Auto glass is designed to withstand damage, insulate a vehicle’s interior, and keep occupants safe in the event of an accident. Understanding how auto glass is made can give you a greater appreciation for the amount of care and craftsmanship that goes into every piece of glass in your vehicle.

Mixing the Raw Materials

In the first step of auto glass production, raw materials are measured and mixed together, in the same way the ingredients for a cake are measured and combined before baking. Sand or silica, sodium carbonate, potassium oxide, and lime or calcium oxide are all mixed together. Cullet or bits of broken glass are also added to aid in the melting process. These materials are mixed at a high temperature, ultimately stabilizing at over 1000° Celsius.

Cooling, Cutting, & Tempering

After the glass is poured onto a tin surface, where it forms a smooth floating ribbon, it’s cooled in a temperature-controlled kiln called a lehr. After it reaches room temperature, the glass is cut and placed into a mold that will give it a more defined shape. Once inside the mold, it’s again heated until it fills the mold’s shape. It’s blasted with cold air to temper it. This prevents the glass from forming sharp edges in the event of breakage.

Lamination

During the lamination process, a protective coating is fused between two sheets of glass that are then bonded together. This step occurs in a machine called an autoclave, which pressurizes the glass sheets and lamination into a single cohesive unit.

Assembly

In the final step, moldings are attached to the finished piece of glass to make it fit the dimensions of a specific vehicle. It is then placed in a mold, and molten plastic is inserted around the glass. This makes it safe to transport to car manufacturers and auto glass providers.

When you need quality auto glass or windshield replacements, trust the professionals at Hilltop Auto Glass in Apollo, PA. For nearly four decades, they have provided their community with auto glass repair and replacement. They have three locations in the area, Apollo, Kittanning, and Natrona Heights, as well as mobile services that will come directly to you. Visit them online or schedule service today by calling (724) 567-7441 or toll free at 800-544-1713.