Since 1992, Contour has been the specialist in precision glass bending.
We produce custom curved glass for a wide range of applications across the lighting industry, machinery, interior design, and glass art.
Our expertise in precision glass bending ranges from simple 2D curved glass panels to complex 3D forms, including round, spherical, and asymmetrical models, as well as sagged variants and curved safety glass. With decades of experience, we master the bending of glass in all these shapes.
We specialize in small-sized glass products, striving for high quality and minimal tolerances. Our extensive experience enables us to realize even the most precision bent glass shapes with consistent quality.
We manufacture curved glass in various dimensions and thicknesses:
- Thicknesses: 2 to 19 mm
- Maximum dimensions: approximately 110 x 80 cm
In addition to glass bending, we offer complementary processing techniques:
- Tempering
- Sandblasting
- Printing
- Drilling holes
- Grinding edges
- Laminating
For more details, visit our page on glass processing techniques..
On this page, you’ll learn how we bend glass, the properties of this specially formed glass, the different types and applications, and how we can support your project.
Looking for something specific? Skip to:
What is Curved Glass?
Precision bent glass is flat glass (also known as float glass) that acquires a curved shape through controlled heating and deformation. The process begins by placing a glass sheet on a mold in a specialized oven. At approximately 600°C, the glass softens and bends over the mold due to gravity. Once the desired shape is achieved, the glass is slowly cooled to room temperature, resulting in a stress-free final product. After bending, the glass retains the same basic properties—such as hardness and clarity—as the original flat sheet.
This process requires significant expertise, balancing material knowledge, temperature control, and precision. Our experience ensures optimal treatment for each glass type.
Types of glass used in precision glass bending
We offer various types of custom curved glass, including:
Flat glass (float glass), curved safety glass (tempered glass), insulating glass (double glass), laminated glass and cold bent glass.
Our specializations:
- Flat glass:
Also known as float glass, this is a commonly used base form suitable for applications without additional safety requirements.
- Curved Safety Glass (Tempered Glass):
Tempered glass is five times stronger than standard glass and breaks into small, blunt pieces, reducing injury risk. We specialize in combining thermal tempering with precise bending techniques, ensuring safety and design go hand in hand. Learn more about this specialization on our page about curved safety glass.
- Curved laminated glass:
Consists of multiple glass layers with an interlayer for added safety and sound insulation.
Want to know which type of glass fits your project?
Check our special glass page for a breakdown of properties and applications.
Bekijk dan ook onze pagina over speciaal glas voor meer informatie over de eigenschappen en toepassingen van diverse glasvarianten.
Applications of Precision Bent Glass
Our precision glass bending products serve various sectors:
Curved Glass for Lighting
Our custom bent glass gives lighting a unique visual appeal, while also improving light distribution and enhancing safety. It's often a critical part of the lighting fixture—both technically and aesthetically. Contour is regularly approached for custom glass solutions for lamps, from one-offs to larger series.
We produce every glass component to exact client specifications. That means early involvement in the design stage to determine shape, bend radius, safety, and finish. We work closely with clients to match the chosen glass type—clear, opal, or tempered—to their needs.
Tempered glass is often preferred for lighting for its strength and professional safety standards, without sacrificing design.
You can find more information about applications, techniques, and possibilities on our page about glass lamp components.
Complex Bent and Tempered Glass for Industrial Applications
For industrial purposes, Contour manufactures small to medium production runs fully based on client specifications. In this sector, precision and lead time are critical. We work with tight tolerances and consistently deliver on time.
Our industrial products often include curved tempered glass, but we also process other glass types: tube glass, small safety glass parts, and sandblasted components. We often combine techniques—like tempering, printing, drilling, grinding, or sandblasting—to meet specific needs.
Contour supplies specialist glass to clients across Europe—from Estonia to Portugal. Our ability to shape and process glass to exacting standards makes us a trusted partner in even the most demanding industries.
Furniture and Interior Design
Curved glass adds a unique element to furniture such as tables, display cases, and counters. Glass components can be curved, ground, tempered, or a combination thereof, and may include additional processing like grinding or laminating for a high-quality finish.
Glass Art and Monuments
For artistic and commemorative projects, we create custom glass forms that can include techniques like fusing, sandblasting, or coloring. We collaborate closely with artists and designers to create one-of-a-kind glass pieces.
Consulting and Collaboration: Work with a precision glass bending specialist
Whether you're in the design phase or further along in your project, we provide expert advice on the application of curved glass, tempered glass, and other glass processing techniques. Our expertise spans researching, material selection, prototyping, production, and finishing.
For more details, see our consulting page.
Ordering Custom Bent Glass
Seeking a specific glass shape for your design or product?
Send us your requirements—we’re happy to help. The more information you provide, the more targeted our advice. Consider details like:
- Dimensions
- Type and function of the glass
- Desired finish or processing
- Sketch or technical drawing
Not everything needs to be clear yet—we’ll think along with you.
Is curved glass expensive?
The cost of our glass depends on factors such as dimensions, shape, glass type, and any additional processing. We welcome your inquiry and will provide an appropriate estimate.
CAN WE HELP YOU TO CREATE SPECIAL GLASS?
Feel free to contact us
CONTACT
Contour-Glasbuigerij
Hazepad 8A-15
4825 AV Breda
Nederland
Tel. 06-34112141
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Producing glass parts for lighting industry, machine and equipment construction, interior design and manufacturers of other consumer products, among others.
To customer specification and using a wide range of glass processing techniques.
That is our core activity.