Ceramic Fritting is a process by which glass enamel is fused on the glass surface. Before the glass is heat strengthened or tempered, Ceramic frit is applied to the glass through a fine mesh screen with glass enamel. After tempering or heat strengthening, the glass enamel becomes a permanent coating which cannot be further damaged or removed by cleaning, scrubbing, etc. Silk-screening is done by printing a layer of ceramic ink on the glass surface through a screen mesh. When silk-screened glass is combined with clear, tinted, Low-E, or reflective glass, it can control light transmittance and reduce solar heat gain while enhancing aesthetic and performance characteristics. Though normally suitable for IGUs, silk-screened glass can be used for both exterior and interior applications. When used on building exteriors, the painted surface must be protected from direct contact with the environment.
Process
Annealed glass is washed and Ceramic frit paint is applied to the interior of the glass Frit is made of tiny glass particles, pigments and various chemicals for the curing To create a permanent coating, Ceramic frit is fired within a tempering furnace To prevent glass breakage due to thermal stress, the glass is always heat strengthened or tempered Ceramic frit can be combined with clear or tinted glass substrates, and high-performance coatings to reduce glare and decrease solar transmission
Features
Light frit colors and some types of pattern designs cause enhanced brightness and dark frit colors reduce glare. Certain applications mask a part/whole of glass for privacy, hide the background, enhance the look of a product or used merely for aesthetics. The coating remains unaffected by moisture, oil, soaps, chemicals or detergents; it is capable of retaining its original appearance throughout the life of the glass.
Applications
Transparent and translucent silk-screened glass is ideal for interior applications, including glass doors, partitions, handrails, glass ceilings, bathrooms, elevator walls and shower enclosures. Ceramic frit glass can be used in curtain walls, point fixed or bolted glazing systems, shower installations, glass doors and partitions.