Auto Glass: The Manufacturing Process

Have you ever wondered how the glass in your car is different from the glass that’s fitted to the windows of your home? How do they make it so sturdy? While getting chips and knicks every once in awhile may lead you to believe that auto glass isn’t very strong at all, it’s actually designed to withstand all sorts of weights and pressures as you drive. From that pothole you didn’t see all the way to that mega-bug that flies into your screen at 60 miles per hour, auto glass is a wonder to behold. But how do they do it?

The Two Types of Glass

There are generally two types of glass that are used when car manufacturers are creating the safe surroundings of your car. Both of these types of glass are referred to as “safety glass,” as they break into smaller pieces rather than the large, dangerous shards that the windows in your house might break into. The first type of glass is called laminated glass, which is predominantly used for windshields. The second type of glass is called tempered glass, which is used for the other areas of the car.

How’s It Done?

Windshield glass, or laminated glass, is created by squeezing a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two pieces of glass, which is then sealed through heat and pressure. This causes a strong chemical bond in the glass, allowing the glass resistance to breakage during impact. Incidentally, it also blocks up to 95% of ultraviolet rays from the sun. Tempered glass also receives a heating treatment, but is then rapidly cooled, which stresses the glass into having approximately 10 times the strength of normal glass for your automobile's windshield.

The Safety Factor

You might not think about your automobile glass very much, but it’s actually part of the safety equipment in your vehicle. Without reinforced glass, every time you shut your car door or even hit a speed bump, you’d be faced with yet another crack or break. By not allowing the windows to shatter into large shards, it also protects the vehicle occupants from additional cuts. However, failing to get a knick or chip in your auto glass repaired, particularly in the windshield area, can cause a destabilization factor, which can lead to a less safe ride. If you notice something, it’s better to get it fixed right away than to wait for a major crack to form.

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www.dandibodyshopandglass.com