Saudi-based Zamil Glass Industries (ZGI) has begun production of a new range of safety and security glass following the introduction of the latest laminated glass production technology at its facility in Dammam First Industrial City.

ZGI is a prominent processor of architectural glass, including tempered, heat strengthened, laminated, insulating, heat mirror high performance and fire resistant glass, serving contractors and end-users in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC.

The fully-automated lamination line is capable of producing a comprehensive range of laminated safety and security glass known as Lam-Lite, providing architects, consultants and aluminium fabricators with an expanded choice in durable glazing materials. The range also aims to satisfy a growing demand for enhancing industrial, business and residential security.

According to Salah Al Otaibi, general manager of ZGI, the main feature of Lam-Lite glass is its safety performance level under impact, enabling typical applications to include locations where safety glazing is required, such as doors, windows, showers and bath enclosures, fixed glazed panels, balconies, panoramic elevators as well as sports stadiums, atriums and skylights.

'Lam-Lite is a composite glass comprising at least two glass lites and one or more interlayers of tough PVB (poly-vinyl-butyral). The glass lites can be annealed, heat strengthened, tempered, tinted, reflective or patterned,' says Al Otaibi. 'By using clear, coloured and patterned PVB in varying thickness, ZGI also offers bullet-resistant glass Secura-Lite and XIR-Laminated high-performance glass conforming to approved international institutes and laboratories.'

'Should the Lam-Lite glass come under impact, any glass fragments will remain in place by adhering to the PVB interlayer, minimising the risk of serious cuts or injuries. The PVB interlayer also absorbs the force of the impact, reducing the risk of penetrating the glass unit. Even if the glass is broken, it will stay in place, remain weathertight, and can be replaced with ease,' he adds.

ZGI has introduced the XIR-Laminated glazing system under licence from South Wall's Technologies of the US, whose products are used in a number of architectural aspects to enhance optical and thermal performance characteristics, improve user comfort and reduce energy costs.

The Secura-Lite range includes burglar as well as bullet-resistant Lam-Lite and blast-resistant laminated Lam-Lite, which can substantially reduce injury from flying glass resulting from direct blast shock waves, thereby maintaining the integrity of a building and safeguarding against interior damage.

In addition, Lam-Lite offers improved detention and security for mid-level security requirements while providing unobstructed vision by eliminating the confined look of bars and metal screens, he says.
ISO 9001-certified ZGI's value-added services include the support of its experienced technical team and the backing of its parent company, Zamil Industrial Investment Company (ZIIC). ZGI is one of three sector businesses of  ZIIC the others being Zamil Air Conditioners and Zamil Steel Industries.