Bubbles in laminated glass can appear at different stages - during production or after installation. The treatment method depends on when and how the bubbles are formed. Below are practical ways to handle them.
During Production
Different stages of production require different solutions when bubbles are found.
1. After Lamination (Before Autoclaving)
- If a small number of tiny bubbles are found after lamination, the glass can be reprocessed with a longer vacuum extraction time to remove trapped air.
- If there are many bubbles or they are spread widely, the glass and PVB film should be separated and re-laminated. During re-lamination, ensure a clean environment, stable temperature and humidity, and careful alignment to avoid new bubbles.
2. After Autoclave Processing
- If bubbles remain after the autoclave process but are small and few, and do not affect the glass's performance, the glass may be used in non-critical areas where appearance is not a key factor.
- If the bubbles are large or numerous, the glass should be scrapped. The production team should analyze the cause (e.g., incorrect temperature, pressure, or film moisture) and adjust the process before making new glass.
During Installation
1. Before Installation
- If bubbles are noticed before installation, and they are small and don't affect performance, the customer may negotiate a price reduction and still use the glass.
- If the problem is serious, the glass should be returned or replaced by the supplier.
2. During Installation
- If bubbles appear because of improper sealing (for example, air trapped under the sealant), the sealant can be removed and reapplied to fix the issue.
- If the glass is damaged or hit during installation and bubbles form, the impact's effect on strength and safety should be evaluated. If the damage is significant, the glass must be replaced.
3. After Installation
- If bubbles appear later due to sealant aging or cracking, which allows moisture to enter the laminated layer, first replace the sealant and monitor the glass.
- If the bubbles do not improve or continue to grow, consider repairing the affected area using professional glass restoration methods, or replace the glass entirely if necessary.
By identifying when bubbles occur and taking targeted corrective actions, both manufacturers and installers can minimize losses and maintain the quality, appearance, and safety of laminated glass products.
