Vehicle-specific glass design
Şişecam performs design, modeling, and simulation studies for windshield, sidelite, backlite and sunroof systems that will geometrically match body designs provided by vehicle manufacturers. Mold design and manufacturing operations are undertaken following determination of the production method. In addition, Şişecam engages in heat and light transmission, optics, heating calculations and prototype production. Şişecam has the capability to meet all the testing requirements of the automotive industry.
Backlite heating design
Backlites are heated by an electric circuit produced by applying the conductive element silver in liquid form to the glass using a serigraphic method. As a result, backlites have the ability to defog and deice glass by drawing a certain amount of current at a certain time based on specifications given by the customer. These circuits are designed using CAD programs so that all parameters can be considered. After this step, Şişecam also simulates the design. Once the desired results are achieved, prototype production and testing are completed. In the end, Şişecam provides its customers with a comprehensive glass production service with all functions working within the tolerance specifications given to the customer.
Windshield heating design
The most common method used to ensure safe driving conditions for windshields that fog/ice up in cold environments is to heat the windshield with the vehicle's ventilation system. However, this method requires waiting for the engine to warm up as the air is heated from the vehicle's engine.
The heating function of windshields manufactured by Şişecam can be provided by heating methods applied from the coating or the wire. Coating-heated windshields feature a silver nanometric coating. Wire-heated windshields use micron-thick tungsten wire wound on PVB (Poly Vinyl Butyral) as an interlayer between the two layers of glass. When an electric current is applied to the coating or wires, heat is generated for defogging or deicing functionality. Electrical circuit designs required for these processes are made using advanced simulation and modeling techniques in line with design inputs provided by the customer, such as voltage, current and power. Şişecam also offers different coating design options for coating-heated windshields in line with the design inputs provided by the customer.
WS with HUD design
Head-up Display (HUD) refers to the system situated on a vehicle's dashboard that projects information from the speedometer, fuel gauge, navigation, or vehicle safety and entertainment system onto the windshield. HUD-enabled windshields reflect such information on the windshield. This setup enables drivers to maintain focus on the road ahead, thus enhancing driving safety.The windshield is manufactured using a special PVB to ensure that the HUD image meets the desired quality. The specific angle of the PVB and the HUD optical performance can be determined by Şişecam's simulation program. HUD-enabled windshield design is conducted in line with customer specifications with the help of Şişecam's in-house simulation experts and advanced simulation software.
Encapsulated glass design
Encapsulated glass is a product created by bonding plastic materials – such as TPE, PP or PVC – to glass using the injection method. Encapsulated glass is waterproofed with plastic materials injected all around it. This specialized glass is produced in a way that allows for direct installation on vehicles it is designed for. At Şişecam, encapsulated module design can be performed in line with customer specifications using simulation programs. Advanced CAD software can also be used to design the glass molds to be used in the injection process.
Glass subpart and assembly method design
In addition to their standard functions, automotive glass may also need to incorporate components such as camera, rain sensor and mirror equipment. Various subparts must be integrated in the glass to allow installation of such diverse equipment. In line with the target vehicle design, the subparts that can be used, their positions and assembly methods can be designed by Şişecam's design experts and modeling programs.
