To produce laminate glass, you need intimate contact between two layers of glass and a layer of reinforcing PVB. To make this effective, no air is to remain in the laminate and this is why you need a vacuum ring.

The vacuum ring is placed around the perimeter of the glass/PVB laminate and a vacuum is applied during the heating cycle in the autoclave process. This ensures any residual air is removed and no defects can be seen in the finished glass.

The vacuum ring can be used for many heating cycles and can be fitted and removed quickly to minimise cycle times. Vacuum rings can be manufactured from a range of rubber materials and produced in different sizes and shapes to suit most glass designs and process requirements.

Increasing efficiency and shortening production time is a real concern for automotive manufacturers. We help by providing a solution which can make laminate glass production faster and more efficient. In laminate glass manufacturing, a seal is required which can consistently perform in extreme environments, including high pressure and temperature extremes.

Automotive safety

Laminate glass is most commonly used in the automotive industry. Windscreens offer superior protection by holding their integrity, even when damaged.

If a rock is thrown at a car windscreen, the glass may break but the pieces remain bonded to the interlayer. This protects the passengers from sharp glass fragments in the event of an accident or collision. It also makes it safer for first responders to take action at the scene of an accident.

To manufacture laminate glass, you need intimate contact between two layers of glass and a layer of reinforcing PVB. If any air is trapped between the glass, this would compromise the integrity of the whole. This is why a vacuum ring is required to complete the manufacturing process.

Vacuum rings for safety glass production

The vacuum ring is placed around the perimeter of the glass/PVB laminate and a vacuum is applied during the heating cycle in the autoclave process. This ensures any residual air is removed and no defects can be seen in the finished glass.

The vacuum ring can be used for many heating cycles, with Silicone vacuum rings typically lasting longer than EPDM rubber. The vacuum ring is also quick and easy to fit and remove, ensuring fast turnaround time on a busy production line. Vacuum rings can be produced in a range of standard and custom sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for all applications.

Our team can provide assistance throughout the process of selecting and manufacturing vacuum rings for your production requirements. Get in touch today to find out more.

More Information

Further Reading About Our Vacuum Rings Division

Overview
Material
Applications