How Is Auto Glass Manufacturing Related To Glass Fabrication?
Glass fabrication technology has taken auto glass manufacturing to the next level. Fabricated glass can withstand the high pressure of winds. It doesn’t break even on coming into contact with high-impact collisions with bullets and other projectiles. It can damage, but it can’t shred into pieces. A damaged auto glass looks like a damaged plastic.
Is auto glass made of plastic?
Acrylic and polycarbonate are the two important ingredients of glass used in the automotive industry. These components make the glass flexible and resilient. A piece of automotive glass has three layers with each layer assigned a different function. If you want to learn more about automotive glass, you should learn about its manufacturing.
First layer: It is the layer you see from the outside of the glass. Armored windshields look like a piece of regular glass but they work differently. The outermost layer is made of acrylic which allows the glass to absorb and disperse the initial impact.
Middle layer: It is the toughest layer because it provides the glass the strength the glass needs to withstand the force dispersed by the first layer. Made of tough polycarbonate material, this layer prevents the shattering of glass pieces on damage. A high-impact bullet can damage the glass but can’t break it.
Inner layer: The innermost layer of a piece of armored glass is a lamination sheet. This layer holds the structure to prevent it from shredding into pieces. For example, if fabricated glass is hit by a high-impact bullet, the bullet skids away from the glass.
Could fabricated glass be used for bulletproofing vehicles?
Only fabricated glass is suitable for bulletproofing vehicles. The objective of using glass for bulletproofing is to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and allow the driver to get a clear view of the outside. Fabricated glass is as light as plastic and as tough as steel is just perfect for bulletproofing.
A large windshield provides added protection, enhances the visual appeal of the vehicle, and reduces its weight. Also, it is possible to fabricate glass that can withstand close-range fires and blasts. The advantage of fabrication is that it allows immense flexibility.
The auto glass manufacturing industry is seeing a spike in demand due to fabrication technology. All automakers want fabricated windshields to provide added safety to their customers. Similarly, bulletproofing companies rely on glass fabricators for lightweight bulletproof glass that can provide a layer of safety to vehicles without increasing their weight.
