• Safety Glass

        A common misconception is that all safety glasses are suitable for all locations and situations, this is not the case!

        Safety glass falls into two main categories, toughened and laminated with both glass types able to be incorporated into double glazed units.

        Laminated and toughened glasses are available up to 3.2m x 6m stock sheet size with laminated glass being cut straight from sheet form whereas toughened glass is a processed item delivered usually 3-5 days from point of order dependent upon the size and complexity of the order.

        Laminated Glass Thicknesses

        4.4mm, 6.4mm, 7.5mm, 8.8mm, 9.5mm, 10.8mm, 11.5mm 12.8mm and 13.5mm

        Toughened Glass Thicknesses

        4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm and 19mm

        The following laminated thicknesses 7.5mm, 9.5mm and 12.8mm are classed as anti-bandit as they are particularly effective against physical attack due to the thicker PVB interlayer although some laminated thicknesses are also available with a white opaque interlayer.

        As a rule, laminated glass does not respond well to drilling, notches, cut outs, holes, surface pressure or local heat source and is liable to crack quickly after installation. In situations where these processes are necessary toughened glass would be your best route. When laminated glass is glazed and a breakage does take place the glass will hold together and although replacement glazing will be necessary the urgency for the repair to take place is greatly reduced and more importantly, dependent upon the severity of the breakage, the glass will remain in a safe state, a stark contrast to toughened glass.

        Unlike laminated, toughened glass is excellent for any item that requires drill holes, cut outs and notches or to be used in locations where the glass will be located in close proximity to a heat source. Toughened glass is used extensively for frameless glass doors, balustrades, canopies, screens and splash backs as an extensive range of processing such as edge polishing, bevelling, drilling, sandblasting, acid decoration and back spraying to any BS or RAL colour can be applied to toughened glass.

        The best of both worlds can be achieved by laminating toughened glass together. The laminating process can be complemented by using a limitless colour tinting range or adding a fabric or decorative paper within the interlayer. Although there is an obvious cost implication this route offers an excellent solution in many cases. Please give our office a call or email over your requirements as we are able to offer detailed advice prior to quoting.

        At Empire we can produce any shape in both toughened and laminated glasses from a hand, PDF or CAD drawing or physical template.

        Both toughened and laminated glass can be applied with either a sandblast or acid surface decoration either all over, with a logo, geometric design, match an existing pattern, logo or design. Both sandblast and acid applications can be applied with a clear polymer coating to reduce finger print assisting with cleaning.

        In the download section on our website you`ll find a host of useful downloads that provide a detailed look at the correct glass type and thickness for the required location. These downloads should be used in conjunction with our text as these downloads are provided from both the actual glass manufactures and The Glass and Glazing Federation.

        Don’t forget, we operate a free delivery service from 8am till 5pm six days a week. All deliveries are free of charge within the M25 and throughout Kent regardless of order value.