AGC first needed to develop a process to allow architects to define their exact glazing needs. The Technovation Centre partnered with Eclat Digital, a specialist in realistic virtual prototyping, to bring this to life. Their intensive collaboration resulted in virtual prototyping software capable of creating and defining the new glazing based on the architect’s precise requirements. This powerful software can display a true representation of a custom-specified coated glass on the building in its environment and under various weather conditions.
AGC then needed to be able to produce a prototype of the glass so the architect could validate its appearance and so AGC could prepare for later large-scale production. This challenge was taken up by AGC Interpane in Plattling, Germany. The plant was able to both apply the newly designed coating to the glass and assemble the freshly coated glass into an insulating glazing unit – all in the same facility.
The result? A custom service allowing architects to define the physical properties and appearance of their project’s glazing, view it on screen under various weather conditions, validate the colour on a sample and leave with a sample of their unique creation. And this can all be done in just a single day during a Coating On Demand session at the Plattling site in Germany. AGC also rolled out the service at its Lodelinsart plant in Belgium, where the coating can be produced in a thermally toughened version.
