KINGSTAR GLASS
Laminated Glass with Hole | Pre-Drilled Safety Glass for Architectural Hardware Integration from KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS Laminated Glass with Hole is a pre-drilled safety glass product engineered for architectural applications requiring hardware integration through the glass panel. The holes are drilled into each glass ply prior to the lamination process, ensuring clean, precise apertures without compromising the integrity of the PVB or SGP interlayer. When the glass is broken, fragments adhere to the interlayer, maintaining the barrier function even after impact. Available with tempered or
Laminated glass with hole is a safety glass product consisting of two or more glass plies bonded together with a polymer interlayer, with holes drilled through the glass panels to accommodate mounting hardware, brackets, or structural connections. The holes are precisely machined into each glass ply prior to the lamination process. This approach ensures that the holes are clean, accurately positioned, and do not compromise the integrity of the interlayer.
The primary advantage of laminated glass with holes is its post-breakage performance. When broken, glass fragments adhere to the interlayer rather than falling free. In railing and balustrade applications, this means that even after impact, there is not suddenly a hole in the barrier—the hole remains closed by the film to which the glass fragments adhere. This characteristic makes pre-drilled laminated glass the required material for guards and balustrades in most building codes.
It is important to distinguish between drilling holes in laminated glass and drilling holes in tempered glass:
| Feature | Laminated Glass with Hole | Tempered Glass with Hole |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling Timing | Holes drilled in each ply before lamination | Holes drilled before tempering |
| Post-Breakage Behavior | Fragments adhere to interlayer; barrier remains | Shatters into small fragments; barrier disappears |
| Hardware Integration | Suitable for structural and point-supported applications | Suitable for non-structural applications |
| Code Compliance | Required for guards and balustrades | Permitted only with independent top rail |
| Modification After Production | Not possible (holes must be specified before lamination) | Not possible (holes must be specified before tempering) |
Once glass has been tempered or laminated, drilling is not possible. All holes must be specified and machined before the glass enters the tempering or laminating furnace.
The drilling of holes in laminated glass follows a specific sequence to ensure quality and safety:
The holes in each ply must be precisely aligned so that they match perfectly after lamination. Any misalignment between plies can cause stress concentrations and affect the structural performance of the finished panel.
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS offers multiple hole types to accommodate different hardware and mounting requirements:
| Hole Type | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (Cylindrical) Hole | Uniform diameter through entire thickness | Standard bolted connections, standoff fittings |
| Countersunk Hole | Wider diameter at surface to recess bolt head | Flush hardware mounting, frameless systems |
| Counterbored Hole | Stepped hole for bolt head or nut recess | Point-supported glazing, structural connections |
| Slot Hole | Elongated hole for adjustment | Expansion joints, adjustable hardware |
Countersunk holes are commonly used in structural glass applications where hardware must sit flush with the glass surface.
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS Laminated Glass with Hole complies with major international building codes and standards:
European Standards:
US Standards:
IBC (International Building Code) Requirements:
Frameless Glass Railings and Balustrades:
Point-Supported Glazing Systems:
Architectural Hardware Integration:
Commercial and Public Spaces:
Ready to specify pre-drilled laminated glass for your next railing or facade project? Share your requirements and drawings with our technical team for custom laminated glass with hole solutions. We will provide hole layout recommendations, hardware compatibility guidance, compliance documentation, and a competitive quote tailored to your project requirements, backed by a decade of glass manufacturing expertise.
Q1: Can holes be drilled in laminated glass after the lamination process is complete?
A: No. All holes must be drilled into each individual glass ply before the lamination process. Once the glass plies are bonded with the interlayer, drilling is not possible without damaging the interlayer and compromising the structural integrity of the panel. This is why all hole specifications, including diameter, position, and type, must be provided before production begins.
Q2: What is the minimum distance between a hole and the edge of the glass?
A: The minimum distance from the edge of the glass to the edge of the hole should be at least 2 times the thickness of the glass. The minimum distance from a corner to the edge of the hole should be at least 6 times the thickness of the glass. For example, for 12.76mm laminated glass (two 6mm plies), the minimum edge distance would be approximately 25mm, and the minimum corner distance would be approximately 76mm. These distances help prevent stress concentrations that could cause breakage.
Q3: What hole diameters are available and what are the tolerances?
A: KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS offers hole diameters from 5mm to 70mm, with custom diameters available upon request. For holes up to 20mm diameter, the diameter tolerance is ±1.0mm. For holes between 20mm and 70mm, the diameter tolerance is ±2.0mm. Hole position tolerance is typically ±0.2mm to ±1.0mm depending on the application and requirements. The minimum hole diameter should be equal to the glass thickness or 6mm, whichever is greater.
Laminated glass (LG) is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by a thin polymer interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), lonoplast polymers, cast in place (CIP) liquid resin, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), between its two or more layers of glass.The interlayer, made through heat and pressure, keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces. This produces a characteristic 'spider web' cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass.
Extremely high safety
The PVB interlayer withstands penetration from impact. Even if the glass cracks, splinters will adhere to the interlayer and not scatter. In comparison with other kinds of glass, laminated glass has much higher strength to resist shock, burglary, burst and bullets.
Energy-saving building materials
PVB interlayer impedes the transmission of solar heat and reduces cooling loads.
Create aesthetic sense to buildings
Laminated glass with a tinted interlayer will beautify the buildings and harmonize their appearances with surrounding views which meet the demand of architects.
Sound control
PVB interlayer is an effective absorber of sound.
Ultraviolet screening
The interlayer filters out ultraviolet rays and prevents the furniture and curtains from fading effects.
Total thickness: 6.38-17.52mm. Max. size:For architecture 96' x 236' (2438mm x 6000mm). PVB Colors
Milky White
French Green
Light Blue
Bronze
Light Grey
Dark Grey
Ocean Blue etc.
PVB Thickness
0.38mm, 0.76mm, 1.14mm, 1.52mm
Laminated glass is used for architecture, glazing, automobile safety, photovoltaic, UV protection, and artistic expression. The most common use of laminated glass is skylight glazing and automobile windshields. In geographical areas requiring hurricane-resistant construction, laminated glass is often used in exterior storefronts, curtain walls, and windows.