Anyone who has ever opened a car door after working on it in the summer sun has felt the blast of hot air letting them know immediately just how much heat has built up inside. To help combat this issue, one automotive glass manufacturer has developed what they are promoting as a new solution.
XYG North America says its IceBlue automotive glass is designed to help keep the interior cooler while still giving drivers a clear view through the windshield.
The glass has a noticeable light blue appearance, but the color is only part of the story. According to XYG’s product materials, the bigger difference is how much infrared energy gets through.
In testing reported by XYG, laminated IceBlue glass had a 75.5% visible-light transmission. Infrared transmission was 15.9%, compared with 34% for green glass and 77% for conventional clear glass.
The 75.5% visible light transmission reported by XYG exceeds the 70% minimum required under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 for windshield areas needed for driving visibility.
The company says reducing infrared heat can help keep the cabin cooler and reduce demand on the vehicle’s air conditioning system. Its marketing materials also say IceBlue provides UV protection that can help reduce fading and damage to the interior.
The Performance is in the Glass
One difference XYG points out is that IceBlue does not rely on a surface coating.
According to the company, the product was developed through changes to glass chemistry, iron-state control and melting conditions.
XYG says the approach will provide more consistent performance over time. The company contrasts IceBlue with coated glass, which it says can lose performance as surface layers age.
The company says IceBlue can be used for windshields, sidelites, backglass and roof glass.
