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Understanding The Pros And Cons Of Each Ink System For Your Clients

At AGNORA we never get tired of seeing amazing, printed glass projects out in the wild.  This week, we’ll focus on the two types of digital printing.  There are other print types including silk screen and roller coating, but for the purpose of this post, we will focus on the decorative elements of glass, which primarily fall within the digital print spectrum.

There are two types of digital print:

  1. Ceramic Frit
  2. UV Bonded

Both of these options provide exceptional durability to that of pressure-sensitive vinyls, which are applied after glass installation.  Thus, if you’re looking for a long-term printed element, digital direct-to-glass printing is for you.  In addition, digital printing vs roller coat or silk screen allows for anything to be visualized.  Pictures, spot colours, gradients, frosted effects, logos, vector artwork.  Think of it like a gigantic version of your desktop inkjet printer (also a digital printer).

But when should you choose either system?  Here’s some food for thought:

Ceramic Frit

• Finished by fusing ceramic inks within the glass through the tempering process
• Colourfast and resistant to UV degradation/discolouration
• Unlimited life expectancy - as long as the glass
• A more limited colour gamut (range), extended set up times
• Strong colour matching

UV Bonded

• Cured (dried) by ultraviolet light striking organic inks and drying on the surface of the glass
• Strong colourfastness and resistance to UV degradation/discolouration
• 5-10 years in the presence of natural light and UV degradation and 10+ years on interior applications
• A robust, full-gamut colour system able to "hit" Pantone, brand and "specials" (custom colour mix)
• Exceptional colour matching

The choice boils down to the application and your desired colour preference.  While ceramic inks are rich in colour they don’t have as much range as UV.  If you’re looking for truly decorative glass with a wide colour range, UV bonded fits the bill.  If you’re going to use print on the first or second surface of a window or IGU, or in the presence of strong daylight, then ceramic ink will stand the test of time.  Find your balance by asking the team at AGNORA what may be best for your situation! \

 

Keep an eye out for our full-length article this coming April in Glass Magazine, in collaboration with Goldray Glass!

SecureGlaze™ II+ - P8B

This level of impact-resistant security glazing is ideal for display cases, artwork, and exhibit spaces requiring a high level of theft prevention.

  • Maximum Energy Absorbed:  21,900 Joules
  • Applications: Display Cases, Art Exhibits, Art Installations
  • Example Scenarios: Forced Entry Mitigation and Theft Prevention, Up to 71 Axe Strikes
  • Corresponding Ratings: ASTM F1233 Class 2.2-2.4

SecureGlaze™ II - P6B

This level of impact-resistant security glazing blends perfectly with forced entry mitigation on retail storefronts and other high-profile spaces.

  • Maximum Energy Absorbed:  9,900 Joules
  • Applications: Luxury Retail Storefronts, Schools, Public Buildings
  • Example Scenarios: Forced Entry Mitigation, Up to 31 Axe Strikes
  • Corresponding Ratings: ASTM F1233 Class 1.4

SecureGlaze™ I - P5A

This level of impact-resistant security glazing is a great option for residential buildings, stopping balls, bricks and other commonly thrown projectiles.

  • Maximum Energy Absorbed:  3,300 Joules
  • Applications: Residential Windows, Ballustrade, Stairway Stringers
  • Example Scenarios: Errant Golf Balls, Baseballs, Puck, Brick, Roughy 9 Axe Hits
  • Corresponding Ratings: ASTM F1233 Class 1.1