glasstec Exhibitors Display Color and Decorative Options

glasstec exhibitors have recognized that colorful, decorative glass are hot trends in the architectural industry and several have been offering new technologies to help glass companies achieve these demands.

On the machinery side, Cefla Finishing was in hall 16 demonstrating its new line called KleenGlass, a reciprocating spray machine designed for spraying paint onto glass that does not have to be tempered, such as in a backsplash. Tyrone Kline, a product specialist, explained that the new line uses organic coatings or silicone-based paints.

"We see the potential for customers who are doing lots of colors, as it's more flexible than roll coating. This has the ability to change colors in a matter of minutes," he explained.

Kline said the feedback and responses so far have been very good as a lot of North American attendees have.

"We're offering alternative methods for applying spandrel type paint, special effects colors and frosted/sandblasted acid etched techniques."

In hall 11 Viewcol was offering attendees crisp green apples, ripe berries and fresh citrus fruit--images, that is. The Australian company was promoting its digital printing technology for laminated glass.

"If I had a nickel for every picture that's been taken of this booth I could pay for this booth with it," said Eric Seifried, the company's sales and marketing director. A first-time glasstec exhibitor, Viewcol has been working its way into numerous markets around the world and is beginning to make its way into the United States as well, as it is currently in negotiations will several glass fabricators.

The company's process involves super imposing imagery onto a film product that the fabricator can then laminate into the glass with either PVB, EVA or resin. The company has also tested the product in both the United States and Canada.

"The response had been overwhelming," said Seifried of the show. "The first thing people want to know when the come to the booth is how we do it ... it's just been unbelievable."

Tomorrow marks the conclusion of glasstec 2006. A detailed show report, complete with photo gallery will be in the December 2006 USGlass.

-by Ellen Giard, editor of USGlass magazine.