Annealed Bent / Hot Bent Curved Glass
Annealed bent glass — produced by heating float glass to its softening point and shaping it over precision molds — delivers smooth, continuous curves with minimal optical distortion. It is ideal for façades, atriums, and interior partitions. For added performance, it can be laminated or processed into insulated glass units, enhancing safety and energy efficiency.
- Smooth Continuous Curves
- Minimal Optical Distortion
- Façades & Atriums
- Laminated Options Available
- Insulated Glass Units
Curved Tempered Glass
When projects demand both curvature and strength, curved tempered glass is the solution. Heated and rapidly cooled while shaped, it achieves four to five times the strength of annealed glass. Resistant to impact and thermal stress, it meets international safety standards. Applications include balustrades, canopies, and curtain walls, where durability and design freedom are equally critical.
- 4–5× Stronger Than Annealed
- Impact & Thermal Resistance
- International Safety Standards
- Balustrades & Canopies
- Curtain Wall Applications
3D Curved Glass & South Star Innovation
South Star Glass pushes the boundaries of design with special profile 3D curved glass. Beyond simple cylindrical bends, this innovation enables double curvatures, S-shapes, and freeform geometries. Through patented techniques and decades of expertise in annealed bending, South Star ensures structural integrity while unlocking sculptural creativity.
Frequently specified in stadiums, cultural centers, and luxury developments, 3D curved glass delivers uniqueness and visual impact that defines modern skylines. By combining artistry with engineering excellence, South Star Glass has become a trusted partner for ambitious architectural visions. Our proprietary processes allow architects to explore freeform creativity while ensuring compliance with international performance standards.
- Double Curvatures
- S-Shape & Freeform Geometries
- Patented Techniques
- Stadiums & Cultural Centers
- International Compliance
Q What is the difference between annealed bent glass and curved tempered glass?
Annealed bent glass is shaped by heating float glass to its softening point over precision molds, offering smooth curves with minimal distortion. Curved tempered glass undergoes an additional rapid cooling process after shaping, making it four to five times stronger than annealed glass and more resistant to impact and thermal stress. The choice depends on your project's safety, strength, and design requirements.
Q Can annealed bent glass be used in safety-critical applications?
Yes. Annealed bent glass can be laminated or processed into insulated glass units (IGUs) to enhance both safety and energy efficiency. Laminated versions hold together even when broken, making them suitable for overhead glazing, interior partitions, and façades where safety standards must be met.
Q What types of curves can 3D curved glass achieve?
South Star's special profile 3D curved glass goes far beyond simple cylindrical bends. It can achieve double curvatures, S-shapes, and entirely freeform geometries, thanks to patented techniques developed over decades of expertise. This makes it ideal for sculptural architectural elements in stadiums, cultural centers, and luxury developments.
Q Does curved tempered glass meet international safety standards?
Yes. Curved tempered glass is manufactured to comply with international safety standards. Its high impact and thermal stress resistance make it a trusted choice for balustrades, canopies, curtain walls, and other applications where both structural performance and design flexibility are essential.
Q What are the typical architectural applications for curved glass products?
Curved glass products are widely used in façades, atriums, interior partitions, balustrades, canopies, curtain walls, stadiums, cultural centers, and luxury residential or commercial developments. Each product type — annealed bent, curved tempered, or 3D curved — is suited to specific performance and aesthetic requirements.
Q How does South Star Glass ensure quality and structural integrity in 3D curved glass?
South Star Glass combines proprietary patented processes with decades of annealed bending expertise to ensure structural integrity in every 3D curved glass piece. All products are designed to comply with international performance standards, allowing architects to explore freeform creativity without compromising safety or durability.