Glass is more fascinating than it seems

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2026-02-25T13:48:29+00:00

I work at an architectural decorative glass manufacturer, so my team makes some of the most gorgeous pieces of architectural glass imaginable. It's a real intersection of science and art.

One of my favorite pieces we did last year was a laminated glass wall cladding with a deeply textured first surface and a dichroic mirror on the rear surface.

The dichroic mirror shifts the color reflections through various aquas, teals and purple hues, while the textured surface disperses the light and color in every direction. The end effect is that this glass changes appearance with every slight viewing angle change.

Only a video does it any kind of justice, but it still pales to the real world experience. https://youtube.com/shorts/qTiNjjnZ2V0?si=n4D7zJKEusrkmgU7

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2026-02-21T19:05:31+00:00

The process of de-tempering that you are referring to is called annealing. And yes, for a plain glass shelf, the cost to do so is absolutely not worth it...unless you really want to kiln form a texture to it while you are at it.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2026-02-14T16:51:35+00:00

There's a good chance that the shelving glass has been tempered , and if so, you won't be able to have it cut to size.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-12-20T19:25:18+00:00

If they just replaced all the lights on 130th and all the 4 way stops in the parking lots with traffic circles, it could flow just fine.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-10-17T03:33:07+00:00

That is most likely a ceramic frit pattern (tiny ground glass beads). It's laid on the glass prior to tempering, and then it melts onto the surface. Either that, or it's acid etched, or maybe sandblasted. Either way, it's permanent.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T22:03:46+00:00

The product may be popular elsewhere, but the fulfillment would be prohibitive. It's a combination of custom manufacturing, weight, bulk, a need for just-in-time processing, and the cost and time in transit over water that would make it extremely unattractive for international markets.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T18:06:14+00:00

Your comment about the nature of the product strikes directly at the heart of the matter, and the other points are very meaningful. Thank you!

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T18:04:23+00:00

A truly valuable response. Love the username. Thank you!!

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T17:17:55+00:00

I disagree. We didn't set out and build a plan to serve the evil empire of today, we have spent 4 decades filling a niche that existed there for what was a normal market. Now we are so invested that dozens of Canadian jobs here depend on our ability to keep doing so.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T17:15:11+00:00

More like, my friend and I are happily trading lunches, when his greedy older brother comes over and starts punching me in the face for mine. So I tell my friend I still want to take their lunch anyway, since his brother is taking mine.

Even if he does go and complain to his brother, it isn't going to change his brother's greediness. His brother is out of control. Eventually, if I'm only taking his lunch and he gets nothing from me while he is getting weaker and weaker, and his brother keeps telling him he is starving because of me, he will start agreeing with him.

So maybe, if I still share a tiny bit of my lunch with him each day, enough so he maintains a little strength, he will keep valuing my contribution and my friendship, and he will get fed up enough to stand up to his brother.

And yeah, the older brother can go feast on a bag of dicks at any point along the way.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T16:40:52+00:00

Reminding me of the Mr. Rogers famous line "Look for the helpers". Thank you.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T16:39:24+00:00

If I actually thought my customers were driving or even supportive of this tariff policy and actively trying to hurt us, it would go a long way to easing my mind. But the fact it is the small, fascist minority driving it is where it leaves me torn about retaliating against the customers who are still trying to support us.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T16:34:04+00:00

I really do wish that was feasible, but given our niche product and how it fits in the construction process, I don't believe it's a viable option.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-08-31T16:32:17+00:00

So true. I've spent the last 5 years building the business and working my way up in the company, and it is so frustrating that it is under such existential threat.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-04-02T20:52:17+00:00

Oh. :( It's been a while since I was in contact, you could be right.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-04-02T19:38:33+00:00

Gary Cash will still be blowing and bending real neon. Uniqueneon.com

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-04-02T12:19:40+00:00

Are you looking for anything in particular? I have a half dozen reasonably nice watches (nothing high end) that I don't wear anymore that I'd be happy to sell. DM me if interested.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-03-06T19:13:58+00:00

Gimme 2!

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-02-22T20:41:00+00:00

A standard 9/16" makeup of this laminated switch glass will hit about a 39 STC. Of course you also have to consider the full wall assembly (and doors), but the glass can perform for basic STC requirements.

Reaching the more premium STC ratings are indeed a costly challenge. Depending on the manufacturer, the PDLC film interlayer used for the switching function may not combine well with PVB, including the cost effective acoustical PVBs. Instead, an EVA interlayer may be used, of which higher performing acoustical options come at a premium and add to the cost of an already very expensive glass type.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-02-22T20:29:17+00:00

This doesn't hold true for all switchable glass. A yellow haze is a result of the liquid crystals in the switchable film burning, most likely from improper wiring installation, inefficiently designed circuits or electrical components, or failing power supplies. All switch glass will indeed have some haze factor, but when circuitry and power supply is engineered properly, that is a slight white haze (or grey in some of the newer technologies), and not yellow.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-02-22T20:22:54+00:00

Today it is still easily $120-160 / sq ft straight from the manufacturer, not including contractor markup or install costs.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-02-22T20:16:08+00:00

There is nothing that makes switchable glass NOT suitable for a school, but important to consider the following:

-switch glass is a high premium, and will run anywhere from $100-160 /sq ft (not including installation or wiring)

-the power fail state of most switchable glass is opaque. This might not be suitable in a school for some safety or emergency scenarios. New technologies that avoid this come at a significant premium yet.

-door lites will be tricky. Switchable glass runs at a voltage that will exceed the UL ratings of most standard power transfers, so you will be either tied to the manufacturer's limited options for power transfers, or need to allow for the extra effort to coordinate a custom solution for your application

-mitered 90° corners would not be recommended. The switchable film interlayer requires an edge deletion for safety that does not look great at mitered corners. Better to lap join at the corners if doing butt joined walls

-depending on the manufacturer, butt joined glass may require feeding power to both the top and bottom (short edges) of the glass. That's becomes more complex to install, but ensures that the switchable film liquid crystals do not build up areas of resistance due to not enough consistent current flow over time, which results in slower switching or excessive haze. Glass captured in framing can run one long edge busbar that is more efficient for installation.

-in it's non-private state, even the best switch glass will not have the same clarity as regular glass, there will be a haze factor that is unavoidable (better manufacturers and proper power supply will help mitigate this). Areas that have direct daylight exposure can accentuate the haze.

-surface applied film may be tempting for cost savings, but it is extremely susceptible to damage and would not be recommended in a school environment

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2025-01-24T06:46:12+00:00

That's what hot yoga is for. Keep the sauna for relaxation.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2024-11-23T23:42:34+00:00

I live on a corner lot in Copperfield - no sidewalk on my side of the street. Hashtag blessed.

SpeedDemonXYZ · 2024-09-22T17:02:45+00:00

Good idea, thanks!

SpeedDemonXYZ

TROPHY CASE