FRONTIER GLASS RESEARCH ON SHOW AT THE “GLASS. THE GREAT UNEXPECTED” EXHIBITION 

 

The exhibition is an opportunity to see the latest experimental work in glass from leading names around the world. 
With its mission to promote meetings between producers and users of glass processing machinery and accessories from around the world, Vitrum is the foremost event of the year for the industry and lends standout visibility to the best of Made in Italy in a very international setting. 
In the same way, GLASS, THE GREAT UNEXPECTED at Vitrum 2015 focuses its attention on glass as being the most ductile of materials, used by leading designers in Italy and across the world, and constantly changing and evolving. A history that goes back thousands of years and continues to the present day thanks to new technologies and ongoing testing. 
In addition to its historical section with an amphora dating back to the second century A.D. that was recently restored at the request of Vitrum, GLASS, THE GREAT UNEXPECTED spans and showcases the widespread use of glass in architecture. However, the “Research and Experiments” section is where Vitrum displays the latest applications from some of the best-known international players in the sector. It is a window on the future with the latest results and experiments in structural, photovoltachromic, electrochromic and insulating glass, as well as solar mirrors. 
In the “Glass for structural use” area, the systems for Defender glass parapets by Logli Massimo SpA provide a technical contribution, showing the must-have features for safe structures. By using the latest technologies the market has to offer and with the help of a team of engineers, completely bespoke solutions can now be designed and developed. 
Pilkington Italia addresses sustainability with Spacia, or vacuum glass, by showing its latest developments in energy savings and living comfort; its next generation products such as OptiView Protect OW feature the most innovative contents. The company’s range includes self-cleaning, extra clear, anti-reflective and ultra-thin glass for applications in architecture, furniture and the automotive sector. 
Research by Saint Gobain has led to the development of SageGlass, a smart sunlight control solution and an ecological, energy-efficient alternative to mechanical blinds and air conditioning units. The system controls the level of daylight and required amount of thermal comfort, ensuring indoor comfort and wellbeing even on the hottest days. 

A significant contribution to the exhibition comes from Sunglass, an Italian company based in Padova and a world leader in glass curving technology. From glass production to processing, Sunglass has become the go-to supplier for designers who use glass as a building material in architecture, pushing the limits of its technology. Sunglass projects can be found worldwide: on display from the London Eye at Vitrum is a perfect example of the original pod prototype developed in 1999.  
Concentrated solar systems (CSP technology) applications are showcased by the Fenzi Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of chemicals for the secondary processing of flat glass. The group is currently involved in the CSP production chain as the main supplier of Duralux Solar Coatings, a range of coatings for solar mirrors that guarantee very high chemical resistance to corrosion and UV radiation. 
GLASS, THE GREAT UNEXPECTED 
Vitrum 6-9 October 2015