| Technology |
Sekisui Aids Designs in Glass
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Sekisui is a leading worldwide company with over 40 years of experience in Glass Interlayer Technology. S-LEC manufactures three standard interlayer products - S-LEC Clear Film, S-LEC Colour Film and the S-LEC shaded film (SDF).
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 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.  Glass design produced by t4 Design 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.  Glass design produced by t4 Design Press enquiries: Simon Trott/Josie Diep, Shaw & Underwood PR, Monaco House, Bristol Street, Birmingham B5 7AW Tel: 0121 622 6868 Fax: 0121 666 6551 Email: admin@shawandunderwood.co.uk Sales/technical enquiries: Steve Jones - Email: sales@t4design.com or John Jones - Email: marketing@s-lec.nl
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Photos: S-Lec.nl
Last review: June, 2006 |
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