Heat-strengthened laminated glass is a type of safety glass that combines the benefits of heat-strengthened glass and laminated glass. It offers several advantages over other types of glass, making it suitable for various architectural and automotive applications. Here are some benefits of heat-strengthened laminated glass:
Safety: Heat-strengthened laminated glass provides enhanced safety compared to standard annealed glass. In the event of breakage, the glass remains held together by an interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), minimizing the risk of sharp, hazardous fragments. This reduces the likelihood of injuries, making it suitable for applications where safety is a priority.
Impact Resistance: Heat-strengthened laminated glass has increased impact resistance compared to annealed glass. The heat-strengthening process improves its resistance to thermal stress and mechanical loads, reducing the risk of breakage. This makes it suitable for applications where glass may be subjected to higher wind loads, thermal stresses, or potential impact.
Security: The interlayer in heat-strengthened laminated glass provides an added level of security. The interlayer holds the glass together even when shattered, making it difficult for intruders to gain quick access. This makes heat-strengthened laminated glass suitable for applications that require enhanced security, such as storefronts, financial institutions, or high-security buildings.
Sound Insulation: Laminated glass, including heat-strengthened laminated glass, offers superior sound insulation compared to single-pane glass. The interlayer helps to dampen sound transmission, reducing noise pollution and improving acoustic comfort. This makes it beneficial for applications in noisy environments, urban areas, or buildings located near busy roads or airports.
UV Protection: Heat-strengthened laminated glass can incorporate UV-blocking properties to protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The interlayer can be designed to block a significant portion of UV rays, helping to reduce fading or damage to interior furnishings, artwork, or displays. This is particularly useful in applications where UV protection is crucial, such as museums, galleries, or spaces with valuable assets.
Design Flexibility: Heat-strengthened laminated glass offers design flexibility, allowing architects and designers to incorporate safety features without compromising aesthetics. It can be produced in various colors, patterns, or decorative designs, providing opportunities for creative and visually appealing applications.
Durability: Heat-strengthened laminated glass is more resistant to thermal stress, impact, and breakage compared to standard annealed glass. Its durability and resistance to various environmental factors such as wind, moisture, or temperature changes make it suitable for long-lasting applications.
Heat strengthened glass is called semi tempered glass too. It is about twice more strong than annealed glass of the same size and thickness. Heat-strengthened glass continues to gain popularity and is often the choice of the design professionals for vertical vision spandrel areas and for laminated sloped glazing. Heat strengthened glass allows the interlayer to laminated glass to adhere more evenly because of a flatter finish surface, is widely used in overhead and sloped glazing, such as ceiling, balustrade, curtain wall, etc.