What goes into Finn Lamex’s high-quality laminated windscreens?
- Expert-blog
The quality of Finn Lamex’s laminated windscreens start with the high-quality raw materials from the leading suppliers in the industry, which is then crafted using their unique expertise and custom-built production line. With Finn Lamex, every customer gets the same first-rate windscreens manufactured with quality raw materials — which are then customised for the unique needs of each customer.
We spoke with Quality and Product Manager Aleksi Hannukoski to learn about the key elements that make up each of Finn Lamex’s laminated windscreens.
LAMINATED GLASS TO REFLECT AND BLOCK SUNLIGHT ENERGY
Finn Lamex uses only laminated safety glass in their windscreen production. During the lamination process, two sheets of glass are fused together with PVB film to prevent shattering in the case of a break, increasing safety for the driver, passengers, and pedestrians. The laminated glass blocks more than 90% of the ultraviolet radiation for example.
One important point in the windscreens is the reflection and blocking of sunlight energy. Sunlight consists of light energy, infrared light and ultraviolet energy which are reflected and blocked depending on the glass tinting and composition.
FINN LAMEX OFFERS THEIR LAMINATED GLASS IN EITHER CLEAR OR TINTED GLASS OPTIONS:
Clear glass. For maximal clarity
Tinted glass in a wide range of colours. Naturally blocks light energy.
Green or grey tinted glass are the most frequently chosen options which reduce the amount of light energy transmitted. This keeps the passengers and driver more comfortable and cuts down on the amount of energy needed for example for air conditioning.
“One of the differences between clear and tinted glass is the LT – or light transmission – values. For windscreens, the light transmission must be above 70%. Clear glass has a high light transmission value – between 85 and 90% – and tinted glass can achieve more comfort in the cabin, with lower light transmission from 70% to 85%.
For non-windscreens, light transmission of less than 70% is allowed. For example, in a double-decker bus with an upper glass of 10% light transmittance, only 10% of the light energy from the sun will pass through,” says Hannukoski.
“At Finn Lamex, every customer is important and Finn Lamex high quality is what every customer gets.”
SOLAR CONTROL
In addition to the reflecting and blocking nature of laminated and tinted laminated glass, Finn Lamex offers a Solar Control PVB lamination foil to absorb sunlight energy and further increase comfort in the cabin. This further reduces energy consumption used by the air conditioner for example.
Image: A comparison of transmission values between different combinations of windscreen glass colour and laminated film.
In general, a tinted laminated windscreen is better for the cabin comfort and a Solar Controlled windscreen increases the comfort even more by reducing the light energy coming through the windscreen. This is why a clear glass, although it may seem the obvious choice, may not always be the best option.
“Customers often want clear glass with Solar Control, but even with Solar Control it’s worth using tinted glass. This provides both the benefits of tinted glass, and the light energy absorbing properties of Solar Control lamination foil. The combined benefit of the two is greater. A tinted glass is only slightly tinted concerning windscreens. A tinted windscreen is almost unnoticeable after installation and appears as clear.”
Reducing solar energy in cabins also protect the long-term health of drivers, as well as their day-to-day work capacity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLAR CONTROL:
What is Solar Control – and why should you use it in your windscreens?
ELECTRIC HEATING
Finn Lamex also provides electrically heated windscreens, an effective way to get rid of snow, frost, or fog on the windscreen. This is a great security factor on the road. Compared to relying on a fan — which only affects a limited area — or heating the entire bus, it’s more efficient and sustainable for the windscreen itself to eliminate ice and fog.
Electric windscreen heating maximizes demisting of the windscreen which is especially important for commercial vehicles. When passengers board, moisture builds up, causing the windscreen and windows to start misting.
A dry, fog-free windscreen is more comfortable for all on board, and safer for the driver and increases the operation time of the vehicle without starting delays because of a foggy windscreen.
“Efficient removal of ice and fog also means the driver can get moving sooner, ensuring smoother and safer journeys that stick more closely to their timetable.”
LEARN MORE:
Why choose heated windscreens for your vehicle fleet?
EXPERTLY CURVED WINDSCREENS
When it comes to producing curved windscreens, Finn Lamex has the production equipment and knowhow to execute the best results for its customers. Their comfort and skill at producing difficult curves offers a clear competitive advantage — but why choose curved glass in the first place?
Simply put, a curved wrap around glass offers the best combination of aerodynamics, visibility, and design. A curved windscreen enables the A-frame support to be moved further back, improving the visibility to the sides, and eliminating blindspots.
“A lot of design needs to be done to improve aerodynamics, achieve the best visibility for the driver and get the desired appearance to meet the customer’s needs.,” Hannukoski states.
Finn Lamex has a thorough understanding of the end use cases of their windscreens and takes that into account in everything they do. It’s one of the unique benefits of Finn Lamex that they can produce more visually striking and tailor-made curved windscreen solutions for customers. At the same time, they take a realistic view on the physical limits of glass as a material.
“Just like we have the courage to take on challenging projects, we also have the courage to say if something is not technically or physically possible.”
A WIDE RANGE OF OEM-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
Finn Lamex is in a constant process of research and development to meet the growing needs of their customers,
“We have long working relationships, so our skills and technical expertise are constantly being strengthened alongside the growth of our customers.”
Finn Lamex windscreen selection is composed of nearly 100 active and accepted structures of thicknesses and colours — backed up with certified OE-quality parts to support customers, who often have very specific requirements.
The end goal for each customer is first to provide them with the best windscreens possible, then tailor them for their specific needs.
“At Finn Lamex, every customer is important and Finn Lamex high quality is what every customer gets.”
