In brief
Tempered glass increases strength and breaks into small pieces, while laminated glass uses an interlayer to retain fragments; they address different risks and can be combined.
Tempered
Tempered glass is heat-treated for strength and breaks into many small pieces, but those fragments can leave the opening.
Laminated
Laminated glass uses an interlayer that retains most fragments and can help preserve a barrier after breakage.
They can be combined
Tempered-laminated build-ups combine both behaviors but must be selected for the exact application and system design.
Start with the location
Specify from the failure scenario: can fragments fall, must a barrier remain, and how will the team access the glass for replacement?
General guidance for product selection. Specifications and engineering details must be verified against each project's drawings and standards.
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