What is Laminated Glass and How is it Made?
Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass permanently bonded together using a polymer interlayer (commonly PVB, SGP, or EVA) through the process of heat and pressure. The interlayer holds the glass layers together and provides additional properties such as safety, security, noise reduction, UV protection, and aesthetic flexibility.
The glass layers can be customized in thickness, and the interlayer can come in a variety of colors, providing both visual appeal and specific functional benefits. This process makes laminated glass suitable for demanding architectural applications such as blast mitigation, forced entry resistance, and acoustic insulation.
What Are the Benefits of Laminated Glass?
Increased Safety and Security
Laminated glass is impact-resistant, which helps reduce the risk of shattering. If the glass breaks, the fragments remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing them from falling and causing injury.
Ideal for applications like skylights, canopies, high-rise windows, and hurricane-resistant glazing.
Noise Reduction (Acoustic Performance)
Acoustic laminated glass can significantly reduce sound transmission, with improvements of up to 35-45 dB in noise reduction.
This is particularly beneficial for residential and commercial applications in noisy environments, such as near highways or airports.
The performance is rated using the Rw (weighted sound reduction index), with acoustic interlayers designed to reduce vibrations and improve sound insulation.
UV Protection
Laminated glass can block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting interior furnishings, furniture, and art from fading.
This is particularly valuable in buildings that use large windows to allow natural light while reducing the harmful effects of UV exposure.
Security Solutions
Heat-strengthened or tempered laminated glass is commonly used for security applications to provide anti-intrusion and blast-mitigation properties.
These solutions are designed to withstand forced entry, ballistic attacks, or hailstorms.
Aesthetic Flexibility
Laminated glass offers endless aesthetic possibilities with colored interlayers available in over 3,000 colors (transparent, translucent, opaque).
This allows architects to tailor the appearance, light transmission, and privacy of a building without compromising functionality.
How Do We Describe Laminated Glass Thickness?
Laminated glass thickness is typically described by specifying the number of glass layers and the thickness of each glass layer along with the thickness of the interlayer.
Example of Laminated Glass Thickness Nomenclature:
6+1.52PVB+6mm:
6mm Glass + 1.52mm PVB Interlayer + 6mm Glass
8+1.52PVB+8mm:
8mm Glass + 1.52mm PVB Interlayer + 8mm Glass
10+2.28SGP+10mm:
10mm Glass + 2.28mm SGP Interlayer + 10mm Glass
In these examples:
The first number indicates the thickness of the glass layers.
The interlayer thickness follows (commonly PVB or SGP).
The second number represents the thickness of the second glass layer.
What is Laminated Glass Used For?
Laminated glass has a wide range of applications due to its enhanced properties:
Safety Glass: Ideal for use in areas with a high risk of impact, such as skylights, canopies, and high-rise windows.
Soundproofing: Acoustic laminated glass is commonly used in homes, offices, and public spaces to reduce noise levels, particularly in noisy environments.
Security & Protection: Used for anti-intrusion, ballistic, blast mitigation, and hurricane-resistant glazing.
UV Protection: Windows in buildings requiring natural light while protecting interior surfaces from UV damage.
Architectural Design: Provides aesthetic appeal in facades, partitions, and decorative glazing in both residential and commercial buildings.
Laminated glass offers a combination of safety, security, sound insulation, and aesthetic versatility, making it an excellent choice for modern architectural applications. If you’re working on a project, would you like assistance in selecting the appropriate thickness or interlayer type for your specific needs?
