Sir Alastair Pilkington, a British engineer and businessman, invented, perfected, and patented the float glass manufacturing process in 1952.During the production of float glass, a mixture of raw materials is fed into a melting furnace. The molten glass then exits the furnace, forming a ribbon that floats on a layer of molten tin. The surface of the molten tin is extremely smooth, providing a perfect glass surface without the need for polishing. The glass ribbon is then slowly cooled until it completely hardens. The resulting layer is not only of uniform thickness but also has a perfectly flat surface. The ribbon is then cut to the desired size for transportation.
The NSG Group, under the Pilkington brand, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass and glass products for the construction and automotive industries. The company operates manufacturing plants on four continents, in 29 countries, and sells its products in 130 countries.
Leading the World in the Glass Industry
Pilkington was founded in 1826 and remained privately owned until 1970, when it was listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Automotive industry
The NSG Group’s automotive division operates under the Pilkington brand and is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the automotive industry. It provides original equipment (OE) and automotive replacement parts (AGR) to the sector. Pilkington Automotive is the only company that supplies all major leading automakers worldwide. The company operates distribution and wholesale networks in Europe and North America, which enable it to meet the demands of markets in Japan, South America, and Malaysia as well.
Specialized Automotive Glass
Pilkington Automotive products feature advanced thermal protection properties that enhance passenger comfort, while glass heating systems prevent icing and fogging. Safety glazing and glazing systems ensure the protection of passengers. These products often include added features and services such as encapsulated extrusion, camera and sensor mounts, as well as other accessories.
Thermal Insulating Glazing
Thermal insulating glazing reduces the heat impact of sunlight inside the vehicle.
- Increased passenger comfort
- Reduced air conditioning usage
- Reduced UV radiation, which increases the lifespan of interior materials.
Glass with water-repellent coating
The water-repellent coating is a layer on the glass surface that quickly sheds rainwater from the vehicle’s windshields, enhancing both visual comfort and safety for passengers.
Heated glass
The heating systems remove moisture from the interior surface of the glass and ice from the exterior surface.
Laminated side windows
Composite/polymer side windows have sound-reducing properties, provide significant protection against external impacts, and also reduce the penetration of UV rays into the vehicle interior.
Integrated antennas
This is glass equipped with wired or printed TV, radio, or mobile phone antennas.
Sound-insulating glazing
Special inner layers reduce the impact of wind, tire, and engine noises, as well as improving communication inside the vehicle.
Environmental awareness
Automotive glass and embedded technology are becoming increasingly important in reducing the environmental impact of vehicles through technology that can reduce CO2 emissions and/or extend the driving range of electric vehicle batteries through the following:
- Infrared light-reflective solar coatings
- 48-volt and 42-volt heated windshields for mild hybrid and electric vehicles
- Low Emissivity Coatings – Energy Advantage™
- Ultralight, chemically tempered laminated products
- Lightweight standard laminated products