HMI InGlass Digital Printing

HMI InGlass Digital Printing uses advanced ceramic inks that are fused directly into the glass during the tempering process, creating a permanent image embedded within the glass surface.

This process differs significantly from UV surface printing, where ink is applied to the top of the glass after tempering. Surface printing can wear, scratch, or fade over time.

With InGlass Digital Printing:

• The result is a highly durable, scratch-resistant, and fade-resistant finish
• Designs maintain their appearance even in high traffic or exterior environments
• Because the print is permanently integrated into the glass, it delivers long-lasting performance and architectural-grade durability

HMI InGlass Digital Printing offers both design flexibility and long-term performance. Key benefits include:

• Exceptional Durability — Resistant to scratching, UV exposure, weather, and cleaning chemicals
• Permanent Design Integration — The image is fused into the glass and cannot peel or wear away
• Low Maintenance — Glass can be cleaned like any other tempered glass surface
• Unlimited Design Potential — Textures, gradients, patterns, imagery, logos, and custom artwork
• Architectural Versatility — Suitable for residential, commercial, and hospitality applications

This technology allows glass to function not only as a structural material, but also as a design element and visual focal point.

InGlass Digital Printing supports a wide range of interior and exterior architectural applications, including:

Residential Applications

• Shower Enclosures
• Backsplashes
• Decorative Glass Panels
• Doors and Partitions
• Furniture Surfaces such as Tabletops or Countertops
• Custom Artwork or Monograms
• Wall Art
• Railings

Commercial & Hospitality Applications

• Feature Walls
• Office Partitions and Room Dividers
• Restaurant or Bar Installations
• Branded Glass with Logos or Graphics
• Decorative Railings and Balustrades
• Hotel and Hospitality Design Elements

The flexibility of digital printing allows designers, architects, and homeowners to transform glass into custom design surfaces.

Because the ceramic inks are fused into the glass during the tempering process, the printed design will last as long as the glass itself. Unlike surface-applied inks, InGlass Digital Printing will not peel, fade, or degrade over time. The result is a permanent design embedded within the glass that can last for decades.

Printed glass can be cleaned using standard glass cleaning methods. Since the ceramic inks are fused into the glass surface, the printed design is not affected by common cleaning products or chemicals. Routine cleaning with non-abrasive glass cleaners or mild solutions will maintain the appearance of the glass without damaging the printed design.

Yes. InGlass Digital Printing can be used in laminated glass configurations when required for safety, structural, or design purposes.

Yes. InGlass Digital Printing can be used to influence:

• Light Diffusion
• Privacy Levels
• Solar Control
• Energy Performance

Through carefully designed patterns, gradients, and coverage levels, printed glass can be engineered to meet both design and functional requirements.

Because ceramic inks must withstand the high temperatures used during the tempering process, they rely on inorganic pigments. As a result, certain colors may appear slightly different compared to printed paper or digital screens.

Typical variations include:

• Reds may appear more brick or maroon
• Yellows may appear more mustard-toned
• Some purples and bright tones may appear more muted

HMI works closely with customers to set realistic expectations and ensure the final result aligns with the intended design.

• Maximum Size: 86" × 144"
• Minimum Size: 8" × 8"

Available sizes and thicknesses may vary based on stock glass at our Louisville, KY and Boston, MA facilities. Our team will help determine the best configuration for your specific application.

Printed glass can be viewed from either side; however, the design is intended to be viewed through the glass for the best appearance. The printed surface may show minor variations in gloss or sheen compared to the opposite side.

Designs will appear as a mirror image when viewed from the back side of the glass. For projects with text or numbers that must be readable from both sides, we offer a specialized "Double-Vision" printing method that allows the design to appear correctly from either side.

Not always. Because the inks must withstand the tempering process (over 1200°F), ceramic pigments are made from inorganic materials. Currently, there is no non-toxic equivalent for magenta used in Pantone color mixing, so some colors cannot be matched exactly and slight color variation may occur.

It is illegal to print copyrighted material, unless you have acquired proper licensing and/or written permission from the copyright holder.

Vector files can be scaled to any size without losing image quality because they are created using points, lines, and curves.

Raster files (such as photos, jpeg, png, gif, tiff, psd, etc.) are made of pixels, so resolution is important. Enlarging them too much can cause pixelation. As a general guideline, artwork should be at least 100 pixels per inch at final size. For example, a 72" × 60" panel would require a minimum image size of 7200 × 6000 pixels.