The markets for curved architectural glass have been developing at a rapid rate over recent years. New construction applications are springing up all over the world and the size of the glass surfaces is growing. This has created a need for using tempered glass in large constructions. After all. Tempered glass offers many indisputable benefits compared to laminated glass in certain applications.

RAINBOWMAKER TSF COMBIT - offering tomorrow's technology today

Glassrobots and Tambest have for many years already been engaged in important product development cooperation. The latest machine, the Rainbowmaker TSF CombiT constitutes a breakthrough into a new sector on the architectural glass side for both companies. This machine is fully computer controlled and works in a Windows 97 environment. "It really is great that we are able to obtain the technology required in the manufacturing of both tempered glass and laminated glass from Glassrobots", enthuses Tambest Oy's managing director, Hannu Lahtinen. "We expect a great deal from the new TSF machine", he continues. "During testing, the machine has performed admirably. Through TSF we are able to reply to the challenges thrown down by the markets. Tempered glass has up to five times better strength properties than ordinary glass, so that it is no wonder there is a such a high demand for it!"

Marked differences can be found in the quality of products from different glass manufacturers. Tambest is respected in the sector for its evenly high quality curved laminated glass, and especially for its superior optics. "Thanks to the new TSF machine, we are able to offer our clients the same advantages as they would get with tempered glass. The most important stage of the process is managing the glass when it is in a soft condition. Now we can honestly say that the TSF produces excellent glass from the optical standpoint, even with pronounced curvature", continues Lahtinen.

A call for laminates too

Tempered glass is dominating the world, but there will be a growing market for curved laminated glass in the future as well. Laminated glass and tempered glass do not in fact compete against each other; rather, they are mutually supportive products. For instance, in large massive glass constructions it is often sensible to make the inside surface of the glass from laminated glass and the outside surface from tempered glass. Laminate is also the number one choice when good resistance against breakage or sound attenuation is demanded.