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Retrofitted bird protection using laser technology

According to estimates by environmental organisations, well over a billion birds worldwide die every year as a result of collisions with glass, as they are unable to recognise the transparent and reflective panes as obstacles. Using a laser printing process, HEGLA boraident from Halle (Saale), Germany, offers a solution for making windows, panes and facades visible to birds. At �糵����tec 2024, the company will now present the BIRDfriend Mobile, which can also retrofit existing surfaces with bird strike protection.

Protective pattern on the outside

The company has specialised in the functionalisation of glass for more than 20 years and is one of the pioneers of laser processing. “In our search for a functional and aesthetic solution, we tested many applications until we finally developed an effective process with the UniColor laser printing process,” explains Dr Thomas Rainer, Head of Development at HEGLA boraident. With this technology, the pattern is created by a laser that transfers ceramic particles from a transfer strip to the outside of the glass. This creates a uniform geometry of dots at intervals of five to ten centimetres, which is barely visible to the human eye but has a threefold protective effect for birds.

1. Visual barrier: The distance between the dots is smaller than the wingspan of birds, making it seem impossible to fly through.
2. Interrupted reflection: The dot pattern interrupts deceptively real reflections of the surroundings, such as trees or bushes, which could attract birds. The coating on position 1 (outside) ensures that the protective dots remain recognisable, regardless of the position of the sun and reflections on the pane.
3. Altered UV reflection: The pattern visibly changes the UV reflection for birds and provides a further warning signal through additional light dispersal.

The opaque or semi-transparent print is scratchproof, light-resistant and weatherproof, resulting in a promised effectiveness of more than 30 years. Other product features include the fact that processing is always carried out on the outside (position 1), so that the pattern remains recognisable, even in case of strong reflections and poor sunlight.

Effectiveness scientifically confirmed

The efficacy of the bird-protection glass was certified in 2022 through scientific tests carried out by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC). Various glass structures and coatings were tested. “A special feature of our gentle process is that the glass surface remains completely undamaged and the stress properties remain unaffected,” emphasises the laser specialist with many years of experience. 

The value-added finishing of the glass or the insulating unit is carried out in a stationary position with the Laserbird processing system, which can not only functionalise bird protection but also mobile radio-permeable or heatable glass, for example. The parameters are stored in the app control system and finishing takes place without set-up times.

Mobile solution for retrofitting as bird protection glass

At �糵����tec 2024, the company will be presenting the newly developed BIRDfriend Mobile for the first time, which can retrofit facades, windows or glazing with bird protection. The flexibility of the process and the system enable the imprint to be applied without having to remove or replace the glass panes. The mobile printing device is attached to the facade, so that the pattern can then be revealed. “Sustainability and bird protection are now more relevant than ever before,” claims Thomas Rainer. “There is great interest in such a solution, especially for public, commercial and prestigious buildings, as dead birds in front of properties are neither attractive nor appropriate.” The option of retrofitting is also attractive for buildings where the original appearance is to be preserved or where replacing the glazing is not economically or ecologically justifiable. Demand for bird protection has increased internationally and in some countries, such as Sweden, it is now regulated by law. 

“With our mobile solution, we support the subsequent functionalisation of existing glazing and are pleased to be able to provide an impetus for nature conservation,” explains Dr Thomas Rainer. “We are looking forward to �糵����tec, exchanging information with the industry, and catching up with many customers and interested parties.”