A new glass product launched by Zamil Architectural Industries (ZAI) embellishes an already impressive decorative range.

ZAI's new glass fusion process uses a kiln to join together pieces of glass at high temperature. When a suitable piece of glass is heated and then cooled properly, the resulting fused glass piece will be solid and unbroken.

High-quality fused glass is available in sizes ranging from 3mm to 40mm in thickness, for custom-made architectural and interior designs including doors, windows, partitions, flooring, ceiling skylights, building facades, gift items, ornaments and tableware. ZAI general manager Mohammed Hamdan says the applications for fused glass are virtually limitless. It can be used for interior and exterior decoration for shopping malls, villas and palaces, skylight, restaurants, shops, indoor stadiums and mosques.

Gift items such as ashtrays, plates, bowls, lampshades, glass frames and mirrors are made from fused glass from 3mm to 6mm thickness. Similar glass from 6mm to 8mm thickness is used in partitions, doors and windows, domes and ceilings.

ZAI has a role in various construction industries in interior or exterior architecture. The company operates through a number of divisions.

A division named Zamil Doors makes roll-a-door sectional doors, industrial shutters, fast-action doors, gates operators (traffic barrier, sliding/swing gates and wardrobe sliding doors.

Its Shade Division presents shade guard and PVC membrane structures.

The Art Glass division is involved in stained glass, glass fusion and surface-decorated (sandblasting/acid etching). The metals works division makes balustrades, handrails, cladding and canopies. Another division in the company is the Skylight Division.

The Doors Division serves both local and international markets and has entered into several technology transfer partnerships with international suppliers such as B&D (Australia) for garage doors, Amarr (US) for sectional doors and Serai (Italy) for gates/operators.

Shade Guard, a unique product of the Shade Division, was originally developed in Australia. It provides a choice of controlled shade factors and blocks out up to 95 per cent of dangerous, cancer-causing UV-B rays.

Shade Guard's applications are virtually unlimited whether for the sun protection of children in schools, pools or public recreational areas or for the protection of vehicles in parking areas or stockyards.

The Metal Works Division manufactures balustrades and handrails, stairs, doors, column claddings and canopies in stainless steel, either mirror or satin finish for use in private villas, palaces, offices, commercial centres, buildings and showrooms.

The Sylight Division specialises in high quality architectural skylight domes in different shapes and sizes for various applications.