Dip-Tech In-Glass Printing Sustainability and Durability Specifications for Architects
Dip-Tech In-Glass Digital Printing
Dip-Tech digital in-glass printing solutions open unlimited opportunities for creating distinctive and lasting impressions on building façades, windows and interior elements.
The Dip-Tech digital, direct-to-glass printer allows a large-format image to span across multiple panels, without the costs incurred by silk-screening, standard film-production processes and multiple print runs. Any owner, designer or architect can now print high-resolution images on glass quicker than ever. Using ceramic inks, hundreds of shades can now be digitally mixed to generate multi-color images.
Digital printing technology enables to easily print any image/picture from the computer directly on to the glass with long-lasting, consistent appearance.
Sustainability
Dip-Tech’s unique approach to in-glass printing enables architects to enhance their design’s functional performance and support sustainable architecture which meets environmentally responsible architecture goals.
Following are the reasons that contribute to the sustainability of the Dip-Tech solution:
● Glass is recyclable and offers eco-friendly functionality.
● Using digital printing technology enables complying with LEED certification and other environmental certifications.
● DIP-Tech’s inks do not contain heavy metals.
● If elements need to be replaced or added, individual glass panels can be printed and perfectly matched to the existing panels with precise coloring. This eliminates the cost and waste of more extensive refurbishment. In addition, digital printing requires minimum setup time and eliminates the need for saving the screens.
● DIP-Tech’s pattern generator is an excellent tool for generating patterns that help in preventing bird collision.
● Unlike other covering materials for façade construction such as marble, stone, bricks, digital ceramic printed glass can be produced locally. This reduces the energy waste of shipping.
● The digital printing process is almost waste-free, unlike screen printing which generates large quantities of waste. In addition it eliminates the large storage requirements incurred by screen storage.
Energy Saving Tool
The Energy Saving tool provides the ability to estimate energy costs and generate a cost summary for the annual life cycle of the building.
The new Dip-Tech Energy saving tool provides architects, façade consultants and curtain wall manufactures with proven results for the ceramic in-glass printing. The software controls the final level of solar heat gain
and shading coefficient and provides the ability to show, based on color’s shades and layer thickness, the impact of the printed glass on the building systems as well as a real measurement of energy saving in the building.
Life Cycle of the Ink
The life cycle of the Dip-Tech printed glass, from the collection of the initial raw materials, through all stages of production, to the execution, is similar to the normal flat glass cycle because of the insignificant quantities of Dip-Tech inks used.
Durability
With the Dip-Tech process, after printing, the ink goes through a tempering or firing process, which causes the ink to penetrate the glass. This provides maximum protection even against extreme weather conditions. In addition, after these processes, the glass is scratch-resistant, UV-fading resistant, and resistant to other chemicals.
Chemical Resistance
The chemical durability of glass enamels is evaluated according to ASTM C724 – 91(2005) – Standard Test Method for Acid Resistance of Ceramic Decorations on Architectural-Type Glass. This test method evaluates the quality and serviceability of a ceramic decoration on architectural type glass. The degree of attack is determined, both quantitatively and qualitatively, using an acidic solution.
The fired ceramic DIP SPECTRUMTM ink is suitable for both first and second position print in exterior applications.
All colors have been evaluated and show no visible sign of attack or leaching by water. When applied and fired correctly, the enamel meets the strict chemical resistance levels, according to ASTM C724-91. For hydrochloric acid, acetic and citric acid; the enamel is sulfuric acid resistant and has excellent alkali chemical resistance.
The ink color has been proven to have long-term durability, with older projects showing no deterioration. In addition, printed glasses with Dip-Tech ceramic inks have passed the Artificial Weathering and Exposure to Artificial Radiation standard, in according with ISO 11341:2004 for paints and varnishes, so we are confident about performance and the durability of the ink color.
Scratch Resistance
In order to evaluate the scratch resistance of the printed glass, a Braive sclerometer with a force of up to 30N is applied. When the ink is properly fired, the scratch marks are eliminated completely.
Adhesion Tests
Dip-Tech has obtained the German accreditation ABZ 70.1.75, as well as the European ETAG Nr. 002: 1998-07 (compliance with Dow Corning silicone adhesives). The adhesion test is performed by a crosshatch or tape test. Results show that the resistance of the printed area is excellent.
UV Fading Resistance
The UV durability of the produced enamel is guaranteed for many years, with minimal optical degradation in temperature range of -30ºC to +65ºC. It is interesting to remember that inorganic pigments, similar to those used in DIP-Tech inks, were used in ancient glass-staining methods, and their continued vibrancy proves the ultimate test of time.
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Free of Heavy Metals
All Spectrum Inks and Flushing Fluid are within the limits of less than 1000 ppm of lead and 100 ppm of cadmium, respectively and therefore considered free of heavy metals. This is in line with the GADSL list version 1.0, released on 01-02-2010 (for details see: www.gadsl.org). The ceramic raw materials have gone through analysis by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupling Plasma Mass Spectrometry).
Bend Resistance
Also offered by the Dip-Tech machine is the ability to print a ceramic frit perimeter band on any glass without having to make multiple screens. In our experience, it is possible to bend the printed glass by at least 80°, without damaging the printing. Bending radius will be according to the glass thickness and type.
Health & Safety
Good industrial hygiene and work practices should be adhered to when handling this product. For detailed health and safety requirements, please consult the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet.
Warranty
The warranty policy depends on the specific glass processor chosen by the architect.
Important
This information is intended as a general guideline. For further information please contact:
