Low Emissitivity Coating

Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metal layers that are deposited on a window surface to help keep heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated. Depending on the climate, and whether it's for commercial, residential or automotive use. Glass coated with a low-emissivity substance can reflect radiant infrared energy, encouraging radiant heat to remain on the same side of the glass from which it originated, while letting visible light pass. This often results in more efficient windows because radiant heat originating from indoors in winter is reflected back inside, while infrared heat radiation from the sun during summer is reflected away, keeping it cooler inside.

Low Emissitivity Insulating Glass

Insulating glass, or double glazing, consists of a window or glazing element of two or more layers of glazing separated by a spacer along the edge and sealed to create a dead air space between the layers. This type of glazing has functions of thermal insulation and noise reduction. When the space is filled with an inert gas it is part of energy conservation sustainable architecture design for low energy buildings.

Soft Coat Low E Glass (Sputtered Low-e glass vacuum deposition or soft coat)

Soft coat Low E, or sputter coating, is applied in multiple layers of optically transparent silver sandwiched between layers of metal oxide in a vacuum chamber. This process provides the highest level of performance and a nearly invisible coating.

Advantages of Energy Saving Low-e Glass

High visible light transmission

Ultra-low emissivities giving optimum winter U-values

Up to 70% less UV transmission compared with standard clear glazing

Optical clarity – minimal color haze

Disadvantages of Energy Saving Low-e Glass

Soft coat Low E must be used in a double glazed unit; the soft coating is sensitive to handling.

Most soft coat Low-E products require tempering the glass prior to the coating application.

Edge deletion of the coating is required to insure a proper seal in an insulated unit

There can be slight color variations of coating.

Generally speaking, a more expensive alternative than Hard Coat Low e glass.

Hard Coat Low E Glass (pyrolytic glass)

Advantages

The advantage is that the coating is relatively durable, which allows for ease of handling and tempering.

Can be toughened after the coating application.

Can be used in single glazing applications.

Utilizes passive solar heat gain.

Disadvantages

Higher U-values compared to soft coat Low-E products

Slightly higher haze levels

Higher solar heat gain coefficient compared to soft coat Low-E products.

Hard coat glass also has the possibility of a slight haze, which can be visible under certain angles.

APPLICATIONS of Energy Saving Low-e Glass

 •Architectural interiors

 •Facades

 •Shop fronts

 •Museums

 •Panoramic restaurants

 •Showrooms

 •Luxury commercial decoration

 •Stadiums/arenas

 •Historical preservation

 •Waiting rooms

 •Display windows

 •Design elements

 •Partition walls

 •Artwork

 •Cash dispensers

 •Petrol stations

 •Display cases

 •Balustrades

 •Store fixtures

 •Lobbies

 •Foyers

 •TV and recording studios

 •Observation rooms

 •Display units

 •Internal partitions

 •Interpreter / sound booths

 •Zoos and aquariums

 •Terrariums and vivariums

 •Airports

 •Control towers

 •Bulletproof windows