Asia-Pacific ยท Glass Manufacturer
Nippon Sheet Glass
๐ฏ๐ต Japan ยท Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
founded
1918
hq
Tokyo, Japan
primaryMaterials
Flat glass - float, tempered, laminated, coated
glazingPartner
Glass supplier to all major window system manufacturers
marketTier
Mass Market to Premium (glass manufacturer)
Brand at a Glance
- Country: Japan
- Founded: 1918
- Subsidiary: Pilkington (acquired 2006)
- Glass types: Float glass, tempered, laminated, Low-E, solar control, self-cleaning
- Market: Architectural glass globally - residential, commercial, automotive
- Website: nsg.com
Product Range
- NSG Spacia
- Pilkington Activ
- Pilkington K Glass / Optitherm
- NSG flat glass range
Why This System
NSG Spacia vacuum insulated glazing is a specialist product found in renovation projects where slim profiles are required - particularly in Japanese heritage buildings where traditional shoji-style window openings are being upgraded with modern thermal performance. The glass unit is extremely thin compared to conventional IGU. Handle with particular care. The NSG-Pilkington relationship means the same coating technologies appear under both brand names. Activ self-cleaning glass sold under the Pilkington brand in Europe and the equivalent NSG product in Japan follow the same photocatalytic coating principle. The same cleaning restrictions apply.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean Nippon Sheet Glass windows. The tools and technique below come from 25 years of daily professional work on the glass. Every step has been tested on real installations and adapted specifically for Nippon Sheet Glass systems.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Pro Tips
- If you cannot confirm whether the glass is self-cleaning, treat it as self-cleaning - the no-abrasive, pH-neutral protocol is safe on all NSG glass types
- NSG Spacia units in Japanese renovation projects are often installed alongside single-pane glass in the same building - the building may be a mix of old and new glazing. Assess each opening individually
What NOT To Do
- Do not use abrasive pads on any NSG glass surface
- Do not apply hydrophobic sealant to self-cleaning glass
- Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaners at the glass edge seal
- Do not use metal scraper blades on coated glass
- Do not knock or impact NSG Spacia unit edges - vacuum glazing unit edges are fragile
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
pH-neutral glass cleaning concentrate
View on Amazon [coming soon]Pure water fed pole for self-cleaning glass rinse
View on Amazon [coming soon]Fresh microfibre T-bar cover
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Clean every 4โ8 weeks depending on environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
โFor Pilkington Activ and NSG equivalent self-cleaning glass in Japan, refer to the Pilkington guide for the complete care protocol - the coating chemistry and cleaning restrictions are identical. NSG Spacia vacuum glazing in Japanese renovation projects may appear in unusual frame profiles - the ultra-thin unit allows the use of traditional-dimension timber or aluminium frames. The glass itself is not traditional; handle as a specialist product.โ
Justin Orloff
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