Thin glass is currently mainly used for displays on electronic devices. However, it also offers interesting properties for architectural applications. Due to its high strength and low thickness (≤ 2 mm), the glass can be easily bent into curved shapes and enables a significant weight reduction compared with equivalent insulating glass units. Research at the TU Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Building Construction in the L3ICHTGLAS project, in cooperation with Sollingglas Bau u. Veredelungs GmbH & Co. KG, Innovent e.V. Technologieentwicklung and EurA AG, focuses on exploiting these advantageous properties for façades.
The composite element consists of thin glass cover layers bonded to a rigid, 3D-printed polymer core. In addition to the advantages of high rigidity and low weight, the composite elements also offer the possibility of influencing the amount of daylight entering the building by customising the core pattern. The exhibit also shows that cold-bent composite elements can be realised using curved core structures. The thin glass adapts to the printed shape and retains it by means of a load-bearing adhesive bond. Lightweight and customisable thin glass composite panels are designed to positively influence architecture and its ecological sustainability.