Toughened Laminates – How to Prevent an Architects Dream Becoming a Manufacturer’s Nightmare?

John H. Gilleeney, AGI Glass Pty Ltd

Until recently, Architects in Southern Africa were rarely offered toughened laminates as an option. They had to utilise either monolithic toughened glass or laminated annealed glass, both of which have their strengths and their weaknesses. The main reason for the reluctance by Laminate manufacturers to offer these products was the unacceptably high reject rate.

The last 3 years has seen an increase in demand for toughened laminates with several high profile projects requiring both the structural strength and structural integrity that only a toughened laminate can provide.

This report chronicles two Projects, namely The Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg and the Gorilla enclosure at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria. Details are given on the lessons learned, advances made and the significant reduction in quality losses.

Recommendations, based on handson experience, for the best practices in edge-working, tempering glass for lamination and successful de-airing are given.

Full-Text Article [546 KB]

The Authors

Mr. John Gilleeney Technical Director AGI Glass John Gilleeney is a Technical Director of AGI. AGI is a South African listed company with overseas subsidiaries in England, Germany, Denmark and the USA. Gilleeney has more than 23 years experience in... Read more