When choosing safety glass, it’s important to understand not just how strong it is, but how it behaves if it does break. Different types of safety glass are designed with different safety features in mind.
Laminated Glass (PVB – Polyvinyl Butyral):
Laminated glass is made by bonding two layers of glass together with a strong interlayer (PVB). If the glass breaks, the interlayer holds the pieces in place. Instead of shattering, the glass remains largely intact, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining a barrier. This makes laminated glass ideal for areas where safety, security, and containment are important.
Toughened (Tempered) Glass:
Toughened glass is heat-treated to increase its strength. When it breaks, it doesn’t crack into large, sharp shards. Instead, it “bursts” into many small, blunt pieces. This significantly reduces the risk of serious injury, as there are no dangerous sharp edges.