATURED PROJECTS
FEATURED PROJECTS
From iconic architectural statements to bespoke interior features, Millet Glass Industry transforms design concepts into stunning curved glass realities.
At Millet Glass Industry, our curved glass projects stand as a testament to our expertise and innovation. While specific project details are proprietary, our portfolio showcases a diverse range of applications, from striking curved glass facades that redefine commercial architecture to elegant curved balustrades enhancing residential spaces and specialized curved glazing solutions for industrial designs. Each project reflects our commitment to precision bending, adherence to stringent quality standards, and the ability to bring even the most ambitious curved glass visions to life. Contact our team to explore how our curved glass can elevate your next project.
The Mather at Tysons
Westpark Drive Tysons, Virginia, US.
Cora Residences
1011 E Cumberland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, US.
Mitikah Tower
Av. Rio Churubusco 601, Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México, MX.
88 Queen
88 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S1, CA
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
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