More safety glass to be used

Manufacturing Engineering, Jul 2000

Safety and security concerns are heightening the interest in laminated safety glass for vehicle side and rear windows. This movement is also encouraged by the introduction of thinner, stronger glass.

Much of the work is being done in conjunction with a new consortium of plastic interlayer suppliers and glass companies called the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association. An organization spokesperson predicts that laminated glass will be installed in 1.5 million vehicles by 2002. In 1999 the new glass was used in 400,000 vehicles.

A major safety benefit is predicted to be a reduction in the number of occupant ejections through side windows during accidents. Currently abut 7300 people are killed in such accidents. Security is another plus because the new glass is more intrusion resistant. However, it is estimated that side and rear safety glass windows will add from $200 to $400 to the price of a vehicle.

DuPont Automotive (Troy, MI) offers the family of three laminated products. SentryGlas Plus, a laminated glass interlayer sheeting with high strength and tear resistance, Butacite RVP sheeting, and SentryGlas intrusion resistant composite with an inner film shield. Circle 324.