The core difference between dry-process laminated glass and wet-process laminated glass lies in the bonding material of the intermediate layer and the production process. The glass produced by these two processes has significant differences in performance, application and price.
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Comparison project |
Dry-process laminated glass (mainstream process) |
4 millimeters (usually float or tempered glass) |
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Intermediate layer material |
Solid PVB (polyvinyl acetal) films, or SGP, EVA, etc. |
Liquid resin adhesives, usually acrylic or polyurethane types. |
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Production process |
Hot pressing forming: Two or more layers of glass are laminated with PVB film, and through a series of processes such as heating, vacuuming, and pressurization, the PVB film is firmly bonded to the glass. |
Pouring and curing: Pour liquid resin adhesive between two layers of glass that have been bonded, and then cure it by ultraviolet light exposure or heating. |
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Main advantages |
1. High strength and good impact resistance. 2. It features stable performance, good durability and a long service life (up to over 20 years). 3. High transparency and good optical performance. 4. Curved laminated glass (hot-bent laminated) can be manufactured. 5. It has a wide range of applications and is the mainstream of safety glass. |
1.The production equipment is simple and the cost is relatively low. 2. There is no limit to the thickness of the glass, and it can hold very thick materials. 3. Small-scale production can be carried out on site. |
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Common applications |
All occasions where safety and durability are required, such as building curtain walls, doors and Windows, skylights, railings, display Windows, bulletproof glass, high-end furniture, etc. |
Some small-sized craft glass, decorative glass, fish tanks, partitions, or some non-standard and on-site production special scenarios with low safety performance requirements. |
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Safety |
High. Even if it breaks, the fragments will firmly stick to the PVB film and will not fall to hurt people. It is a standard safety glass. |
Lower. After breaking, there may be a risk of fragments falling off, and the bonding strength is not as good as that of PVB. |
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Price |
Relatively high, but with a good cost performance. |
It is relatively cheap, but the long-term maintenance cost may be higher. |
Detailed explanation and how to choose
Dry-process laminated glass (PVB laminated glass)
This is an absolutely mainstream product in the current market. Most of the "laminated glass" you hear about refers to dry PVB laminated glass.
Process: Clean the glass -> Cut the PVB film -> Glass +PVB+ glass lamination -> Pre-press and exhaust -> Enter the autoclave (finally formed under high temperature and high pressure).
Key equipment: Large-scale equipment such as autoclaves is needed, which is crucial for ensuring the quality of the glass (free of bubbles and with firm bonding).
Why is it mainstream: Because it perfectly meets the requirements of building safety regulations, featuring outstanding impact resistance, sound insulation, UV protection and long-lasting durability.
2. Wet-process laminated glass (resin laminated glass
This is a relatively traditional process that has gradually been replaced by dry methods, but it still has applications in specific fields.
Process: Sheet joining (leaving a glue injection port) -> Resin glue injection -> Exhaust -> curing (ultraviolet light or heating).
Common Questions
Bubbles: During the curing process of liquid resin, it is very easy to produce small bubbles that are difficult to completely remove.
Yellowing: Resin glue is prone to aging and yellowing under ultraviolet radiation, which affects its appearance and light transmittance.
Insufficient strength: The adhesive force and toughness of the resin are inferior to those of professional PVB films.
Summary and selection suggestions
For almost all building and home applications (such as Windows, curtain walls, sunroofs, glass railings, stair treads, etc.), dry-process laminated glass should be unconditionally chosen. It is an internationally certified safety glass with reliable performance and a long service life.
Wet laminated glass is only considered in the following special circumstances:
Very thick and irregularly shaped decorative glass needs to be made.
When small workshop-style production or on-site repair cannot use large equipment.
Temporary or purely decorative uses that are extremely sensitive to cost and have very low requirements for safety and lifespan.
In simple terms: The dry method is an industrialized high-performance product, while the wet method is a low-cost product in a handcrafted workshop style. In scenarios concerning safety and long-term use, the dry method is the only correct choice.
