laminated glass

laminated glass

Read about what is laminated glass and the benefits when used in a window.

In today’s architectural landscape, where safety, security, and aesthetic appeal converge, laminated glass has emerged as an indispensable solution.

This innovative glass product not only enhances the resilience of structures but also offers a myriad of benefits that cater to diverse residential and commercial needs.

What is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is a composite material that combines two or more layers of annealed glass with a resilient interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or other specialized resins. 

This interlayer acts as a robust adhesive, bonding the glass panes together through a process of heat and pressure application, resulting in a unified, high-performance glazing solution.

The Manufacturing Process

The creation of laminated glass involves a meticulously controlled manufacturing process that ensures optimal performance and durability. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

  1. Layer Assembly: Two or more panes of annealed glass are carefully positioned, sandwiching the chosen interlayer material, typically PVB, between them.
  2. Deairing: The assembled layers undergo a vacuum process to extract any trapped air bubbles or pockets, ensuring a seamless fusion.
  3. Heating and Compression: The layered assembly is subjected to intense heat and pressure within an autoclave, facilitating the bonding of the glass panes and the interlayer.
  4. Cooling and Inspection: After the bonding process, the laminated glass undergoes a controlled cooling phase, followed by rigorous quality inspections to ensure it meets the highest standards.

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the Benefits: Why Choose Laminated Glass?

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Enhanced Safety and Security

  • Impact Resistance: Unlike conventional glass, laminated glass remains intact even after sustaining significant impact, thanks to the interlayer that holds the shattered pieces together. This feature minimizes the risk of injury from flying glass shards, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or potential break-ins.
  • Forced Entry Protection: The interlayer acts as a formidable barrier, making it incredibly difficult for intruders to penetrate through laminated glass. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for securing storefronts, jewelry displays, and other high-risk areas.

Acoustic Insulation

Laminated glass offers exceptional acoustic insulation properties, making it an ideal solution for reducing unwanted noise pollution. The interlayer acts as a damping material, disrupting sound waves and minimizing their transmission through the glass. 

This feature is particularly beneficial for residential properties located near airports, busy roads, or other noise-generating environments.

UV Protection

The PVB interlayer used in laminated glass effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing the fading and discoloration of interior furnishings, artwork, and flooring. 

This attribute not only enhances the longevity of your valuable possessions but also contributes to a more comfortable living or working environment.

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Thickness and Nomenclature: Decoding the Specifications

AspectDetails
NomenclatureThickness of laminated glass is represented by a series of numbers separated by periods.
Example: “3.3.3”Consists of two 3mm annealed glass panes sandwiching a 3mm interlayer.
Example: “6.8.6”Comprises two 6mm glass panes with an 8mm interlayer.
Interlayer Thickness VariabilityThickness of the interlayer can vary depending on desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, acoustic insulation, or UV protection.
Performance and Trade-offsThicker interlayers generally provide enhanced performance but may also increase the overall weight and cost of the unit.

Powerful Combination of Toughened and Laminated Glass

While laminated glass and toughened glass each possess their unique strengths, combining these two technologies can create a formidable glazing solution that offers unparalleled performance and versatility. 

This hybrid approach, often referred to as “toughened laminated glass,” leverages the best of both worlds, providing a robust and secure glazing option for a wide range of applications.

In toughened laminated glass, the outer panes undergo a heat-treatment process similar to that of toughened glass, increasing their strength and resistance to impact. These toughened panes are then bonded together with a resilient interlayer, creating a composite structure that combines the shatter resistance of toughened glass with the impact resistance and security features of laminated glass.

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The Thickness of Laminated Glass

The thickness of laminated glass plays a crucial role in determining its performance characteristics and suitability for various applications. By carefully selecting the appropriate glass pane and interlayer thicknesses, architects and builders can tailor the properties of laminated glass to meet specific project requirements.

The thickness of laminated glass is typically expressed as a series of numbers separated by periods, representing the individual thicknesses of the glass panes and the interlayer. 

For example, a laminated glass unit with the designation “6.8.6” would consist of two 6mm glass panes sandwiching an 8mm interlayer.

Acoustic Laminated Glass

In environments where noise pollution is a concern, acoustic laminated glass emerges as a game-changer. This specialized variant of laminated glass incorporates a thicker interlayer, typically ranging from 0.76mm to 1.52mm, designed to dampen sound waves more effectively.

The unique properties of acoustic laminated glass stem from the combination of the interlayer’s damping capabilities and the dissimilar thicknesses of the glass panes. 

This configuration causes the panes to vibrate at different frequencies, disrupting the transmission of sound waves and significantly reducing noise levels.

We Can Help You Choose the Right Glass for Your Home

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