The comparison of the "strength" between laminated glass and tempered glass needs to be discussed from multiple dimensions - their areas of advantage are different, and it is impossible to directly assert which one is stronger.
Tempered glass: Harder and more pressure-resistant, but it shatters completely when broken.
Laminated glass: Anti-penetrating tempered glass that can withstand even when broken.
Detailed explanation of Intensity comparison
Impact strength (single impact)
Tempered glass
The surface compressive strength is 4 to 5 times that of ordinary glass (about 150MPa or more), and it can withstand greater impact forces (such as typhoon wind pressure, hail).
Fatal weakness: Once the critical point is crossed, the entire piece of glass instantly shatters into particles, completely losing its barrier function.
Laminated glass
The single-layer strength is close to that of ordinary glass, but the interlayer film (PVB/SGP) can absorb impact energy.
Even if the glass layer breaks, the interlayer film can still prevent objects from penetrating (such as flying objects in hurricane tests).
Scene verification
Impact test with 9mm steel ball (ASTM F1233) :
6mm tempered glass: Can withstand an impact energy of approximately 5.5 joules (with particles flying after shattering);
6mm+1.52mm PVB+6mm laminated glass: Can withstand > 30 joules (glass cracked but not penetrated).
Comparison of special enhancement types
If tempered glass is used as the substrate for laminated glass (tempered laminated glass) :
Impact strength = hardness of tempered glass + toughness of interlayer film → highest comprehensive strength;
Anti-penetration crushed pure tempered glass (such as bulletproof glass, which is multi-layer tempered laminated +PC).
Key Scene Selection Guide
Scenarios where tempered glass is a better choice
High wind pressure areas (such as super high-rise curtain walls)
Tempered glass has a higher bending strength and less deformation (it must comply with the "Technical Code for Application of Building Glass" JGJ 113).
Low-cost safety requirements (such as indoor partitions, shower rooms) :
It meets the basic anti-shattering requirements and its price is only 1/3 to 1/2 of that of laminated glass.
Resistance to sudden temperature changes (such as oven doors) :
Its thermal stability is better than that of laminated glass (laminated film is prone to bubbling at high temperatures).
Scenarios where laminated glass is a better choice
Hurricane/Typhoon prevention area:
It must pass the projectile impact test (tempered glass alone cannot meet the standard).
Anti-smash/anti-theft/bulletproof requirements:
Bank counters, jewelry stores (the thicker the intermediate film, the stronger the protection).
High-altitude safety zone
Skylights and light roofs (do not fall when broken to prevent falling objects from heights).
Places with children/elderly people:
Doors, Windows and guardrails (to prevent debris from splashing and collapse after impact).
Performance enhancement scheme
Ultimate strength combination: tempered laminated glass + SGP film
Structural example: 8mm tempered glass + 1.52mm SGP film + 8mm tempered glass
Performance
The flexural strength is approximately 90% of that of single tempered glass (only slightly reduced).
The penetration resistance has been enhanced by 300% (compared with single tempered glass);
Passed the highest Level hurricane test (ASTM E1996 Level D).
