Lamination is a glazing process where two thin glass plies are bonded with a special interlayer, typically made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB). While it has been used in windshields for a long time, laminated glazing is now increasingly specified for sidelites to enhance safety, reduce noise, and enable more refined vehicle design. 

In the event of breakage, the interlayer holds the glass together. This helps maintain visibility and protects passengers from sharp fragments. Laminated sidelites help block external sound, improving cabin comfort. Their structure supports daylight opening, giving designers more freedom without compromising safety. 

To form laminated sidelites, matched glass plies are curved using heat, either by gravity sagging or press bending, depending on the complexity of the shape. Advanced thermal control is used to achieve the desired curves accurately and consistently. 

After shaping and cooling, the glass layers are combined with the PVB interlayer. Initially opaque, the interlayer becomes transparent during the final bonding phase, which takes place in an autoclave. Under heat and pressure, this process removes air and permanently fuses the layers into a single, durable laminated part. 

Laminated sidelites can also be combined with systems like encapsulation. These modular solutions support adhesive bonding and help streamline the vehicle assembly process.