INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
TOUGHENED LAMINATED – THE VERSATILE GLASS
SUSAN SINDEN , MARKETING MANAGER FOR GLASS PROCESSOR ESG GROUP , LOOKS AT THE WAYS IN WHICH A RANGE OF CHALLENGES CAN BE ADDRESSED BY SPECIFYING TOUGHENED LAMINATED GLASS
Toughened laminated glass is created by laminating sheets of toughened glass together with a PVB ( PolyVinyl Butyrall ) interlayer , making one of the construction industry ’ s most versatile materials . The added strength that the laminating process gives has allowed us to create taller , wider and lighter-weight glass panels , which can be used to realise even the most challenging of architectural concepts .
In toughened laminated glass such as ESG Tufflam , using different types of interlayer , we can now also introduce a range of added benefits such as privacy , sound reduction , security , and even ballistic protection .
LCD privacy glass , such as ESG Switchable glass , is rapidly gaining popularity in both domestic and commercial settings due to its ability to transform from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button . Using a specialised technical interlayer , a small electric current is run through the glass panel to make the panel optically clear , while switching off the current makes the panel opaque . This allows the end user to enjoy complete privacy without sacrificing natural light – an important consideration as energy costs rise . In open plan schemes , LCD privacy , or switchable , glass is often used to zone specific areas , such as boardrooms , bedrooms , ensuites , kitchens and even shower cubicles .
LCD privacy glass , such as ESG Switchable glass , is rapidly gaining popularity in both domestic and commercial settings .
We can also introduce sound attenuation properties using specialist interlayers . This is not just used in sound recording studios , where it provides the perfect solution , but also in offices and boardrooms , and increasingly in domestic dwellings , to combat urban noise pollution .
A further type of interlayer can be used with thicker sheets of toughened glass to manufacture high security , ballistic , and even blast proof glass , helping to deter would-be criminals and terrorists .
Using this advanced interlayer technology , we can now manufacture glass panes with almost any combination of properties , such as security , or sound attenuation , with privacy , to produce a multifunctional product , tailored to each specific project . This can help to control costs , by using one solution , rather than several .
Thanks to developments in toughened laminated glass processing , there are many options for the specifier to consider . Fortunately , we ’ re always at hand to help them make the right specification .
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