Skip to content

Technology

Layers, processes and design criteria

The layer structure of ballistic and technical glass, the main manufacturing processes and the criteria considered in design.

Glass layers

  1. 01

    Strike-face glass

    Glass

    The hard surface that meets the impact first. It deforms the projectile, reducing its penetration and absorbing the first share of energy.

  2. 02

    Intermediate glass plies

    Multiple glass plies

    Number and thickness follow the target protection level; they absorb the remaining energy step by step.

  3. 03

    Polymer interlayers

    Polymer interlayer (e.g. PVB)

    Bond the glass plies, hold broken glass together and spread the load over a wider area.

  4. 04

    Polycarbonate inner layer

    Polycarbonate

    The last layer on the protected side. Limits glass spall and can help reduce overall weight.

  5. 05

    Functional layers

    Micro-wire heating · screen print · tint

    Heating wires, ceramic edge bands, tint and solar control can be integrated into the build.

Production processes

  1. 01

    Cutting and processing

    Size · edge · drilling

    The step in which glass is cut to size and template, edges are processed and holes or custom cut-outs are added where required.

  2. 02

    Bending

    Curved form

    The step in which plies for curved vehicle, yacht and architectural glazing are heat-formed to the same geometry.

  3. 03

    Lamination

    Glass · interlayer · polycarbonate

    The step in which glass, polymer interlayers and, where required, polycarbonate are assembled in a clean environment.

  4. 04

    Autoclave

    Heat and pressure

    The step in which the laminated pack is processed under heat and pressure, removing air and permanently bonding the layers.

  5. 05

    Dimensional and optical inspection

    Dimension · form · optics

    The step in which finished glass is checked for dimensions, fit and optical distortion against project requirements.

R&D capabilities

  1. 01

    Threat-based configuration

    Project engineering

    Glass, interlayer and polycarbonate combinations are assessed per project for the required protection level or threat class.

  2. 02

    Weight optimisation

    Polycarbonate layer

    A polycarbonate layer is one of the options considered when balancing protection and weight on vehicle platforms.

  3. 03

    Heated glass technology

    Micro-wire

    Concealed micro-wire heating between the layers aims to keep ballistic and marine glazing clear of fog and ice.

  4. 04

    Optical performance

    High transparency

    Transparency and optical distortion targets in thick multi-layer builds are defined per project through material selection and inspection criteria.