Interlayer laminating using transparent PVB interlayers is a widely used laminating technique used on all types of glazing in the market including automotive glazing.
The reason for the use of interlayer laminated glass in these safety conscious applications is the same reason it is used frequently in architectural glazing. Interlayer Laminated glass is classed as a safety glass for construction purposes due to the way the glass panels act under fracture.
When an interlayer laminated glass panel is broken the PVB interlayer adheres the broken pieces of glass together to stop falling glass, escaping glass shards and minimises the chance of injury.
Annealed glass, which is not a safety glass, can be laminated together with a PVB interlayer to create a ‘safety glass’. Toughened glass, which is a safety glass product on its own, can be laminated together using a PVB interlayer to create a stronger glass panel for use in structural glass assemblies or in hurricane rated systems.
PVB interlayers are ‘sandwiched’ between two pieces of glass and permanently adhered together under heat and pressure. The resulting glass panel has a clear appearance and high light transmission for an un-tinted glass panel.
These laminated glass units can be used within frames or as frameless structural glass panels. The thickness of PVB needed will depend on the glass application.