--- title: All About Glass Showcases | Resources description: Discover the benefits of glass showcases, from structural strength to low maintenance and longevity. 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Search Previous slide Next slide # ** All About Glass Showcases** ## Benefits of Glass ![Strength](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Strength.png?width=600&height=515&name=Strength.png) ### Structural Strength Glass is self-supporting because it has a higher tensile and shear strength than acrylic. Therefore, glass showcases can be designed on a larger scale. ![Maintenance](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maintenance.png?width=600&height=515&name=Maintenance.png) ### Low Maintenance Glass does not mar or scratch easily and is easy to disinfect. It can be cleaned with a standard glass cleaner without concern for damaging the finish. ![Longevity](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Longevity.png?width=600&height=515&name=Longevity.png) ### Longevity Glass showcases can last 10+ years. Due to its long lifespan, glass cases are often used in long-term permanent exhibits. ![Accessibility](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Accessibility.png?width=600&height=515&name=Accessibility.png) ### Accessibility Due to the weight and rigidity of glass, cases often are built with features to make it easy to access the case, such as hinged doors or gas lifters. ## Construction Methods ![glass\_frame](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/glass_frame.png "glass_frame") ### Framing Glass showcases are often created using a metal or wood frame that the glass panels are attached to. The frames are typically simple in design to avoid distracting viewers from the object on display. ![Glass\_1](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Glass_1.png "Glass_1") ### UV-Bonding To create UV-bonded vitrines, an adhesive is applied to the edges of the panels to be joined, and then cured using concentrated UV light. This results in clear, transparent, bubble-free joints. ## UV-Bonding Joint Methods ![ButtJointGlass](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/ButtJointGlass.jpg "ButtJointGlass") ![ICONButt Joint ](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/ICONButt%20Joint%20.png "ICONButt Joint ") ![MiteredGlass](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/MiteredGlass.jpg "MiteredGlass") ![ICON Mitered Joint](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/ICON%20Mitered%20Joint.png "ICON Mitered Joint") ### Butt Joint A technique in which two pieces of material are joined by simply placing their ends together without any special shaping. ### Mitered Joint A mitered joint is created by joining two pieces of glass cut at 45-degree angles to fit together forming a 90-degree corner. ## Types of Glass ![Resources\_Laminated Safety Glass Example](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Resources_Laminated%20Safety%20Glass%20Example.png "Resources_Laminated Safety Glass Example") ![Glass\_2(1)](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Glass_2(1).png "Glass_2(1)") ![Resources\_Tempered Glass Photo](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Resources_Tempered%20Glass%20Photo.png "Resources_Tempered Glass Photo") ![Resources\_Tempered Glass Example](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Resources_Tempered%20Glass%20Example.png?width=735&height=735&name=Resources_Tempered%20Glass%20Example.png "Resources_Tempered Glass Example") ### Laminated Safety Glass GA® Case Lines Standard: [Curator](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Curator%26%23153%3B-Showcase-Collection/p/HYBC00003), [Charter](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Charter%26%23153%3B-Showcase-Collection/p/HYBC00015) | Optional: [Sierra](https://www.gaylord.com/sierra-showcases), [Paxton](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Paxton-Glass-Showcases/p/HYBC00030) - Made from two panels of glass with vinyl film between them. With impact, the glass will shatter but remain in one piece. - UV-filtering - The most expensive and preferred conservation option ### Tempered Glass GA® Case Lines [Sierra](https://www.gaylord.com/sierra-showcases), [Paxton](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Paxton-Glass-Showcases/p/HYBC00030), [Sedgwick](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Sedgwick%26%23153%3B-Showcases/p/HYBC00006), [Eastwood](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Eastwood%26%23153%3B-Showcases/p/HYBC00007) - Heated twice to increase durability, the glass breaks into multi-sided pieces with impact. - Not UV-filtering ### Low-Iron Glass ​​​​​​​All glass types have a color tint due to iron used during manufacture. Water white glass, also known as low-iron glass, lessens the color tint and has an anti-reflective surface for increased clarity. ​​​​​​​ ## Other Considerations - Glass is 50% heavier than acrylic which will directly impact shipping costs and access to the display space. - Less fabricators work with museum-quality glass and casework which leads to long lead times. - During shipping, glass cases require crating and delicate handling to prevent damage. - While the actual glass itself is low maintenance, access features such as hinged doors and gas lifters require regular maintenance. ### Enjoy this resource? #### Please share! 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