With so many different vehicles on the road, there is a wide array of windshield type. Not all of these are made in a factory, however. This is especially true of custom cars and hotrods. Often they will have to get a custom windshield cut, but what is involved in this? A Chicago windshield replacement company can perform this for you. Do not try this at home, leave it to the pros.
What Can Be Cut?
When it comes to auto glass, not all windshields are created equal. Today’s auto glass is tempered for the windows and laminated for the windshield. Tempered glass cannot be cut. As soon as it is damaged, it causes a large area to shatter. This is what makes car windows so strong but also makes them completely fall apart when they break. This is actually a safety design; tempered glass shatters into tiny pieces to keep you safe. Laminated glass can be cut, but requires special techniques.
How Do They Cut Laminated Glass?
Again, this is not something to try at home. If you need to have laminated glass cut, then you are likely better off going to a professional. To cut the glass, first, the technician must make a score in the glass using a glass cutting wheel. This is something of a guide and will set the groundwork for the cut. This must be done on both sides of the glass.
Next, the glass is broken along the score. Because you have introduced a weak point, this is where the glass is most likely to break when pressure is applied. After the glass is broken, you will have to cut the laminate. This is done by putting lighter fluid on the laminate and lighting it. Let the fluid burn out and then immediately cut it with a razor blade. The heat from the fire will soften the laminate plastic and make it easier to cut.
After that, the glass is polished and cleaned up to remove any residue, and it is ready to go.
If you are looking for a Chicago windshield replacement company, then check out Frank’s Auto Glass.
