This week, I took the newcomers to the mirror production workshop to learn about the production equipment and production process of the silver mirror.
The production process of a silver mirror involves several steps that include cleaning the glass, applying a silver coating, and lacquered painting. Here is a general overview of the production process:
1) Glass Preparation: The first step is to clean the glass thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or contaminants. This is typically done by washing the glass with a combination of water, detergent, and other cleaning agents. The glass is then rinsed and dried to ensure a clean surface.
2) Silver Coating: A silver coating is prepared by mixing a reducing agent, such as glucose or formaldehyde, with a silver nitrate solution. This mixture creates a chemical reaction that deposits a thin layer of metallic silver on the glass surface. The silvering solution needs to be used immediately after preparation to ensure its effectiveness.
3) Application of Silvering Solution: The silvering solution is carefully applied to the cleaned glass surface. This is usually done by spraying the solution onto the glass. The glass is then tilted or swirled to ensure an even distribution of the silvering solution across the entire surface.
4) Silver Protection Coating: The reducing agent in the silvering solution reacts with the silver nitrate, causing the metallic silver to deposit onto the glass. This reduction process typically takes a few minutes to complete. During this time, the silver ions in the solution are reduced to metallic silver, forming a reflective coating on the glass.
5) Washing and Drying: Once the silvering process is complete, the glass is carefully washed to remove any excess silvering solution and reaction byproducts. This step is crucial to ensure a clean and clear mirror surface. After washing, the glass is dried thoroughly to prevent water spots or streaks.
6) Primer Painting: To protect the silver coating from oxidation and corrosion, a protective layer is applied over the silvered surface. This coating is usually made of lacquer. The protective coating enhances the durability and longevity of the mirror.
7) Inspection and Quality Control: The finished silver mirror is inspected for any defects, such as bubbles, scratches, or uneven silvering. Quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the mirror meets the desired specifications and standards.
8) Unloading and Packaging: Once the silver mirrors pass the quality control checks, they are unloaded and packaged for shipment or distribution.
