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During the Southeast Region Winter Meeting, Jim Heise, Public Affairs and Code Specialist for PGT Custom Windows + Doors presented “Virtual World of Glass.” The AIA-approved continuing education course covers how glass is made, cutting of glass and the processes for making tempered, laminated and insulated glass.

Replete with photos, imbedded video clips and process diagrams, the program depicts the making of annealed glass, cutting machines, trim edge operation and final cutting in preparation for further processing (if required). It goes on to discuss the manufacture of, and differences between, heat-strengthened and fully tempered glass. Quality control testing is also described in detail.

Next, the program turns to the production of laminated glass, typically used for impact resistance, and reviews the primary test methods: ASTM E1996 for Florida product approval and the more stringent TAS 201/203 for Miami-Dade approval.

"Impact glass is incredibly strong. It's not just hurricane protection but also security protection," Heise said. “Hurricane shutters only help during a storm. Impact glass is always in place to aid in both storms and potential break-ins.”

Finally, the process for fabricating insulating glass is reviewed, demonstrating application of the spacer system and edge capping, assembly and application of infill gas.

Low-E coatings of various types are introduced and described. The information displayed on laser-etched labels is decoded for tempered and laminated glass.