The 315 Special Edition: A Pioneer in Enhancing Fire-Resistant Glass Quality – Hengbao Chen Wolin
Chen Wulin's story is a tale of dedication and deep commitment. He has been deeply involved in the field of nano-silicon (crystalline silicon) fireproof glass for over 20 years. Not only has he filled the domestic technological gap in this area, but he has also driven the overall industry development.
From a rural upbringing to an industry practitioner
Chen Wulin was from a rural family in Heshan, Guangdong Province. He graduated from Wuyi University in 1995. However, in 1998, he perceived the development opportunities in the fireproof glass industry and raised the start-up funds from the state-owned enterprise. He also borrowed a farm vehicle and officially embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. In the early stage of entrepreneurship, in order to develop a stable fireproof glass formula with good performance, he led the team to conduct repeated experiments. The kerosene used for the experiments alone consumed several tons.
On July 11,2025, the National Fire and Rescue Administration, the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued the "Work Plan for Comprehensive Rectification of Fire Product Quality and Safety Throughout the Entire Supply Chain," launching a nationwide campaign to address quality and safety issues across the entire fire product supply chain. This initiative aims to resolutely prevent and mitigate potential risks, effectively safeguard peoples lives and property, and establish a robust, integrated supervision mechanism covering the entire lifecycle of fire products.
▶ The breakthrough in the research and development of crystal silicon fireproof glass
At that time, the fireproof glass available on the market (such as the grouting type) often had problems such as easy yellowing, bubbles, and insufficient transparency during use. This made Chen Wulin determined to find an alternative solution.
Introduction and domestication
In 2012, the nano-silicon fireproof glass technology from South Korea was introduced; in 2014, the high-quality crystal silicon fireproof glass technology from Germany was also introduced, and it was further developed with domestic processes. With the collaboration of technicians from the mainland, Hong Kong, and Germany, this technology was successfully put into production on the mainland in 2015, filling the gap in domestic high-end fireproof glass. This glass uses high-purity inorganic fireproof silicone (hard gel), featuring high transparency and high weather resistance. The fireproof gel layer can remain unchanged in color and not yellow for over 10 years, solving the pain points of traditional products. It was once rated as "the most favored product by engineers".
Overcoming technical difficulties
He turned his attention to the highly technical subway super-large size Grade A fireproof fire window. These products need to meet both fireproof and heat insulation requirements, and have large dimensions. At the same time, due to limited usage, high technical requirements, and the need to obtain national authoritative certification, most manufacturers were reluctant to get involved. Chen Wulin led the team to delve deeply and spent several years in research and development. In 2018, they successfully developed a 3000mm×2000mm super-large Grade A fireproof window and obtained national certification. This achievement meets the actual needs of domestic subway and high-speed rail construction, and the product has been applied to multiple key projects such as Xi'an Metro Line 4 and Beijing Metro Line 7.
▶ Multidisciplinary technological achievements
An 85-acre fire protection technology industrial park was established, achieving remarkable results and obtaining over ten technical achievements:
1. The 3-hour fireproof window that was the first to obtain the domestic CCC certification. From 2013 to 2018, this product was one of the only such certified products in China.
2. The 3-hour fireproof glass that was the first to obtain the domestic CCC certification. It solved the technical problem of large-panel A3.00 fireproof glass.
3. The largest-sized CCC-certified fireproof glass load-bearing partition wall (3200mm×4300mm) was developed and passed the domestic CCC certification first domestically.
4. The largest-sized CCC-certified grade B fireproof door (2100mm×3000mm) was developed and passed the domestic CCC certification first domestically.
5. The largest-sized CCC-certified grade A fireproof door (2200mm×3000mm) was developed and passed the domestic CCC certification first domestically. It also solved the problem of the large-sized 3000mm×2000mm grade A fireproof observation window for subway and high-speed rail without legal qualifications.
6. The largest-sized CCC-certified grade A fireproof window was developed and passed the domestic CCC certification first domestically. It also solved the problem of the large-sized 3000mm×2000mm grade A fireproof observation window.
7. The manufacturer of load-bearing fireproof glass floor was solved first domestically (solved the problem of horizontal use of fireproof glass).
8. Hengbao was the first domestic manufacturer to introduce high-quality German crystal silicon fireproof glass, solving the problem of the durability and stability of domestic fireproof glass.
9. Unit-type fireproof glass curtain wall was developed.
10. Participated in the compilation of the industry's earliest relevant atlas - "Fireproof Glass and Its Doors and Windows Curtain Wall System Construction Details" 22CJ110-1.
11. The first fire safety knowledge popularization song with fireproof door and fireproof glass as the theme in China, "Know Fire Safety Knowledge to Keep You Safe for Life" and the CD with the same name were released.
12. For six consecutive years (2015-2020), won multiple awards at the Guangzhou International Doors and Windows Curtain Wall Exhibition every year.
▶ Summary:
Chen Wulin and his team's work have received high recognition from the industry. He has successively won awards such as the "Glass Craftsman" award and the "Heshan Craftsman Star". He also participated in the formulation of the national standard for fire-resistant glass and was involved in undertaking the national "13th Five-Year Plan" key research and development project.
From an entrepreneurial idea to filling the domestic technological gap, Chen Wulin's entrepreneurial and research experience is a microcosm of "Made in China" moving towards "Made in China with Excellence". As he said, "In any industry, as long as you focus, you will definitely do an excellent job."
▶ Chen Wulin
Outstanding Craftsman of Overseas Chinese Town
Cover Figure of Bay Area Chinese Businessmen
Outstanding Inventor in Guangdong Glass Industry
Firefighter of the Year in the Firefighting Industry
Glass Craftsman in the Chinese Glass Industry
Deputy Director of the Fire Protection Working Group of the Architectural Design Innovation Committee of China Building Culture Research Association
Vice Chairman of the Fire Protection Glass and Components Committee of China Building Glass and Industrial Glass Association
Member of the Fire Materials Branch Committee of China Fire Protection Association
Expert of the Expert Committee of the Doors and Windows and Curtain Wall Branch of China Building Decoration and Furnishing Materials Association
Executive Vice Chairman of the Glass Special Committee of China Building Materials Distribution Association and Specialized Fire Protection Glass Expert Appointed by the Association
Co-author of the national standard "Building Safety Glass - Part 1: Fireproof Glass" GB15763.1
He Shan Hengbao Fireproof Glass Factory Co., Ltd.
Chairman and General Manager of Guangdong Hengbang Security Technology Co., Ltd.
