Igu having thin center pane with safety film and related methods

An insulating glass unit (IGU), comprising:

• a first pane comprising a transparent material;
• a second pane comprising a transparent material, the second pane configured in a spaced relation with the first pane, wherein the second pane is configured as a safety laminate, the safety laminate having:
• a thin glass substrate;
• and
• a film adhered to the thin glass substrate along a major surface of the thipn glass substrate;
• a third pane comprising a transparent material, wherein the third pane is configured in spaced relation from the second pane;
• and
• at least one spacer material positioned adjacent an outer edge and connecting the first pane, the second pane and the third pane, such that:
• a first gas cavity is defined between the at least one spacer material, the first pane, and the second pane and
• a second gas cavity is defined between the at least one spacer material, the second pane, and the third pane.

A method, comprising:

• depositing a first bead of a spacer material perimetrically along a glass-side of a thin glass safety laminate;
• adhering a first pane to the first bead of the spacer material on the thin glass safety laminate to define a double IGU having a first gas cavity defined between the first pane, the thin glass safety laminate, and the first bean of the spacer material;
• depositing a second bead of the spacer material perimetrically along a second side of the thin glass safety laminate;
• adhering a third pane to the second bead to define a triple pane IGU having a second gas cavity configured between a second spacer, the thin glass safety laminate, and the third pane.