Glass in its base form is a delicate material, prone to breakage.  Hence, borne out of this limitation, the invention of Safety Laminated glass was a huge step ahead for the industry.  As the name suggests, this variety of glass implies strength and durability.  Not only is it less likely to shatter but even if it does, laminated glass can hold its own.  Safety glass is available in various designs or types of which the laminated variety is one.

Glass toughened for safety reasons is treated with thermal and chemical processes and its wide usage base includes shower doors, tub enclosures, diving mask material, bullet proof protection, architectural tables, refrigerator trays and much more.

Laminated Glass Technology

Sheets of safety glass

The technology that prevents laminated glass from shattering involves an interlayer, typically of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), strategically placed between the layers of glass sheets.  This binding inner layer ensures that the glass pieces stay bonded during a possible breakage.  This also guarantees that the broken glass doesn’t jut out in sharp jagged pieces.  This technology is the very trick that lies behind the classic ‘spider web break’ that we often see.  The PVB layer increases the insulation levels of the glass considerably and can block up to 99% of ultra violet rays.

Manufacturing Processes

There are three main manufacture process options available for laminated glass:

  1. Where two or more layers of glass are pressed between one or more layers of Plasticized Polyvinyl Butyric resin under pressure and heat
  2. Where two or more pieces of glass and Polycarbonate are bound together with Aliphatic Urethane interlayers
  3. Where the interlayer is made of cured Resin

A typical laminated piece would consist of 3 mm of glass with a 0.38 mm of interlayer and an additional 3 mm of glass on the other side.  This would typically be known as 6.38 laminated glass.

In order to construct a highly resistant variety of glass, often multiple laminates are employed along with other types of thickened glass. E.g. Bullet proof glass is made with Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic and layers of Laminated Glass.  This gives the material superior holding power.  Latest developments in the laminated glass arena include additional thermoplastic glass laminations materials such as Ethyl-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

Applications of Laminated Glass

Laminated Glass Use

Laminated safety glass has wide potential in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.  Prime applications of this variety are in the areas of Automobiles, Railways, Aircraft, Defence, Household Construction and Industry.  And in Singapore, the scope of its usage is ever increasing especially with regard to multi-storied commercial buildings and its unique ability to act as an apt replacement glass.

Specific applications for laminated glass in Singapore include skylights, storefront exteriors and windows.  In fact, any situation in which there is a chance of human impact and hazardous shattering in case of breakage.  Other common applications include cutting boards, office partitions, thermometers and greenhouse windows.

Lately, Acoustic Laminated Glass is providing an alternative to double glazed glass which is widely used for soundproofing applications. Laminated Glass with an acoustic PVB interlayer is well suited for commercial and living spaces where noise reduction is a need.

We at House Of Glass supply laminated safety glass for numerous applications in the commercial and industrial sectors.  Our manufacturing methods ensure resilience and long term construction. Our team of experts excel in its design and assembly.