Looking at Glass
Page 51
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I N the modern commercial vehicle, glass, in addition to its basic function. serves as a decorative and structural material. A recent publication of the research laboratory of the Triplex Safety Glass Co., Ltd., King's Norton, Birmingham, 30, "The Characteristics and Use of Flat Safety Glass," by the iesearch director, Dr. A. C. Waine, will therefore be welcomed by all bodybuilders.
The publication, third of a series of technical bulletins issued by Triplex. describes the development of safety glass and the methods of production employed. It defines sheet and plate. toughened and laminated glass, and explains specification differences with regard to windscreens and other vehicle windows in this country and in America. Instructions are given for cutting, grinding and polishing laminated glass.
Several special-purpose types of safety glass produced by the concern are described at length, including some of particular interest to bodybuilders. One of these is Triflex, in which the Vinal interlayer projects beyond the edges of the glass; this plastic margin may be drilled. cut or filed and held in place with bolts.
• Triflex M is a similar product, except that the extended plastic section is inserted in a light-alloy frame. This is used where a glass panel must not fail, such as in a pressurized aircraft.
Coloured safety glass is another special type. Calorcx is a green, heatabsorbing glass, while Sundym, already found in some coaches, combines the properties of heat absorption with an almost complete absence of colour. It is also available in laminated form and with a shaded colour, so that part of the glass panel can be used as a vizor, for example.
Two anti-misting glasses are also described. One comprises two panels of safety glass spaced by a glass frame so that the complete sandwich is hollow. The dry air in the interior serves as an insulator and prevents external cold from penetrating to the inner face of the glass.
The other is an electrically heated glass, in which a closely spaced grid of fine wires is inserted into the plastic interlayer of Triplex laminated glass. When current is passed through the wires, sufficient heat is generated to demist the panel.