Laminated glass is one of the most widely used types of glass in vehicles. It is composed of two separate sheets of glass that are bonded together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral) and then melted at high temperatures. There are two main types of glass used in car construction: laminated glass and tempered glass. Laminated glass is now a standard safety feature in cars, as it provides increased strength and shatter resistance, while still remaining transparent even after breaking.
It is used in windshields, sunroofs, and side door windows for added security. The key advantage of laminated glass is its ability to withstand serious accidents. It can be used for both front and rear windows, offering superior protection for drivers and passengers. In addition, small cracks in laminated glass can be repaired with a specialized resin, which is not the case with tempered glass. The main disadvantage of laminated glass is that it is prone to impact breakage even with little force, resulting in high replacement costs. Tempered glass is a more cost-effective option than laminated glass.
It is cheaper and easier to maintain, which is why many commercial operators still use tempered glass windshields on their buses, trucks, and vans. Tempered glass also has more strength than laminated glass and is less susceptible to breakage by stones or debris. However, it does not have a PVB layer to prevent harmful elements from entering the car's chamber, and it breaks on impact, making it unable to protect occupants. Most cars today use a combination of both laminated and tempered glass. The windshield is made of laminated glass, while the side and rear windows are made of tempered glass.
Automakers are required to use laminated glass for windshields, but more companies are starting to use laminated glass for side and rear windows as well. At the time of purchase, you can ask the manufacturer or supplier about the type of automotive glass you have. Tempered glass for cars is manufactured as a single layer product, treated by a rapid heating and cooling process. Laminated glazing used to cost three to four times more than tempered glass until recently, but now the cost difference has decreased significantly. The modern vehicle incorporates more glass than ever before, including larger windshields, sunroofs and even glass panels that replace the roof completely. The only solution to repair a broken tempered glass is to replace it with a new one since it cannot be repaired. In conclusion, both laminated and tempered glasses have their own advantages and disadvantages when used in automobiles.
Laminated glass offers superior protection during accidents but is more expensive than tempered glass. Tempered glass is cheaper but does not provide the same level of protection as laminated glass.
