Overall, for high-performance requirements (especially sound insulation), multi-layer composite films are usually superior to single-layer monolithic films.
Single-layer integral film
This structure typically employs a relatively thick PVB (polyvinyl acetal) film.
Advantages
Mature technology and low cost: The manufacturing process is simple and it is the most common and basic form, so the price is relatively advantageous.
Basic sound insulation and safety performance: It can meet the needs of most common scenarios, such as building Windows and partitions.
Disadvantage
There is a bottleneck in sound insulation performance: single-layer homogeneous PVB film has a certain effect on high-frequency noise, but its damping and absorption effect on the medium and low-frequency noise that troubles people the most (such as traffic roar) is limited.
There is an upper limit to its impact resistance: although it can prevent shattering and splashing, its performance in resisting extreme impacts (such as powerful impacts and bomb shock waves) is not as good as that of multi-layer structures.
Multilayer separated film
This structure usually refers to "multi-layer composite sound insulation film" or "acoustic film", which is composed of multiple layers of films of different materials or hardness.
Advantages
Outstanding sound insulation performance (core advantage) : This is the primary design purpose of multi-layer structures. The principle is:
Damping effect: Internal friction is formed between multiple layers of films of different hardness (such as one soft layer and one hard layer), which can more effectively convert the vibration energy of sound waves into heat energy for consumption.
Staggered resonance frequencies: Layers of different materials can deal with sound waves of different frequencies, avoiding the sound insulation trough of a single-layer structure at a specific frequency, thereby making the overall sound insulation spectrum flatter and the effect more balanced. Especially, the isolation effect on medium and low-frequency noise has been significantly improved.
Enhanced safety performance: The multi-layer structure means more interfaces and bonds. When impacted, glass fragments are more firmly bonded together, and the overall structure has stronger tear resistance and penetration resistance.
Ultraviolet protection and aesthetics: Some multi-layer films have special ultraviolet absorption layers or color adjustment layers added in the middle, providing better sun protection and protection for indoor furniture.
Disadvantage
Higher cost: The materials and manufacturing processes are more complex, resulting in a price significantly higher than that of single-layer PVB glass.
Slightly heavier: With more layers, the total weight of the glass may increase slightly.
|
Character |
Single-layer integral film |
Multilayer separated film |
|
Sound insulation effect |
Generally, its effect on medium and low-frequency noise is limited |
Excellent, especially skilled at blocking out medium and low-frequency noises |
|
Safety performance |
Good, meeting daily safety needs |
Superior, with stronger impact resistance and tear resistance |
|
Can it be tempered directly |
Yes, and it must |
No way |
|
Cost |
Low, economical and practical |
Higher |
|
Main applications |
Ordinary residential Windows, partitions, glass balustrades, etc |
Residential areas near streets, airports, high-speed railways, recording studios, hospitals, schools and other places with extremely high requirements for noise reduction |
How to choose?
Ordinary family, not noisy environment
Single-layer PVB laminated glass is already more than sufficient and offers the best value for money.For example, it can be used to enclose balconies or as a sunroof.
Pursuing ultimate sound insulation, high environmental noise:
The preferred choice is laminated glass made of multi-layer composite sound insulation film. This is one of the most effective glass solutions for addressing issues such as traffic noise and neighborhood noise. When making a purchase, you can clearly ask the merchant if they have "soundproof laminated glass" or "acoustic PVB" products.
There are extremely high requirements for safety
For instance, in places like banks, jewelry stores, and high-pressure environments, multi-layer films are a safer choice due to their stronger integrity and impact resistance.
