A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Glass Used in Display Case Manufacturing
Whether in a retail store presenting luxury goods or in a museum protecting priceless artefacts, the choice of glass plays a critical role in visibility, security, safety, and preservation. Not all display glass is the same—its thickness, composition, coatings, and performance characteristics must be matched carefully to the environment and the level of protection required.
This guide explains the most common types of glass used in display case manufacturing, from basic retail glazing through to high‑security and conservation‑grade solutions.
1. Standard Float Glass
Float glass is the most common glazing material used for basic retail or residential display cases.
Typical thicknesses: 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity
- Affordable and widely available
- Supplied in a range of thicknesses
- Suitable for low‑risk environments
Cons
- Breaks into sharp shards, posing safety risks
- Provides no resistance to forced entry
- Minimal UV protection unless specially coated
Best used for: Low‑value merchandise, decorative cases, residential displays, or short‑term use.
2. Tempered (Toughened) Glass
Tempered glass is heat‑treated to increase strength and improve safety performance.
Typical thicknesses: 6–12 mm for display cases
Pros
- Breaks into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp shards
- Stronger impact resistance than float glass
- Suitable for high‑traffic retail environments
- Often required to meet building safety regulations
Cons
- Still breakable with sufficient force
- Offers little deterrence against smash‑and‑grab theft
- Limited UV protection unless coated
Best used for: Retail display cases where public safety is important but contents are not extremely high‑value.
3. Laminated Safety Glass
Laminated glass consists of two or more glass panes bonded together using a PVB or SGP interlayer.
Typical thicknesses: 8.8 mm, 10.8 mm, 12.8 mm and above
Pros
- Shards adhere to the interlayer if broken, keeping the panel intact
- Provides a significant security upgrade over tempered glass
- Can incorporate UV‑blocking interlayers
- Offers acoustic dampening
- Much harder to penetrate, slowing forced entry
Cons
- More expensive than tempered glass
- Heavier, requiring stronger framing and fixings
Best used for: Mid‑ to high‑value retail displays, jewellery stores, and museums requiring moderate security.
4. Museum‑Grade Low‑Iron Laminated Glass
In museum and conservation environments, optical clarity and object preservation are paramount.
Key features
- Low‑iron glass removes the green tint found in standard glass, delivering near‑perfect colour accuracy
- UV‑filter interlayers can block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet radiation
- Optional anti‑reflective (AR) coatings significantly reduce glare
- Laminated construction improves security and safety
Typical thickness: 8–12 mm, depending on case design
Best used for: Museum artefacts, textiles, artworks, and archival materials sensitive to UV exposure and visual distortion.
5. Anti‑Bandit (Attack‑Resistant) Glass
Anti‑bandit glass is a heavy‑duty laminated glazing designed to resist sustained physical attack.
Features
- Multiple layers of glass combined with thick PVB or SGP interlayers
- Certified to EN 356 attack‑resistance ratings (typically P6B–P8B)
- Engineered to withstand hammering, crowbars, and blunt‑force assault
Pros
- Extremely difficult to penetrate
- Maintains good visibility
- Provides critical time delay until security responds
Cons
- Higher cost
- Significant weight, requiring reinforced display case construction
Best used for: High‑value retail environments such as watches, jewellery, electronics, and vulnerable public‑facing locations.
6. Bullet‑Resistant Glass
Bullet‑resistant glazing combines multiple layers of glass and polycarbonate to absorb ballistic impact.
Typical thicknesses: 24 mm to 70 mm+, depending on rating
Features
- Certified to standards such as UL 752 or EN 1063
- Capable of stopping handgun, rifle, or higher‑calibre threats
- Used in banks, secure museums, and government facilities
Pros
- Highest level of impact and forced‑entry resistance
- Clear visibility, with low‑iron options available
- Layered structure disperses ballistic energy effectively
Cons
- Very heavy
- Expensive
- Unnecessary for most retail or standard museum applications
Best used for: High‑security museums, government collections, VIP protection, and extremely high‑value assets.
7. UV‑Protective Glass and Coatings
Ultraviolet radiation can fade textiles, artworks, documents, and organic materials over time.
Common options
- Laminated glass with UV‑blocking interlayers (most effective)
- Low‑E coatings offering partial UV reduction
- Specialist museum coatings blocking 96–99% of UV while reducing glare
Even indoor lighting, such as halogen or fluorescent sources, emits UV radiation that can cause gradual deterioration.
Best used for: Museums, archives, heritage displays, and retail environments showcasing sensitive materials.
Which Glass Is Best for Security?
From lowest to highest protection:
- Float glass – minimal security
- Tempered glass – improved safety, limited security
- Laminated glass – strong deterrent
- Anti‑bandit laminated glass – high attack resistance
- Bullet‑resistant glass – maximum protection
For most retail applications, laminated or anti‑bandit glass offers the best balance of security, clarity, and cost.
Which Glass Is Best for Museums?
Museums typically specify:
- Low‑iron laminated glass
- UV‑blocking interlayers
- Anti‑reflective coatings
This combination ensures both preservation and exceptional visual presentation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right glass for a display case requires balancing security, safety, optical clarity, UV protection, and cost. From boutique retail to world‑class museums, modern glazing technologies allow display cases to be precisely tailored to their environment—ensuring objects are protected, presented accurately, and preserved for the future.
