Paint application methods for glass ceramic painted panels have come a long way in a short space of time. In the late 1980's, such was the volume of panels required, a small hand spraying facility located in an outhouse at the Aberdeen Glass Plant, adequately met both internal and external customer's needs. As the popularity of ceramic painted panels grew and Architects realised how they could dramatically improve and enhance a buildings appearance, the old hand spray method was no longer appropriate to keep up with demand.
At this time, AC Yule started buying painted panels from specialists who had invested in more automated techniques than hand spraying. As before, the single panels were then manufactured by us into hermetically sealed double glazing units. We could then also add insulated backing or trays, as required. As lead times for the painted panels from external sources extended to the point where standard product was taking anything between 8 and 12 weeks, it was time to review the procurement method. Not only had lead times extended to unacceptable levels, but in the intervening period, application methods had advanced and developed thus ensuring a consistently high quality of application and a consistency of paint thickness.
Given this background, AC Yule took the decision to invest in a new, state-of-the-art roller coating line, with an advanced drying furnace. This not only ensured a high quality product, but equally as importantly, took manufacture back under our control. Accordingly, the Livingston branch of the Glass & Glazing Division took delivery of a brand new paint line in July, with installation, commissioning and training taking place throughout August. The line is now fully operational and producing the following range of standard colours. Non standard colours are available on longer lead times.
Following painting, the glass panels are then passed through our tempering furnace, the result being a painted safety glass, conforming to EN 12150, and with a impact performance being tested and classified in accordance with EN 12600. The panels can of course form one skin of a hermetically sealed double glazing unit, and can have an insulation backing applied. It is important to note that the incorporation of glass in buildings must take account of "critical locations" defined in BS6262 Part 4:2005 - Code of practice for safety related to human impact. Glass used in such identified critical locations must be safety glass.
Please see our data sheet for more info.
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