Ceramic digital printing technology is ideal for quickly, easily, and economically implementing glass designs for both interiors and exteriors. This method enhances glass surfaces with high resolution and vibrant colors tailored to customer specifications.
Unlike conventional screen printing, ceramic digital printing can apply multiple colors simultaneously. Interpane’s state-of-the-art factory in Hildesheim houses one of Germany's most advanced ceramic digital printing systems, capable of printing glass substrates up to 2800 x 3700 mm in thicknesses from 2 to 19 mm, with a standard resolution of 360 dpi that can be increased to 720 dpi.
Using ceramic digital printing technology, any motif can be processed and accurately printed on glass with special print heads that ensure precision. The selected design is then permanently fused to the glass surface. ipadecor provides virtually limitless design options for glass enhancement. The method employs high-grade machinery to print colors directly onto the glass surface, achieving outstanding quality and definition.
Applications
Ceramic printing techniques are highly versatile, suitable for large projects like façades, all-glass constructions, insulation, and parapet glazing, as well as interior applications such as cabinets, bathroom furniture, shower walls, kitchen products, and shop fittings. High-definition color printing is available for illustrations, decorations, text, graphics, and photos. Ipadecor's digital printing technology enables large images to be divided into smaller segments, allowing entire building façades to be economically glazed with logos, images, or decorative designs. Available colors include black, white, green, blue, yellow, red, orange, and various mixes. These techniques are ideal for modern glass exteriors of prestigious buildings, as well as for interior applications.
Process
ipadecor offers a fast and cost-effective solution for glass styling, suitable for indoor or outdoor applications. Glass panels are decorated in high resolution with vibrant colors, and multiple colors can be printed simultaneously. Any motif can be prepared for printing, with designs permanently baked into the glass surface.
Colors
ipadecor ceramic screen printing is offered in a wide range of standard designs, with options for metallic, etched, and special color inks available upon request. Some colors enhance the outer surface's resistance to weathering and UV light while preventing silvering.
Manufacturer of glass products for architectural and decorative uses
In 1986, Interpane acquired the safety glass works in Hildesheim, expanding its product range to include tempered safety glass (ESG), heat-strengthened prestressed glass (TVG), and laminated safety glass (VSG), marketed under the brand name "ipasafe." The company capitalized on the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990 by establishing new facilities in Belgern and Häsen. The Hildesheim plant, with around 110 skilled workers, operates on a three-shift schedule and has a production capacity exceeding 150,000 m² of single-pane safety glass and 80,000 m² of laminated safety glass annually. It serves clients across Europe and offers various glass products for architectural and decorative uses. Apart from safety glass for window glazing, Interpane Hildesheim also produces parapet elements, frameless glass doors and whole-glass assemblies, room dividers, overhead glazing, and walkable glazing for stairs or bridges. The new product range also includes special laminates with photo technology, HPL, heating glazing, and switchable glazing.
Reference projects
The Federal Ministry of Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (German: Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend) (BMFSFJ) is a ministry of the Federal Republic of Germany with headquarters in Berlin. Various ministries, such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, can impact families, the elderly, women, and youth. The BMFSFJ monitors the activities of these ministries and provides specialized assistance. INTERPANE manufactured the safety glasses, which were installed as double-glazed units. A large part of the glass was printed with ceramic inks depicting a large tree stretching across all floors, as well as stairs and handrails across the facade. This design gives the impression that the tree is the actual staircase. All the glasses have been coated with iPlus E, an energy-saving coating.
The Grand Mall Varna has a glass facade made of safety laminated glass with colored interlayers provided by INTERPANE. The interior wall cladding combines digital ceramic screen printing and classic screen printing technologies. As the largest mall in Varna, it features a total built-up area of over 150,000 square meters, including 50,000 square meters of commercial space for rent and a parking lot with 1,700 spaces. The Grand Mall Varna has attracted global brands entering the market of Bulgaria’s major Black Sea city for the first time. Orchid Developments Group Ltd, the real estate developer and hotel operator, is active in all major sectors of the Bulgarian real estate market, with projects in Sofia, Varna, and the Golden Sands resort. With over EUR 150 million invested in Bulgarian real estate properties, Orchid Group is one of the leading companies in the Bulgarian property market.
A new office block was constructed in 2010 in the heart of Reading, the United Kingdom's largest town. Named Reading Central One, it is a joint venture between Kier Property and Invista Real Estate. The ten-floor development stands on a site that was previously an NCP car park, located in the center of the Berkshire town's office district on the corners of Vastern Road and Forbury Road. The building features glass with colored interlayers provided by INTERPANE. It offers approximately 20,000 square meters of much-needed grade-A office accommodation in an area where the existing large blocks, such as the nearby Reading Bridge, are becoming increasingly dated. The design features heavy post-modern influences, with a glassy front having acute angles on the edges and a more modern, restrained back complete with a visible stairwell running down the center.
