| HS Code | 552305 |
| Product Name | Saflex Horizon LVID |
| Manufacturer | Eastman Chemical Company |
| Product Category | Architectural PVB interlayer |
| Base Chemistry | Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) |
| Physical Form | Rolled interlayer sheet |
| Thickness Options | 0.38 mm, 0.76 mm, 1.14 mm, 1.52 mm |
| Color | Clear / colorless |
| Optical Quality | High clarity with low visual distortion |
| Light Transmittance | Approximately 88-90% (dependent on glass) |
| Uv Protection | Blocks greater than 99% of UV radiation |
| Adhesion | Strong adhesion to glass for structural integrity |
| Primary Application | Laminated safety glass for architectural glazing |
| Compatible Glass Types | Float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass |
| Lamination Process | Autoclave or vacuum bag lamination |
As an accredited Saflex Horizon LVID factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Saflex Horizon LVID interlayer is packaged in sealed protective foil pouches, supplied in quantities of 20 sheets per moisture-proof carton. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | Saflex Horizon LVID loaded in a 20′ FCL container, secured upright, dry, well-ventilated, and protected from moisture and damage. |
| Shipping | Saflex Horizon LVID is a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer supplied in moisture-protected rolls on pallets. Ship in clean, covered, dry trailers to prevent water exposure and deformation. Do not stack overloaded; handle carefully to avoid edge damage. Not classified as dangerous goods; store cool and away from sunlight. |
| Storage | Store Saflex Horizon LVID in its original sealed packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Maintain moderate temperatures to prevent deformation or degradation. Keep containers tightly closed, off the floor, and away from incompatible chemicals. Use first-in, first-out stock rotation to ensure material freshness. |
| Shelf Life | Shelf life is typically 12 months from receipt when stored unopened in original packaging in cool, dry conditions. |
When a wedge-angle Saflex Horizon LVID grade is specified for head-up display windshields, the sheet enters the process as a tapered PVB interlayer rather than a constant-thickness film. Automotive HUD systems using the windshield as the combiner create a secondary image when the glass inner and outer surfaces reflect the display projection at slightly divergent angles. The corrective method is a controlled thickness taper across the HUD projection zone, with wedge angles frequently specified in the range 0.3 mrad to 0.8 mrad, though final values are matched to windshield installation angle and HUD virtual image distance. In a typical passenger vehicle layup of 2.1 mm outer glass / tapered PVB / 2.1 mm inner glass, the interlayer addition ratio is approximately 7.7–9.7 phr on glass mass if the sheet tapers from 0.76 mm to 1.14 mm, equivalent to about 7–9 wt% of the finished laminate. Compliance is split between safety-glazing regulations and OEM optical quality specifications: the finished windshield must pass ECE R43, FMVSS 205, or GB 9656 for visual transmission and mechanical strength, while wedge angle and ghost-image separation are typically verified under OEM-specific HUD optical tests because no single public ISO standard defines an acceptable double-image angle. Lamination of a wedge interlayer imposes directional layup controls; reverse installation of the sheet reverses the taper and amplifies ghost image. Pre-lamination conditioning is maintained at 18–22 °C and 20–28% RH for 24 h because PVB moisture content above roughly 0.5 wt% generates edge bubbles during autoclave. Vacuum-ring de-airing is performed for 5–12 min at room temperature, followed by autoclave heating to 125–135 °C under 1.1–1.2 MPa air pressure with a soak sufficient to achieve edge sealing; continuous rollers and glass alignment fixtures prevent interlayer creep that would shift the wedge profile. Finished product types include passenger car windshields, electric vehicle windshields with augmented-reality HUD, and light commercial vehicle windshields where ADAS cameras or HUD projectors are mounted behind the inner glass.
High-rise façade laminates require post-breakage retention calculations under EN 12600 and ASTM E1300, not a single nominal thickness. The design starts from the glass build: a common unitized curtain-wall pane uses 6 mm heat-treated or fully tempered glass / 1.52 mm PVB / 6 mm heat-treated or fully tempered glass, placing the interlayer addition at 5.4 phr by weight of glass and 5.1 wt% of the finished laminate when glass density is taken as 2.5 g/cm³ and PVB density as 1.07 g/cm³. Where larger missile or overhead retention is required, the interlayer is increased to 2.28 mm in a single or multi-ply stack, raising the addition ratio to 8.1 phr and the laminate mass fraction to approximately 7.5 wt%. Regulatory compliance across export markets is established through EN ISO 12543-2 for laminated glass, EN 14449 for laminated safety glass, EN 12600 for pendulum impact, ANSI Z97.1 or GB 15763.3 for safety glazing, and ASTM E1300 for load resistance verification. At the processing line, the PVB sheet is conditioned at 20–23 °C and 23–28% RH for not less than 24 h before layup; higher humidity increases the moisture content beyond the recommended upper limit and can produce visible bubbles at the glass-interlayer interface after autoclave. Layup is performed on a clean-room laminating bench with the interlayer cut slightly oversize and allowed to relax before edge trimming. De-airing uses a roller nip followed by vacuum-bag extraction, and the assembled stack enters a horizontal autoclave at 1.1–1.2 MPa and 125–135 °C. The soak time is extended to 60–90 min for thick builds so that the glass surface reaches the required adhesion temperature without overheating the PVB edge. Finished product categories include unitized curtain-wall vision panels, spandrel glazing, skylight and canopy glazing, and point-supported façades where retained fragments after fracture are a specified design criterion.
| Application field | Typical glass/interlayer build | Interlayer addition ratio | Autoclave process window | Primary test designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUD windshield | 2.1 mm / tapered PVB 0.76–1.14 mm / 2.1 mm | 7.7–9.7 phr glass mass | 125–135 °C, 1.1–1.2 MPa | ECE R43, OEM HUD ghost-image test |
| High-rise façade | 6 mm / 1.52 mm / 6 mm | 5.4 phr glass mass | 125–135 °C, 1.1–1.2 MPa | EN 12600, EN 14449 |
| Acoustic rail/façade | 4 mm / 1.52 mm / 4 mm | 8.1 phr glass mass | 125–130 °C, 1.1–1.2 MPa | ISO 10140-2, EN 15152 |
| Hurricane impact glazing | 6 mm / 2.28 mm / 6 mm | 8.1 phr glass mass | 130–135 °C, 1.2–1.3 MPa | ASTM E1996, ASTM E1886 |
| Structural floor | 12 mm / 2.28 mm / 12 mm | 4.1 phr glass mass | 135 °C, 1.2 MPa | EN 16612, ASTM E1300 |
| Rail fire-smoke side glazing | 4 mm / 1.52 mm / 4 mm | 8.1 phr glass mass | 125–130 °C, 1.1–1.2 MPa | EN 45545-2, EN 15152 |
Below 2,000 Hz, acoustic lamination with PVB modifies the coincidence dip of monolithic glass by adding viscoelastic damping to bending waves. The interlayer is applied as a mass-controlled layer between two glass plies; a common rail or façade build is 4 mm glass / 1.52 mm PVB / 4 mm glass, giving an interlayer addition ratio of 8.1 phr on glass mass and approximately 7.5 wt% of the finished laminate. For high sound reduction targets, a multi-ply stack with two interlayer sheets and a thin central glass ply can be used, but published data for Saflex Horizon LVID in this specific multi-ply configuration is limited. The relevant test path is ISO 10140-2 for laboratory transmission loss and ISO 717-1 for rating; for façades, EN 12758-1 governs the acoustic classification of glazing. Rail side windows additionally follow EN 15152 for railway glazing and EN 12600 for impact safety, with fire and smoke requirements separated under EN 45545-2 where applicable. In production, the acoustic PVB sheet is conditioned at 20–25 °C and 20–28% RH, then placed between 4 mm or 5 mm glass that has been washed with demineralized water and dried. De-airing through a vacuum bag at 0.08–0.09 MPa negative pressure removes trapped air before autoclave consolidation at 1.1–1.2 MPa and 125–130 °C. The dwell time is set from glass thickness and interlayer thickness rather than a fixed value; insufficient dwell leaves a visible edge halo, while excessive temperature causes edge flow that can reduce interlayer thickness at the paint boundary. End products include noise-control windows for hotels and residential buildings near rail corridors, façade spandrel units, and rail vehicle side and door glazing.
In coastal building envelopes, windborne debris qualification follows ASTM E1886 impact cycling and ASTM E1996 wind zone mapping, with interlayer selection driven by large-missile impact retention. A qualified large-missile laminate commonly uses 6 mm glass / 2.28 mm PVB / 6 mm glass, where the interlayer may be a single 2.28 mm sheet or a combination of 1.52 mm and 0.76 mm sheets; the addition ratio is 8.1 phr on glass mass and represents 7.5 wt% of the finished laminate. Increasing glass thickness without increasing interlayer thickness does not compensate for lower PVB damping and tear resistance. Compliance for U.S. coastal projects is verified according to ASTM E1996, ASTM E1886, Florida Building Code TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203, or Miami-Dade County PA 201. Production of thick multi-ply PVB laminates requires more aggressive de-airing than standard architectural laminate because the thicker interlayer lengthens the path for trapped air to escape. Vacuum-bag de-airing is used before autoclave, and some lines run a low-temperature pre-nip at 45–55 °C in a roller nip to improve contact without sealing the edge prematurely. Moisture control is a hard limit: if the PVB is stored outside 20–25 °C and 20–28% RH, it absorbs moisture rapidly, and edge bubbles appear when the autoclave temperature exceeds 135 °C. The autoclave cycle is typically 1.2–1.3 MPa at 130–135 °C with a soak above 60 min, followed by controlled cool-down to 45 °C before unloading to prevent edge delamination from thermal shock. End product categories include hurricane-resistant windows, doors, storefront glazing, and protected exterior enclosures in windborne debris regions.
For balustrade and glass floor designs, structural glass applications replace monolithic glass with laminated glass because the PVB interlayer provides a post-breakage load path after both glass plies are fractured. The interlayer thickness is specified from post-fracture displacement and load duration; 1.52 mm is a minimum for many interior balustrades, while glass floors and overhead walkways often use 2.28 mm or multiple interlayers to prevent instantaneous fall-through. A 10 mm / 1.52 mm / 10 mm floor panel has an interlayer addition ratio of approximately 3.3 phr on glass mass, whereas a 12 mm / 2.28 mm / 12 mm panel increases to approximately 4.1 phr. Compliance is evaluated under EN 16612 for load resistance of glass, EN 12600 for impact classification, EN ISO 12543-2 for lamination quality, and ASTM E1300 for short- and long-duration load checks. Fabrication constraints differ from façade glass because holes, notches, and edge profiles are cut into the glass before lamination and cannot be drilled after the interlayer is bonded. The layup is performed in a dust-controlled laminating room with the PVB sheet conditioned at 22–25 °C and 23–28% RH for 24 h; the interlayer is hand-cut around openings with a 5–10 mm trim allowance. Vacuum-bag de-airing is followed by autoclave at 1.2 MPa and 135 °C, and thick panels require extended soak cycles up to 90 min to achieve adhesion at the center of the panel. End products include frameless glass balustrades, stair treads, floor panels, walkable skylights, and point-supported canopies where retention after breakage is a safety requirement.
Rail vehicle side windows and internal partitions impose a different material threshold because the laminated glass must satisfy not only impact retention but also fire and smoke hazard limits. EN 45545-2 defines hazard levels for interior materials, and the glazing assembly may be required to demonstrate defined maximum specific optical density and toxic gas emissions depending on vehicle type and location. The interlayer thickness in a rail side window is often 1.52 mm between 4 mm or 5 mm chemically tempered or heat-strengthened glass plies, yielding an addition ratio of 8.1 phr on glass mass for the 4 mm stack and approximately 6.5 phr for the 5 mm stack. Mechanical verification follows EN 15152 for rail glass, EN 12600 for impact safety, and ISO 12543-2 for lamination quality. During lamination, the production line must control both surface contamination and edge quality because rail glazing is frequently painted or framed after autoclaving, and edge defects become visible through the installed frame. The interlayer is conditioned at 20–23 °C and 20–25% RH, then laid up with chemically tempered glass that cannot tolerate excessive thermal exposure without shifting surface compressive stress. Autoclave parameters are therefore kept at the lower end of the PVB processing window, 1.1–1.2 MPa and 125–130 °C; the soak is extended rather than the temperature raised. End products include side windows, door glazing, interior partitions and driver cab windows for metro, light rail, and intercity rail vehicles. Published data for the specific combination of Saflex Horizon LVID with all fire-rated rail glazing stack designs is limited, so verification by full-scale assembly testing is required before series production.
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Saflex Horizon LVID is a plasticized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer formulated for laminated architectural glass in which optical flatness and low visual distortion are specified. The LVID designation denotes a low-visual-distortion grade in which web-thickness variation, roll wave, and local optical anisotropy are controlled more tightly than in general-purpose clear PVB. The product is supplied in nominal thicknesses of 0.38 mm, 0.76 mm, and 1.52 mm, with roll widths and maximum roll lengths matched to individual lamination line capacities. The interlayer consists of a PVB resin matrix, a plasticizer system, adhesion-control additives, and UV stabilisers; the exact plasticizer type and loading are proprietary. It is intended for flat glass lamination by conventional nip-roller de-airing followed by autoclave bonding. Published product-specific data for this exact configuration are limited; the processing envelope and performance description that follow therefore draw on the established behaviour of plasticized PVB interlayers and on applicable laminated glass product standards.
General-purpose clear PVB provides adequate safety-glazing performance but can produce visible reflected distortion when low-iron glass, high light reflectance, or large viewing angles are present. Saflex Horizon LVID is produced with a tighter thickness profile across the web, which reduces the wedge-like optical deviation that arises when the interlayer is thinner on one edge than the other. The numerical thickness tolerance must be taken from the lot-specific roll chart; it is not appropriate to assume a universal tolerance from general literature. Compared with ionoplast interlayers based on ionomeric ethylene copolymers, the LVID grade retains the lower elastic modulus and higher moisture sensitivity of plasticized PVB. The practical consequence is lower post-glass-breakage flexural coupling and lower stiffness at elevated temperatures than ionoplast, but the material can be processed on standard PVB lamination lines without the extended pre-heating cycles sometimes required for higher-modulus interlayers. Compared with EVA interlayers, plasticized PVB typically exhibits better glass adhesion after autoclave and lower haze, but it requires more rigorous edge sealing in weather-exposed applications. Comparative test methods include ISO 527-3:2018 for tensile properties, ASTM D1003-21 for haze, and ASTM C1652/C1652M-21 for optical distortion.
| Property or behaviour | Standard clear PVB | Saflex Horizon LVID | Ionoplast interlayer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer basis | Plasticized PVB | Plasticized PVB, low-distortion grade | Ionomeric ethylene copolymer |
| Nominal thickness range | 0.38 mm–1.52 mm | 0.38 mm–1.52 mm | 0.89 mm–2.28 mm |
| Optical flatness | General purpose; roll wave depends on lot | Low visual distortion; lot-specific roll chart required | Low distortion; higher stiffness can mask glass waviness |
| Moisture uptake | 0.4 wt%–0.6 wt% at 23 °C and 50 % RH | Same plasticized PVB envelope | Lower; suitable for exposed-edge applications |
| Post-glass-breakage behavior | Moderate retention | Moderate retention | Higher modulus and retention |
| Processing | Nip roller and autoclave | Nip roller and autoclave | May require higher pressure or modified cycle |
On a production laminating line, the handling sequence is a primary control variable. Rolls are conditioned at 23 °C and 50 % RH for 24 h before lay-up. If ambient relative humidity exceeds 60 %, pre-drying at 45 °C for 4 h to 8 h is used to reduce residual moisture to the 0.40 wt%–0.50 wt% range. The nip-roller de-airing step operates with glass surface temperatures between 30 °C and 40 °C. This is a critical processing window: below 30 °C, edge de-airing is incomplete and air pockets persist after autoclave; above 40 °C, premature tack adhesion closes the nip path before trapped air is removed, which increases roll wave amplitude and optical distortion. The autoclave cycle is controlled at 1.2 MPa–1.4 MPa and 135 °C–140 °C for 30 min to 60 min, with hold time increased for thicker glass stacks. Heating ramp rates above 5 °C/min are avoided in 2.5 m-wide production loads because non-uniform heating across the load produces edge-to-centre temperature gradients that appear as visible anisotropy in the installed laminate. For curved or bent laminates, the interlayer is matched to the glass shape before lay-up; the same autoclave pressure and temperature envelope is used, but the cold-bending or hot-bending process must be developed separately with the glass fabricator.
The optical performance of laminated glass is measured by transmitted and reflected distortion test methods, most commonly according to ASTM C1652/C1652M-21. In this method, a digital camera records the image of a calibrated gridboard through the laminate, and image-processing software extracts roll wave amplitude and lens power. The measurement is not a single material property; it depends on glass thickness, interlayer thickness, glass heat treatment, orientation, and the optical quality of the glass itself. Haze and luminous transmittance are measured separately according to ASTM D1003-21, which quantifies wide-angle scattering but does not capture low-frequency roll wave. The starting float glass is specified under ASTM C1036-16 or EN 572-2:2012, and the interlayer cannot compensate for glass thickness wedge or post-tempering roll wave. For architectural specifications, the acceptance threshold for roll wave is project-specific because viewing distance, lighting geometry, and glass reflectance all influence perception. No universal pass/fail value can be assigned to Saflex Horizon LVID without a defined test condition and installation geometry. Published data for this specific product configuration are limited; therefore, fabricators should qualify the complete laminate, not the interlayer alone, using a full-size mock-up with the specified glass make-up and heat-treatment condition.
PVB interlayers typically attenuate ultraviolet radiation between 280 nm and 380 nm. Luminous transmittance and solar properties are measured according to ISO 9050:2003 or EN 410:2011. The refractive index of PVB is approximately 1.48; soda-lime float glass is near 1.52, so the interface reduces but does not eliminate reflection. This optical property does not replace the need for flat glass with controlled thickness and low residual stress.
Because the interlayer is hygroscopic, edge sealing and storage conditions are part of the specification. The equilibrium moisture content of plasticized PVB at 23 °C and 50 % RH is approximately 0.4 wt% to 0.6 wt%. Moisture levels above 0.5 wt% before autoclave are associated with bubble formation at cut edges and reduced adhesion to glass. Rolls should be stored in the original moisture-barrier packaging until immediately before lay-up. Partial rolls exposed to ambient air for more than 8 h should be returned to a conditioned storage area or re-dried before use. Incompatibilities that require qualification include contact with ketone-based cleaning solvents, aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants, and high-pH glass cleaners before lamination; these can alter adhesion and produce edge haze. Edge sealants and structural silicone formulations must be tested for plasticizer migration and adhesion compatibility because plasticized PVB can interact with certain sealant systems over time.
Laminated safety glass made with Saflex Horizon LVID is evaluated under the applicable laminated glass product standards. EN 14449:2005 provides the conformity evaluation framework for laminated glass in European construction, while ASTM C1172-22 covers laminated architectural flat glass in the United States. The interlayer contributes to impact resistance and post-glass-breakage retention through its adhesion and viscoelastic deformation. The tensile properties of the free film can be tested by ISO 527-3:2018, but tensile data alone do not describe the time-dependent shear modulus governing structural coupling. For structural calculations, the laminate response is typically modelled with time-temperature superposition data; published product-specific creep or dynamic mechanical analysis data for this LVID grade are limited and should be generated under project-specific load duration and service temperature ranges. The autoclave pressure limits of 1.2 MPa to 1.4 MPa and temperature limits of 135 °C to 140 °C are upper and lower operating bounds for standard PVB lamination. Processing below the lower pressure limit can leave residual air; processing above the upper temperature limit can cause edge flow and thickness reduction in the interlayer.
| Assessment area | Standard or test method | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated safety glass | ISO 12543-2:2021 | Mechanical and safety classification |
| Architectural flat laminated glass | ASTM C1172-22 | Product specification and test requirements |
| Optical distortion | ASTM C1652/C1652M-21 | Roll wave and lens distortion |
| Haze and luminous transmittance | ASTM D1003-21 | Wide-angle light scatter |
| Tensile properties of free film | ISO 527-3:2018 | Film strength and elongation |
| Conformity evaluation | EN 14449:2005 | CE marking and factory production control |
Laminated glass strength calculations for wind load are commonly performed using ASTM E1300-16. The standard provides a procedure for calculating the effective thickness of laminated glass from the shear transfer coefficient of the interlayer. For plasticized PVB interlayers, the shear transfer coefficient depends on load duration, temperature, and interlayer thickness. At short wind gust durations, the effective thickness approaches monolithic behaviour; at long durations or elevated temperatures, the shear coupling declines and the effective thickness approaches layered behaviour. Saflex Horizon LVID falls within the plasticized PVB envelope; project-specific shear modulus data should be generated when the structural design relies on interlayer shear coupling beyond the default assumptions of ASTM E1300-16.
In overhead and sloped glazing, the laminate must provide residual load-carrying capacity after glass breakage and remain attached to the support system. The specification is not satisfied by selecting the interlayer alone; the glass make-up, heat treatment, support detailing, and edge retention system must be evaluated together. ASTM C1172-22 and EN 14449:2005 require product testing for the complete laminate under the intended installation conditions. For point-supported glazing, finite-element analysis divides the laminate into glass and interlayer layers with a time- and temperature-dependent shear modulus. Saflex Horizon LVID is a moderate-modulus interlayer; for very high post-breakage capacity, an ionoplast interlayer may be required. However, where optical flatness and moderate mechanical coupling are sufficient, the LVID grade can be processed on conventional PVB equipment and does not require the higher autoclave pressures sometimes specified for structural ionoplast laminates. Edge retention details, such as exposed edges or point-fixed countersunk supports, require full-scale mock-up testing because the interlayer’s moisture sensitivity and plasticizer content can interact with edge coatings and gaskets over time.
Laminates incorporating Saflex Horizon LVID are used in facade glazing, interior partitions, balustrades, canopies, and display glass where visual distortion must be controlled. The interlayer is not a replacement for glass flatness; low-iron glass with post-tempering roll wave or poor annealing can dominate the optical result. The product should not be used in applications with continuous direct edge exposure to liquid water unless an approved edge seal is included. Avoid combination with amine-based adhesion modifiers unless specifically qualified, because amine species can accelerate moisture uptake and alter peel adhesion. Solvent cleaning before lamination should be limited to dilute isopropanol or approved glass cleaners; chlorinated solvents and ketones must be excluded. When laminating with low-emissivity coatings or enamel frit, the edge deletion width and frit surface roughness must be checked against the interlayer supplier’s process guidelines. Published data for this specific low-visual-distortion grade in coated and fritted configurations are limited; each glass type should be qualified with adhesion and optical mock-up testing before full production.
