Wire glass

Description

A protective window glass invented in 1892 by Frank Shuman. Wired glass windows have a fine mesh of metal (usually nickel-steel) wire rolled into the molten glass in order to reduce its shattering and breaking. Wire mesh glass is highly rated for fire-resistance, as it keeps the glass in position even under thermal stress and cracking. In the U.S., it was required for use on service elevators the prevent fire ingress to the shaft. Even with this advantage, the use of wire glass has been decreasing because its room temperature strength is lower than a same size glass sheet without the wire. Instead, Laminated glass is generally chosen for impact protection.

Synonyms and Related Terms

wired glass; wire mesh glass; armored glass; safety glass; vidro aramado (Port.); Georgian Wired glass

Resources and Citations

• Wikipedia: Safety Glass Accessed Nov. 2024