Precision Glass Cutting
For those of you looking for an experienced custom glass service for your vintage cars and trucks, look no further than Precision Auto Glass. Even classic car windows and windshields need repairs or a replacement eventually. Our technicians custom cut glass to fit your classic vehicle. We can also tint the windows we install to control UV exposure while you are on the road.
How is Glass Cut for Antique Cars and Trucks?
Whether you own a classic or modern vehicle, all auto glass must be cut and finished by machinery. Windows have not been handcrafted for cars since 1928. Automotive glass has to be perfectly uniform and meet exact measurements in order to satisfy safety and strength requirements.
Our technicians utilize glass cutting machinery that is designed to be highly accurate. This includes specialized knowledge and training using the machinery as well.
Glass Cutting Process
The glass used on your vehicles is first measured and cut into the correct dimensions with a tool called a diamond scribe. A diamond scribe has sharp metal points that are strong enough to cut glass without breaking. This cutting process is automated and monitored by a computer system. After the glass has been cut, it is bent into the right shape by placing it into a mold. The mold and glass is heated until the glass takes the proper shape.
Once shaped, the glass must be hardened again. This process is called tempering. The glass is heated to a high temperature, then rapidly cooled with jets of cold air. This hardens the glass through forced compression and tension. This process is actually what allows the glass to break in a specific way, making it safer for drivers and passengers if their windows or windshields are impacted during an accident.
After the glass is tempered, the actual laminating process begins. The windshield on your vehicle is made of laminated glass, which consists of two layers of glass held together by a bonding layer. Laminated glass is incredibly strong and is made to stay intact even when cracked. Laminating takes place in an autoclave. This is a special oven that combines heat and pressure, forming a single unit that is very strong. Even when impacted and broken, the inner layer works to hold the glass together and still allow for visibility. The strength of laminated glass also allows it to be processed, cut, drilled, and edge-worked.
When laminating is complete, the windshield can be assembled. This requires plastic moldings for installation. This part of the process is known as encapsulation. The windshield is set into position and molten plastic is injected into the mold. After it has cooled, a plastic frame is formed around the glass. At this point, it is ready to be installed onto a vehicle by direct glazing. Direct glazing is when a polyurethane adhesive is used to bond the windshield to the body of the vehicle.
Quality control is an important part of the overall process. These standards include testing and monitoring of the raw materials used and the temperatures the glass is exposed to. Photoelectric devices are used to automatically detect any defects, which means these pieces of glass never make it onto a vehicle in the first place. Chemical durability, impact resistance, and strength requirements must also be met.
Why Laminated Glass Is Used for Automotive Windshields?
- Strength and Durability - Laminated glass is made with two panes of glass bonded together by polyvinyl butyral. The combination of the thickness of the class and the layer within creates an enormous strength. Unlike conventional glass, it takes a great deal of force for an object to penetrate a windshield and get through. This is a huge safety feature for any vehicle, as it can save the lives of the driver and passengers.
- Resistant to Shattering Means Added Safety - Laminated glass is designed to be highly resistant to shattering. Even when impacted, it will remain overall intact, keeping objects from entering your vehicle during an accident. Glass that does not shatter or break into shards reduces cuts and laceration injuries.
- Sound Proofing While Driving - Laminated glass creates an effective sound barrier to outside noise. Driving on a highway can be especially noisy. Reducing the sounds around you creates a less distracting and more enjoyable driving experience. The glass actually absorbs the sound waves that pass through it. Sound reduction is also great for long trips on the road with kids.
Choose the Best - Choose Precision
Many of our customers drive long distances to and from work everyday. Some even make a living driving others throughout the day. Being on the road this often means your vehicle faces more road and weather conditions more often, increasing the chance for damage, cracks and chips. Our customers know we offer a reliable service at fair prices with a fast turnaround time. That is why many people drive to our shop locations when they need glass services for their vehicles.
