How to identify high quality automotive sunroof glass
Automobile sunroofs have evolved from a “luxury configuration” to the standard of more and more models, but the quality of sunroof glass is uneven. A high-quality sunroof glass is not only related to lighting and vision, but also directly related to driving safety, sound insulation, noise reduction, and ride comfort.
Look at safety performance: sunroof glass type and certification mark are hard thresholds.
The safety of sunroof glass is the first. At present, the mainstream sunroof glass mainly uses tempered glass, while some high-end models use laminated glass.
Tempered glass is heated to near the softening point and then cooled quickly, so that compressive stress is formed on the glass surface and tensile stress is formed inside, and its strength is 3-5 times that of ordinary glass.
When subjected to severe impact, tempered glass will break into numerous small particles without sharp edges, which is not easy to hurt people, so it is widely used in side windows and sunroofs.
Laminated glass is composed of two or more layers of glass with PVB (polyvinyl butyral ester) film sandwiched between them and compounded at high temperature and high pressure.
Its biggest advantage is that even if the glass is broken down, the fragments will be firmly stuck by the PVB film in the middle, keeping the whole body intact and having strong penetration resistance. The sunroofs of some high-end models have also begun to use laminated glass to obtain better safety and sound insulation.
How to judge? First, check the 3C certification mark in the glass corner, which is the most basic entry threshold. Qualified glass produced by regular manufacturers has clear and complete marks, and the trademark is printed at a high temperature, which is difficult to scrape off. Secondly, observe whether the edge of the glass has been finely ground-the edge of high-quality sunroof glass is smooth and delicate, without burr.
Look at optical quality: sunroof light transmittance and visual comfort
One of the core functions of sunroof is to introduce natural light, so optical quality is very important.
High light transmittance is the basic index. The transmittance of high-quality sunroof glass in the visible light band should reach a high level, so that the car can get sufficient natural lighting. However, the higher the light transmittance, the better.
A good sunroof glass also has anti-glare ability, which can effectively filter glare and stray light, making drivers’ eyes less tired during long-distance driving.
Visual distortion is another key judgment point. When the sunroof glass is placed in natural light and viewed from a small angle, the mirror surface of high-quality glass is flat, the image is not deformed, and there will be no wavy or uneven defects. If the scenery seen through the glass has a sense of distortion, it means that the flatness of the glass is not up to standard.
In addition, high-quality sunroof glass usually has a natural, transparent color, rather than a green or blue cheap feeling. This natural color tone is not only beautiful, but also the embodiment of glass raw materials and technological level.
Look at the process details and durability: the quality of sunroof is hidden in the details
Whether a sunroof glass can stand the test of time depends on the process details.
Thickness uniformity is the basic technological index. Observing the edge of glass with side light, the glass with uniform thickness has the same color under the refraction of light, while the glass with uneven thickness will have a color difference and a light spot. Uneven thickness not only affects the appearance but also leads to uneven stress distribution and increases the risk of self-explosion.
Sealing is as critical as the installation process. The sealing strip between the sunroof glass and the car body must be sewn tightly, it will lead to water leakage, wind noise, and dust intrusion. The sealing strip of a high-quality sunroof is made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) with excellent weather resistance, which can still maintain good elasticity and sealing performance at extreme temperatures.
Automobile sunroof glass is not an independent product, and it must be perfectly matched with the body, which is also one of the most concerned points of customers in foreign trade orders.
First of all, look at the dimensional accuracy. The dimensional error of high-quality sunroof glass should be controlled within ±0.5mm, so that it can fit the sunroof frame accurately and avoid the problems of air leakage and water leakage.
In actual inspection, the length, width, and diagonal dimensions of glass can be measured with a vernier caliper, and the parameters of the original factory drawings can be compared.
Secondly, focus on radian matching. The radius of the sunroof frames of different models is different, and the radius of high-quality sunroof glass must be exactly the same as that of the body frame. Can put the glass on the frame for trial assembly and observe the fit between the glass and the frame. Only when the gap is uniform, and there is no local warping, can a qualified product be obtained.
Finally, looking at the installation hole position, the position and size of the installation hole of the sunroof glass must accurately correspond to the installation bracket of the car body.
The deviation of the hole position will lead to installation difficulties and even affect the opening and closing function of the sunroof. The edge of the installation hole of high-quality products is smooth, without burr, and the accuracy error of the hole position is not more than 0.2 mm.
FAQ
Q: Is there a big quality difference between the sunroof glass produced by the vice factory and the original glass? Can you use it with confidence?
A: As long as it is a regular sub-factory product that meets various production standards such as accuracy, radian and hole position, its adaptability and use effect can meet the demand of car use, and its price is more advantageous than that of the original product, so you can choose it with confidence.
Q: When ordinary car owners replace the sunroof glass, how can they confirm whether the product quality is satisfactory?
A: The owner can check the production accuracy test report of the product in advance. When replacing it, he can also ask the installer to try it on the spot, check the fit between the glass and the body frame, and the alignment of the holes, and then complete the installation after confirming that there are no uneven gaps and installation dislocations.
Q: What do you only need to pay attention to when choosing sunroof glass?
A: Adaptability is the core requirement for foreign trade customers and car loading. Besides, we can also pay attention to the material quality of glass itself, such as whether it meets the safety standards of car glass, whether it has 3C certification, whether it has a sunshade and heat insulation function, etc. These are also the reference dimensions for judging the quality of products.
