What you need to know about drop tests, glass thickness, and robust designs
In Brief
- IK10 = highest protection class for impact resistance according to EN 62262
- Test: 5 kg steel ball dropped from a height of 40 cm
- Glass thickness alone is no guarantee of break resistance.
- Lamination, glass size, and material composite are crucial
⏱ Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
In industrial and public applications, displays must not only deliver brilliant image quality, but also be extremely robust. Impact resistance is a key criterion, particularly in areas such as automation, outdoor terminals, ticket machines, and machine controls. The IK10 standard defines the highest protection class for impact resistance and is often used as a benchmark for vandal-proof displays.
What does IK10 mean?
Protection class IK10 is defined in standard EN 62262 and describes the resistance of a housing or surface to mechanical impact.
- Test condition:
- 5 kg steel ball
- Fall height: 40 cm
- Energy: 20 joules
- Objective: The glass must not break or form dangerous splinters that impair its function.
Results from our tests
We conducted several drop tests with front glass panels:
- 6 mm glass: breakage possible upon direct impact
- 8 mm glass: Greater stability, but not the only decisive factor
Interesting: Even thinner glass can pass the IK10 test if it is laminated or processed in a stable composite with a touch sensor and carrier plate.
Important factors influencing impact resistance
- Glass thickness:
Thicker glass is generally more stable, but this is not the only decisive factor.
: Laminated glass or composite systems with touch sensors increase resistance.- Glass size:
Larger glasses absorb the impact better, which can have a positive effect on the result. - Assembly and frame construction:
Stable installation prevents tension and breakage. - Glass type:
Tempered glass or chemically strengthened glass offers additional safety.
