the curve
guide to measuring curved glass
A circle consists of 360 degrees and any part of that circle (called an arc) can be described in degrees. For example, 180 degrees is half a circle, 90 degrees is a quarter circle and so on.
Knowing the circle's degree of arc and its radius (which is the distance from the centre of the circle to its edge) provides us with the angle and the size of the curved part of the glass, which is known as the girth.
Two other sizes are helpful. The first of these is the chord (which is the distance between the two endpoints of the curve). The second is the depth (which is measured from the centre point of the chord to the top of the curve). When taking these measurements you should note whether you are taking into account the thickness of the glass (we assume that ALL sizes are to the outside of the glass unless we are told otherwise).
These measurements, along with the height of the glass are all we need to measure your curved glass.
- Tolerance: We require a tolerance of +/- half the thickness of the glass.
- Templates: In the event of any of the above information not being available it will be the customer's responsibility to supply us with an accurate template.
- Bends with Flats: If the curved glass you require has a flat area all the previous dimensions would remain the same with the exception of the girth, which would now include the curve plus the flat. As well as the girth we would also need to know the length of the flat which is determined by first locating where the curved ends and the flat begins, and then simply measuring the length of the flat area.
To view a demonstration* please click here.
* Please Note: Adobe Flash player is required to view this movie, to download the free player click here.
