Our glass is biting the dust

Unless, of course, the windows are dingy, hiding the outside world behind a thick murky veil.  In order to eliminate these deplorable circumstances, we at FLACHGLAS Wernberg had an idea: Code name "Wüstensturm" (Desert storm).If this name sounds menacing to you, don't be alarmed. Wüstensturm ist not a military story but a tale of innovation. The protagonists: engineers, marketing consultants and innovation managers of the Flachglas Group as well as external cooperation partners from the surface finishing branch. The task: To develop an automotive glass that ca withstand the extreme demands in countries that are covered mainly by dry steppe landscape.

Especially in regions with increasingly emerging markets such as Africa or Asia, there are arid areas and deserts. Rail vehicles are subject to constant dust exposure - not to mention aggressive stand storms. The enormous load applied by mechanical particles results in the rapid and severe abrasion of the glass. This requires shorter replacement intervals and consequently increases maintenance costs.

In order to reduce this financial burden ot the railway companies, the Flachglas Group has developed an innovative special glass. The new glass that is to be manufactured in refinement systems at FLACHGLAS Wernberg is by far more resistant to the abrasive forces brought on by dust. Responsible for this improvement is a new process used for the refinement of the glass surface. Since this product is only slightly more expensive than conventional glass and is also affordable for smaller quantities, the effective operating costs are reduced significantly.

Thus, this new glass may also contribute to the infrastructural conditions in newly industrialising countries and developing nations. At the same time, it positions the Flachglas Group as a strong and innovative partner in the new emerging markets. This special glass is currently passing through the final stages of the development phase and will supplement our offer for automotive glass.