Solutia Introduces New Online Glass Strength Calculator for Architectural Laminated Glass Applications


New Tool Allows Architects, Engineers to Determine Optimal Configurations for Structural Glazing

ST. LOUIS -- Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA) today announced the availability of the new Saflex® glass strength calculator. This proprietary software, developed by Solutia in conjunction with industry glass experts, is based on the methodologies of European (EN) and international (ASTM and ISO) standards for glass characteristics and design.

"This new software is an online glass stress calculator that can be used for laminated glass designed with one-, two- , three- and four-side support," said Julia Schimmelpenningh, global architectural applications manager for Solutia. "The software program has a simplified user interface that allows users to select the rectangular glass dimensions and the number of edge supports, and to enter their laminate configuration." The calculator was developed to allow users to compare a variety of different interlayer technologies to determine the best laminated configuration for specific glazing applications.

The calculator features glass thicknesses per individual lite ranging from 2.5 mm through 25 mm, and lites can be combined symmetrically or asymmetrically with Saflex interlayers. The software will perform calculations and provide a PDF report via email, detailing glass stress and deflection for the requested configuration and providing the effective thickness for the single unit laminate from which the model was generated. The overall thickness and weight of the glass is also provided in the analysis.

"Solutia is dedicated to being on the cutting edge of architectural glass trends and making sure customers get the highest level of functionality available in the structural calculator," said Kevin Moens, architectural business manager for Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.

The Saflex® glass strength calculation tool is only available to registered users. Access to the program can be requested at www.saflex.com/structural .

Corporate Profile

Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex® polyvinyl butyral interlayers for glass lamination and for photovoltaic module encapsulation and VISTASOLAR® ethylene vinyl acetate films for photovoltaic module encapsulation; LLumar®, Vista(TM), EnerLogic®, FormulaOne®, Gila®, V-KOOL®, Huper Optik®, IQue(TM), Sun-X(TM) and Nanolux(TM) aftermarket performance films for automotive and architectural applications; XIR® and Heat Mirror® performance films that are incorporated into aftermarket window films, laminated glass products and suspended insulated glass units for use in automotive and architectural applications. Flexvue(TM) advanced film component solutions for solar and electronic technologies; and technical specialties products including Crystex® insoluble sulfur, Santoflex® PPD antidegradants, Therminol® heat transfer fluids and Skydrol® aviation hydraulic fluids. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 3,400 employees in more than 50 worldwide locations. More information is available at www.Solutia.com .

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