Nov 29, 2008

Safety glass (extra-strength and safe breaking)



Safety glass (extra-strength and safe breaking)
Choose a suitable safety glass to protect yourself from the risk of serious injury caused by accidental breakage or impact.

Safety glass can be either toughened or laminated depending on where and how it is being used. When it breaks, it breaks safely thus protecting against the risk of serious injury.

How does it work?
There are two glass types available to protect against the risk of injury. The choice is made depending on where and how the glazing is being used.
Toughened safety glass has undergone a heat treatment to increase its overall strength. Generally it is 5 times stronger than normal glass. To give an example a piece of 8mm toughened glass can withstand the impact of a 0.5kg steel ball dropped from 2 metres. If the glass does break, it breaks safely into thousands of tiny pieces with dull, safe edges.
Laminated safety glass comprises two pieces of glass held together by one or several plastic films like a glass sandwich! In the effect of breakage or impact, these films hold the glass in place. The glass still breaks into pieces, but they remain adhered to the film(s).

Benefits
Safety glass has many benefits:

Toughened glass
Avoids potential cuts and injuries as a result of broken glass (for example used in doors, table tops, shower screens etc).
Laminated glass
Laminated glass: assembled using a single plastic film.
basic protection
provides protection against the risk of injuries due to accidental breakage (for example windows or patio doors)
Laminated glass: assembled using two or more plastic films. enhanced protection
provides protection against a change in level (e.g. balconies or guarding) and objects falling on to or penetrating the glass (e.g. glass roofs and canopies).
The pieces of glass stay in place, stuck to the plastic interlayers, until a replacement arrives.
Safety glass for safe breakage or overhead glazing can be combined with other glass functions for additional comfort: security, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, low-maintenance and decorative glass.

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