The Primary Differences Between Laminated Auto Glass And Tempered Auto Glass

Tempered and laminated glass are quite different from each other. For starters, their manufacturing processes are uniquely different. Although they are both quite strong, their strengths are measured differently – one is great at withstanding excessive, direct pressure against its surface (tempered glass), while the other prevents even a single shard of glass from escaping its triple-layer construction (laminated glass). Outside of the auto industry, both types of glass are used in many different applications. Tempered glass can be commonly found in the average home, particularly in the kitchen. And laminated glass is often used as the first layer of glass windows encasing a high rise building.

Laminated glass can be described as a sandwich consisting of three layers: a substance called polyvinyl butyral is inserted between two layers of regular glass. By sandwiching the three elements together, a much stronger piece of glass is produced. Outside of sheer strength, another advantage of laminated glass lies in the way it breaks: instead of shattering and splintering into dangerous shards of glass, laminated glass will crack and immediately form a spider-web like shatter on its exterior glass surface. However, the substrate will keep the two layers of glass bonded together and prevent any glass from splintering away from the windshield.

The beneficial characteristics of laminated glass are the key reasons why its primary use is for automobile windshields. Driving an automobile on any road poses unseen dangers to drivers and passengers. But having laminated glass as a windshield is a driver’s first line of defense in the event of an auto accident. The glass will not only protect the driver from objects penetrating into the interior of the car, but also protect the driver and his or her passengers from splintered pieces of glass.

The production of tempered glass is a much simpler and less costly process than that of laminated glass. Tempered glass is created by heating pre-cut glass to extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it down with cold-air jets.

Tempered glass has two essential benefits. The first admirable trait of tempered glass is that it can withstand direct pressure against its surface of up 10,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, which is the standard set by the industry (in truth, most tempered glass used in automobiles can withstand pressures up to 20,000 pounds per square inch). The second admirable trait of tempered glass is that when it breaks, it shatters into thousands of tiny pieces of glass. Those tiny pieces of glass are relatively harmless compared to the alternative option of large shards of broken glass (which is what you get when a normal piece of glass breaks).

Tempered glass is used for every window in a car except the windshield. It’s also used around the house. You’ll find it used in your shower doors, on the front of your oven, and even in your glass coffee pot. Tempered glass is used wherever large sheets of glass are needed, such as the entrance doors of major shopping stores.

The combination of laminated glass and tempered glass is a perfect blend for window safety in the automobile industry. Next time you’re driving your car, be appreciative of the safe driving environment provided by these two types of glass!

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