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WINDSCREEN STRENGTH
Page 14
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• If an object is thrown at your vehicle, modern windscreens can help to prevent serious injury. Modern laminated windscreens are constructed using two pieces of glass with a layer of PVB (poly-vinyl-butyrall sandwiched in between the glass. European legislation demands that windscreens are able to withstand certain impact tests of varying weight and speed. There are several tests involved; the most relevant Involves dropping a 2.26kg steel ball from four metres (similar to bridge height) onto the windscreen—and to pass the test, windscreens should not be penetrated.
Chris Hanley, product manager at Pilkington Glass, says: "Modern windscreens are designed to sustain a considerable impact. The plastic layer in between the glass helps reduce penetration and stops fragments splintering off, unlike windscreens of old. Of course, there are only certain levels it can sustain before penetration occurs."