laminated glass light transmission?

[torana68 (Roger)]

Guys,
I need to make some headlight glass for a veteran car, its normally plain glass but I dont like what becomes of that if its hit. So Im considering laminated but how much light gets through and which one of the many variations do I ask for? Im aware that some are designed for different things so Ill need to specify or the local will give me any old thing.
thanks
Roger

[Poita (Peter)]

What size glass are we talking? I may have something that will suit.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

They still make laminated glass ??
I'd suggest some of that stuff they now use is Ranchsliders and doors, toughened shatterproof. Pretty solid and it shatters like the blocky crystal safety glass style.
I don't see light transmisson being a problem, it's clear enough.

[Wavytone]

Laminated glass has a plastic layer that will hold the shards together if it is broken, as well as making the glass stronger. There is no issue with transmission.

Alternatively I'd look at toughened glass - if broken it shatters into crumbs that are fairly harmless, it's the same as used for modern car door windows.

Plain domestic glass is not recommended because if this breaks there will be razor-sharp daggers flying everywhere, highly dangerous and a hazard in the environment to everything from animals to people.

I suspect the real challenge to overcome may be heat from the bulb causing localised expansion that will break the glass - many modern car headlights use a fused quartz lens for this reason.

[GeoffW1 (Geoff)]

Hi,

Bear in mind that toughened glass cannot be cut to size once heat treated, although it can be ground a bit round the edges. So you would get it custom cut and sent for toughening.

Laminated glass can be cut to size and edge ground though, minimum thickness is about 5.5 mm, going up to about 13 mm. In clear grade, light transmission won't be any problem.

Cheers

[torana68 (Roger)]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

Plain domestic glass is not recommended because if this breaks there will be razor-sharp daggers flying everywhere, highly dangerous and a hazard in the environment to everything from animals to people..

yep I wasnt considering toughened as it just wouldnt work , original was indeed std domestic glass and any new original lens is just that and still legal but I dont like the idea. Heat wont be an issue with 32 candle power....and thats an upgraded bulb! but I need the 32 candle power and nothing less thanks all