Wired glass, an early safety innovation in the glass industry, integrates a metal mesh within the glass structure to enhance its safety and fire-resistant properties. The concept is similar to reinforced concrete, where a material sensitive to tensile forces is strengthened by embedding a reinforcing mesh. In the case of wired glass, a stainless steel wire mesh is inserted while the glass is in its liquid state, remaining embedded in the glass after it cools and solidifies. This provides wired glass with unique properties, especially for applications requiring both durability and fire resistance.
Properties of Wired Glass
Enhanced Mechanical Strength:
Tensile and Flexibility: The embedded wire mesh increases the tensile strength and elasticity, helping wired glass withstand stress better than standard glass.
Fragment Retention upon Breakage:
Safety Advantage: In case of breakage, the wire mesh holds broken glass pieces together, preventing them from scattering and reducing the risk of injury.
Fire Resistance:
Flame Retardant: Wired glass holds up well in high-heat situations. When exposed to flames, it retains its integrity longer than regular glass, as the mesh helps prevent immediate collapse, giving additional time for evacuation during emergencies.
Decorative Design Options:
Pattern Variety: Wired glass often features decorative designs on its surface, adding an aesthetic element along with functionality, making it suitable for architectural applications.
Replacement in Modern Applications:
Alternative Products: While wired glass was once the primary safety glass product, it has been largely replaced in many applications by modern alternatives like laminated (TRIPLEX) glass, which offers superior impact resistance and safety. However, wired glass still remains in specific settings where its unique characteristics are advantageous.
Wired Glass Applications
Wired glass is found in both structural and decorative uses, especially where additional safety or fire resistance is needed. Common applications include:
Balconies and Shelters: Provides safety from falls while adding fire protection.
Terraces and Skylights: Used for strength in high-up glazing applications.
Elevator Doors: Adds safety in doors frequently subject to mechanical stress.
Public Building Doors: Found in institutions like schools, barracks, and police stations where durability is essential.
High Glazing (e.g., Warehouses, Industrial Premises): Used in high, out-of-reach windows to enhance safety and provide fire resistance.
Technical Specifications of Wired Glass
The technical characteristics of wired glass are similar to those of standard glass, with minor variations due to the embedded metal mesh. Here are some key parameters:
Thermal and Optical Properties:
Thermal Permeability Coefficient (U): Remains comparable to regular glass.
Emission Factor (E), Energy Absorption (EA), Light Reflection (LR), Ultraviolet Permeability (UV), and Sound Impairment Factor (Rw): These properties are largely unchanged, offering similar thermal insulation, energy handling, and acoustic performance.
Altered Properties Due to Metal Mesh:
Total Energy Permeability Coefficient (SC): Slightly reduced because the metal mesh affects how much total energy passes through.
Light Transmittance (LT): Slightly lower than in regular glass, as the metal mesh slightly reduces light passing through the glass.
Summary
Wired glass remains a viable safety solution where mechanical strength, fragment retention, and fire resistance are required. Despite the rise of more advanced products like laminated glass, wired glass’s unique properties keep it relevant in specific applications, especially in public and industrial settings. Its technical specifications make it a balanced choice between safety and functional transparency, with slight trade-offs in energy permeability and light transmittance.
