During the cutting, processing, installation, and storage of mirrors, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure the quality and safety of the final product.
Cutting and Processing Considerations:
1. Mirror processing should only commence at least seven days after the production date of the mirror.
2. The cutting lubricant used should not cause damage to the back paint of the mirror.
3. Neutral coolant should be used during processes such as edge grinding, beveling, and drilling. After processing, the mirror should be immediately cleaned with water and thoroughly dried.
Installation and Storage Considerations:
1. Mirrors should not be directly installed on alkaline seeping surfaces, commonly found in newly constructed walls, as the seepage can corrode the mirrors over time.
2. When using glass glue, it is essential to use neutral curing silicone adhesive and avoid acidic glass glue, as the acidic substances released during curing can be harmful to the back paint of the mirror.
3. Mechanical support should be provided at the bottom when using adhesive to install large mirrors.
4. Silver-plated mirrors should be stored in a ventilated and dry indoor warehouse. If outdoor storage is necessary, the mirrors should be placed in a dry and ventilated area with a gap of at least 200mm at the bottom for air circulation. Additionally, they should be covered with waterproof tarp to prevent water ingress and exposure to direct sunlight.
When comparing silver-plated mirrors and aluminum-plated mirrors, the former is preferred due to its higher reflectivity (exceeding 90%). The high reflectivity enhances brightness in indoor spaces. Moreover, silver-plated mirrors emit a dazzling metallic luster when exposed to light, providing clear, realistic, and soft reflection of light, which is not achievable with aluminum-plated mirrors.
A safety mirror is specifically designed to minimize the risk of injury in case of breakage. It is produced by applying a safety film tightly and smoothly to the back of high-grade silver-plated mirrors using specialized equipment. Safety mirrors are widely used in public places, schools, kindergartens, and homes for large-area facades and ceiling installations due to their excellent safety performance.
The maximum size of safety mirrors produced by Company X is 2760×1220mm.
Salt spray testing of silver-plated mirrors involves placing mirror samples in a sealed container with constant temperature and humidity and subjecting them to continuous fogging with a 5% NaCl water solution. This process accelerates corrosion on the mirror surface through chemical reactions. The conditions of salt spray corrosion mimic real-life usage conditions, such as in bathrooms. By conducting prolonged salt spray tests to observe and assess the corrosion of the mirror's reflective surface and edges, the quality of the paint, adhesion of the silver coating, copper coating, and glass can be determined, thereby influencing the quality and lifespan of the mirrors. Salt spray testing is a crucial method for evaluating the quality and lifespan of mirrors.
In conclusion, adhering to these considerations during the cutting, processing, installation, and storage of mirrors is crucial for ensuring their quality, safety, and longevity.
The silver-plated mirror exhibits excellent resistance to steam and salt spray. The performance of the mirror in resisting 50°C steam and salt spray is detailed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.
Table 1: Resistance to 50°C Steam
Mirror Grade | A Grade | B Grade
Reflective Surface | No corrosion after 759 hours | No corrosion after 506 hours
Edges | No corrosion after 506 hours | Average wear on edges not exceeding 100μm, with the maximum edge not exceeding 250μm
Table 2: Resistance to Salt Spray
Mirror Grade | A Grade | B Grade
Reflective Surface | No corrosion after 759 hours | No corrosion after 506 hours
Edges | Average wear on edges not exceeding 250μm, with the maximum edge not exceeding 400μm after 506 hours | Average wear on edges not exceeding 250μm, with the maximum edge not exceeding 400μm after 253 hours
The silver-plated mirror demonstrates remarkable resistance to both steam and salt spray, making it suitable for applications where these environmental factors are a concern.