Two or more glass layers bonded with a plastic interlayer (usually PVB) so the pane stays intact if broken. Used widely in shopfronts, doors, and windscreens as Grade A safety glazing.
Definition
Laminated glass is produced by bonding glass sheets with a polymer interlayer under heat and pressure. The interlayer holds fragments together on breakage, improving safety and retention.
Typical Uses (Australia)
- Human-impact areas (doors, sidelights, bathrooms, low panes) per NCC and AS 1288 selection rules; where required, products must comply with AS/NZS 2208.
- Automotive windscreens (AS 2080:2019).
Options & Benefits
- Acoustic laminates reduce sound transmission.
- High-stiffness ionoplast interlayers (e.g., SentryGlas®) enhance post-break capacity and limit deflection.
- UV-blocking PVB filters ~99% of UV—useful for protecting interiors and displays.
Common Make-ups
Examples: 6.38 mm (3 + 0.38 PVB + 3), 10.38 mm, 12.38 mm—final thickness is selected to AS 1288.
Design Notes
- Detail frames to drain or be watertight to protect laminated edges/interlayer from long-term moisture.
- For overhead glazing or barriers, specify toughened laminated or stiffer interlayers to meet code performance.
Sources
- Viridian VLam™ overview & moisture/edge guidance — viridianglass.com
- NCC 2022 Housing Provisions, Part 8.4 (Glazing: human impact) — abcb.gov.au
- AGWA Fact Sheet: Safety Glass Labelling (AS 1288 & AS/NZS 2208) — agwa.com.au (PDF)
- AS 2080:2019 (vehicle glazing) overview — assco.com.au (PDF)
- National Glass Acoustic laminated info — nationalglass.com.au (PDF)
- Kuraray SentryGlas® (ionoplast interlayer) — kuraray.com
- Saflex (Eastman) UV-blocking PVB — saflex-vanceva.eastman.com
- AGWA/AWA Guide to Glass & Glazing (AS 1288 handbook) — alwindows.com.au (PDF)
Compliance reminder (AU): Select and install to AS 1288 and current NCC; where safety glazing is required, products must comply with AS/NZS 2208.