Laminated annealed glass has long been used in automotive windshields. Why? For one thing, the interlayer that bonds two pieces of glass together is flexible, intended to help mitigate head trauma upon impact. The laminated glass composite is intended to remain in place after glass breakage—broken glass adheres to the interlayer to maintain a barrier between the occupants and the outside.
Glass Breakage
Glass breakage characteristics are very important when considering the potential for impact. Annealed glass breaks into long shards, which can be quite dangerous. When laminated, however, the broken glass adheres to the interlayer material. An advantage associated with laminated annealed glass is visibility after breakage.
Problem with Tempered Glass
Tempered glass in monolithic form is unadvisable because of its breakage characteristics. Namely, the small broken pieces of glass vacate the frame. In addition, the small break pattern does not allow for continued visibility—even if laminated for safety. In many applications, the improved strength of tempered glass is a plus. However, when visibility after breakage is a concern—the break pattern is a definite liability.
Marine Applications
Marine manufacturers face a similar challenge when it comes to protecting the operator, and that is why laminated glass is the material of choice for marine windshields.
For more information on windshield safety in marine applications, contact ProCurve Glass at 215.441.9101 today or visit us online for more information!