Fabricated Glass
Manko is equipped with top-of-the-line glass fabrication equipment capable of producing edgework, internal holes, hinge cut-outs, and complex custom shapes. All fabrication steps must be completed prior to heat-treating, as no additional fabrication can be performed once the glass has been tempered. Manko provides a wide range of fabricated glass products, from residential mirrors and shower doors to commercial all-glass entrances, custom sneeze guards, and handrails. Every piece of fabricated glass is rigorously inspected at the quality control station to better ensure fabrication accuracy and quality before leaving the facility.
Manko utilizes a variety of edgework equipment, including a state-of-the-art in-line edger featuring a robotic arm. Manko’s equipment is capable of producing in-line and shape flat ground arris, flat ground arris and polish, pencil polish, miters (in-line only), and beveled edges.
Manko invested in automated wet seaming equipment to enhance the efficiency and quality of the process. Seaming or machine finish edge of glass is required prior to heat-treating glass. In comparison to conventional seaming methods, this automated process provides a more uniform seamed edge, reducing the risk of glass breakage through the quench during the heat-treating process. This wet seamer has the ability to seam all thicknesses and types of glass.
When glass requires holes, notches, or hinge cut-outs, it is transferred from the in-line edger to the horizontal glass Numerically Controlled (NC) machine. This machine applies pressure to both the top and bottom of the glass during the fabrication process, and utilizes a turret head with multiple attachments for drilling holes and routing internal cut-outs. Depending on program complexity, the Forvet can be a very efficient option to fabricate glass.
For custom or highly complex glass shapes, Manko relies on the Denver Advance. This machine is capable of custom fabricating in-line or shaped pieces; including edging and polishing, drilling and milling holes & cut-outs, and custom fabrication. Program run times on the Denver Advance can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design.
All fabricated glass that Manko produces is rigorously checked for quality control (MHK-2022, DEN-2026, DSM-coming soon). With the addition of a digital line scanner, Manko has seen a substantial decrease in rejected fabricated pieces due to mis-fabrication or scratches. The glass is cleaned with a vertical washer and scanned for imperfections that might cause rejection. Every piece of glass is verified to help ensure fabrication accuracy.
While commercial clear float glass is often described as colorless, it naturally exhibits a slight green or blue-green tint. For applications requiring maximum color neutrality, low-iron glass should be considered. Many laminated interlayers block ultraviolet light and may also slightly reduce visible light transmission, which can result in a subtle yellow appearance—particularly in thicker laminates or multi-ply constructions. When low-emissivity (low-e) or reflective coatings are incorporated into laminated glass, placing the coating in contact with the interlayer can alter its refractive index, potentially causing a perceived color shift. As a result, a coating may appear differently in a laminated assembly than in an insulated glass unit.
Optical distortion—both reflected and transmitted—may result from heat treatment, glass thickness variability, framing system stresses, and changes in exterior wind or interior building pressures. Laminated glass assemblies often incorporate multiple plies of heat-treated glass to meet performance requirements. Inherent characteristics of heat-treated glass include bow, roll wave, and picture-frame distortion. While fabricators take steps to minimize these effects, they cannot be eliminated. Distortion is further accentuated when reflective coatings or tinted substrates are used. Manko strongly recommends evaluating a full-size mock-up under actual project conditions.
Under certain lighting or viewing conditions, laminated glass may exhibit iridescent patterns or dark shadowing, commonly referred to as strain patterns or anisotropy. These patterns are caused by stresses introduced during the heat-treatment process and are inherent to heat-treated glass. While typically not visible, strain patterns may become more pronounced at extreme viewing angles or under polarized light. Thicker laminated assemblies may increase the visibility of these patterns. This phenomenon is not indicative of discoloration or material inconsistency.
Due to the technical complexity of laminated glazing systems, early collaboration between design professionals, fabricators, and suppliers is essential. Understanding the construction and inherent characteristics of laminated glass is critical to achieving optimal performance in safety, security, hazard resistance, and acoustic applications. As laminate thickness and ply count increases, the potential for optical distortion also increases. Full-size mock-ups are strongly recommended to evaluate appearance under project-specific lighting, environmental, and viewing conditions, particularly in applications involving visual movement behind the glass.
All-glass entrances, also known as all-glass doors or heavy fabricated doors, are architectural elements constructed from thick (3/8" or 1/2") tempered or laminated safety glass. These systems offer a sleek, modern, and open aesthetic by maximizing light transmission and minimizing visual obstructions. With a wide selection of hardware options and finish colors, design possibilities are virtually limitless.
