Safe picture frame 'glass' 1

[BrianGar]

Recently I got commissioned to make a batch of high end picture frames,

The frames consist of machined aluminium and cf, the frame sides being approx 40mm x 12mm thick in a 6xxx series alloy. The frame sides are not joined at each corner, but instead the entire frame is machined from one piece of plate.

I have/am allowed 3mm for glazing.

Given that these are to be shipped internationally Im a little stuck on what type of glass to go for, or what the safety standard is concerning this. Or, if there is one.

My main concern is, the glass breaking in transit, it will be around 400mm x 300mm.
My second main concern that probably should be my first, is the end user getting injured should it fall off the wall/t.top.

I looked into some type of perspex/acrylic but Im afraid that it could feel very cheap if tapped with a finger. Car pictures in dealer show rooms spring to mind, sometimes you can see waves in the plastic, but maybe they just use too thin a plastic.

Will 'plastic' cloud over time due to uv, or scratch easily from being cleaned/dusted.

Should I just go with glass and package very well(easy done) Im still left with end user possible injury.

Maybe Im just being too cautious, all my own frames seem to have what I call 'dagger glass'(ordinary) fitted.

Opinions?

Thanks folks,

Brian,

 

[dgallup]

Pat, you are right, I should have said blocking rather than resistance in my first sentence. Usually anybody with artwork worth custom framing is concerned about conserving the artwork.

The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[BrianGar]

Berkshire, yes, I found that out since. It looks to be a good option at the minute. A lot of companies Ive spoke to about 'plastic' lists off loads of good points, and they then have one or two cons that take me back to square one. Scratches, or yellowing is something I dont want at any cost. They all say that all plastics could be prone to 'spiderweb' polishing scratches after some time.
Im going to speak with some high end framers that do work in Ashford Castle the weekend, just to see what they say/use. They can point me to suppliers too.

Its starting to be one of those things that I just need to decide on, and run with it, hopefully it will be a good decision when it happens.

Thanks all,

Brian,

 

[jedward]

This appears to be a project for an art conservationist.

Try contacting any large museum that does conservation.

 

[BrianGar]

Its not by any means, if you saw the frames you'd understand! The glass selection may be however!

Brian,