The National Glass Association (NGA) is pleased to announce the publication of two new Glass Technical Papers (GTP):
The NGA would like to thank the task group members who developed these resources for the industry.
Introduction to Digital Print
This document provides information about digitally printed glass technology, covering the printing process, ink types (ceramic and organic), typical applications, quality expectations, technical specifications, and quality control measures. It also addresses terminology, preparation requirements, viewing criteria, and potential defects to help architects, designers, fabricators, and clients understand the capabilities, limitations, and best practices for specifying and implementing digitally printed glass in various applications.
“As digital printing becomes an increasingly important part of architectural glass, the industry needs guidance that reflects the realities of these products,” says Task Group Chair Michael Saroka of Goldray Glass. “This document provides a common framework for communication, expectations, and production requirements, helping manufacturers, suppliers, and specifiers deliver digitally printed glass with greater consistency and confidence.”
Task Group Members
- Michael Saroka, Goldray Glass – Chair
- Gin Benner and Adam Mitchell, AGNORA Inc.
- Robert Carlson, TriStar Glass, Inc.
- Bobby Chestnut, Walker Glass
- Jason Fisher, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
- Jon Griggs, Guardian Glass LLC
- Michelle Phan, Cardinal Glass Industries
- Randy Reynolds and John Smith, Glass Coatings and Concepts LLC
- Edward Robison, E&L Civil Engineering
- Aaron Thompson and Thomas Wojtowicz, Viracon
- DJ Weil, Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions
- Melissa Szotkowski, Linel
Wired Glass in Fire-Rated and Safety Glazing Applications
Wired glass is rolled flat glass with a layer of wire mesh completely embedded in the glass. The primary application for wired glass is fire-protection-rated windows and doors. The guidelines have changed regarding how wired glass can be used in safety glazing applications, which can lead to confusion about where wired glass is allowed in buildings. This new document explains the types of wired glass, wired glass strength, where wired glass is allowed, the history of wired glass, existing and replacement installations of wired glass, labeling of wired glass, and frequently asked questions.
“Wired glass is the legacy product that defined the use of fire-rated glass for many years,” says NGA Building Code Contractor Thom Zaremba of Roetzel & Andress. “It still has many uses in non-hazardous locations and many hazardous locations when properly coated and tested to safety glazing standards.”
Task Group Members
- Devin Bowman and David Vermeulen, Technical Glass Products (Allegion)
- Robert Carlson, TriStar Glass, Inc.
- Dan Cosentino, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
- Jen Daly, 3M
- Marc Deschamps, Walker Glass
- Jim Gulnick, 90 Day Solutions
- Emily MacNeil, AGNORA Inc.
- Tim Nass, SAFTI FIRST
- Kayla Natividad, Pilkington North America, Inc.
- Michael Nicasio, UL
- Dan Poling, SCHOTT
- Jose Rodriguez, Guthrie Automation
- Melissa Szotkowski, Linel
- Brad Thurman, GGI
- Rick Wright, Richard E. Wright Associates
Both new GTPs can be downloaded from the NGA Store.
