WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE PRICE OF LAMINATED GLASS?
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with interlayers, typically made of PVB, SGP, or EVA. This structure is characterized by good impact resistance, which holds the glass layers together even if they break, preventing sharp and hard glass fragments from flying and causing damage to life and property. Laminated glass offers enhanced safety, security, sound reduction, and UV protection, making it an ideal choice for applications such as building facades, skylights, partitions, and environments where impact resistance or noise reduction is important. Its strength and durability also provide additional protection against forced entry or harsh weather conditions.
Therefore, the pricing of laminated glass is more complex than that of float glass, as it is affected by various factors.
Today, we will unravel the mystery of laminated glass and uncover the factors that influence its cost, providing you with a better and clearer understanding of what determines the price. This will equip you with valuable insights when making a purchasing decision.
The four main factors to consider are:
1. GLASS
① TYPE OF GLASS
There are various types of raw glass sheets that can be used to make laminated glass. These types of glass vary and have a significant impact on the price of laminated glass. For instance, clear float glass, ultra-clear glass (low-iron glass), patterned glass, acid-etched glass, reflective glass, and so on. Ultra-clear glass is more expensive than ordinary clear glass because of its higher light transmission. Curved glass is expensive than flat glass. Additionally, as the strength and safety features of the glass increase, glass processed with heat also affects the price. Tempered glass is more expensive than heat-strengthened glass, and heat-strengthened glass is pricier than regular annealed glass.
② GLASS THICKNESS
The thickness of raw glass sheets is a key factor influencing their price, which ranges from 3mm to 19mm. Thicker glass provides enhanced security and sound insulation. The thicker the glass, the higher the price. Thinner glass is more budget-friendly, but it may compromise on security and soundproofing, making it less suitable for applications requiring higher levels of protection.
② GLASS SCRAP RATE
The issue of scrap rate needs to be considered for custom-sized laminated glass. For standard size laminated glass, this is not a concern. Custom-sized glass must be cut before the lamination process, and the scrap rate affects the production cost. A higher scrap rate increases the cost and ultimately raises the price of the laminated glass. Other factors such as edge treatments, decorative features, and custom shapes can also impact the price.
2. INTERLAYER
① TYPE OF INTERLAYER
The PVB (polyvinyl butyral) film is the most commonly used material in laminated glass. It plays a crucial role in determining the strength, safety, aesthetic, and sound insulation capabilities of the glass. There are various types of interlayer films available, including standard PVB, SGP, EVA, colored PVB, and acoustic interlayer. Each type exhibits significant price variations based on their specific properties and applications.
② BRAND OF INTERLAYER
Some PVB film manufacturers are known for producing high-quality film, while others may offer lower prices but produce PVB with inferior performance. This can lead to issues such as bubbles and cracking. It is advisable to choose well-known brands or higher-priced PVB films, as they typically offer superior performance, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance costs.
③ THICKNESS OF INTERLAYER
The support for laminated glass relies on the appropriate thickness of the interlayer film. Generally, thicker interlayers result in higher prices.
*This table displays the thickness principles for PVB film.
| ANNEALED GLASS | |||
| Glass Thickness | Length of Short Side≤800mm | Length of Short Side＞800mm | |
| ≤6mm | 0.38 | 0.38 | |
| 8mm | 0.38 | 0.76 | |
| 10mm | 0.76 | 0.76 | |
| 12mm | 1.14 | 1.14 | |
| 15mm/19mm | 1.52 | 1.52 | |
| TEMPERED/ HEAT-STRENGTHENED GLASS | |||
| Glass Thickness | Length of Short Side≤800mm | 800mm＜Length of Short Side≤1500mm | Length of Short Side＞1500mm |
| ≤6mm | 0.76 | 1.14 | 1.52 |
| 8mm | 1.14 | 1.52 | 1.52 |
| 10mm | 1.14 | 1.52 | 1.52 |
| 12mm | 1.14 | 1.52 | 1.52 |
| 15mm/19mm | 1.52 | 2.28 | 2.28 |
3. PROCESSING
① CUTTING
The precision and complexity of cutting significantly influence the price of laminated glass. For example, special-shaped cuts are typically more expensive than standard straight-line cuts.
② EDGE WORKS, HOLES AND NOTCHES
The type and accuracy of edging, holes, and notches also play a crucial role in pricing. Precision works require more meticulous workmanship, tends to be more costly than standard edging.
③ CLEANING TECHNOLOGY
The extent and method of cleaning affect the overall cost and effectiveness as well.
④ AUTOCLAVE
Improper operation of pre-pressing and autoclaving can lead to misalignment of the glass or defects such as bubbles. The cost of a laminating autoclave is quite high, and more expensive autoclaves tend to offer more stable temperature control. This stability reduces the likelihood of defects, ensuring the longevity and performance of laminated glass. The pre-lamination process also impact pricing. Vacuum lamination for curved glass, for instance, is more expensive than roller prepressing lamination methods, as it requires specialized equipment and techniques to achieve superior bonding quality.
oTHER FACTORS
The price of laminated glass may be higher for well-known brands due to guaranteed quality and service. Market supply and demand, raw material prices, labor cost, and transportation distance can also impact the final price. Additionally, products with extended warranties or comprehensive service agreements may have a higher initial price but can offer reduced long-term maintenance costs.
The quantity of laminated glass ordered and the choice of supplier can affect pricing. Bulk orders often qualify for volume discounts, reducing the cost per unit. In addition, sourcing laminated glass from reputable suppliers with a track record of quality and reliability may result in higher initial costs, but can provide long-term value through superior product performance and customer service.
It is important to prioritize factors such as safety, performance, and durability when making purchasing decisions. Investing in high-quality laminated glass that is tailored to specific project requirements can provide lasting benefits and peace of mind for years to come.
Use high-quality glass manufactured by LAUREL GLASS. We can provide solutions to suit your budget while ensuring the highest standards of quality.
Contact us for up-to-date glass advice and quotations.
