The shape of railway windshields has evolved as the next generation of trains becomes
more aerodynamic. NASG meets these changing needs by developing customized glazings
in traditional flat or curved shapes, small or large dimensions, state-of-the-art complex curvatures, and traditional multiple-ply assemblies (including curved heated shapes) –
whatever is required by our customers.

Windshield Heating Systems

A heating system that provides maximum visibilty for the operator in all weather conditions is essential for any railway windshield, regardless of size or shape. The heating system also needs to operate rapidly and efficiently to minimize time waiting for the windshield to clear.

North American Specialty Glass offers two optimized electrical heating systems – Electriplex®, based on a proprietary coating technology, and a system using advanced wire-grid technology. NASG guarantees the preservation of colors (colorimetry) and high optical quality whatever the requirements of the windshield specification and relevant safety standards. We offer an optional switching system that amplifies the power for even faster de-icing.

A NASG designed heating system can also improve the ballistic performance of a windshield, especially its impact resistance at low temperatures.

Electriplex® Coating Technology

• Very thin, transparent tin-oxide coating fused onto glass surface at high temperature
• Thickness of coating adjustable to meet specific functional requirements
• Used in high-voltage applications (74 V and higher)
• Luminous transmission loss ranges from 5 to 15%
• Strong adhesion of the laminate (which is part of the glass material) helps
  prevent delamination
• In use industry-wide for 15 years with virtually no field failures

Wire-Grid Technology

• Very thin, nearly invisible wires woven into interlayer material
• Wires blanket the windshield in a sine pattern, with close spacing between wires
• Very flexible system for uniform heating, even on oddly shaped windshields
• Works with high and low voltage (12 V DC)
• Luminous transmission unaffected by the heating element
• Strong adhesion of the laminate (which is inside the interlayer material) helps
  prevent delamination

Side Window Systems

North American Specialty Glass offers a full line of side window systems, including side passenger windows, cab-side horizontal sliding sash windows, cab-side vertical sliding windows, cab-side mechanically balanced drop windows, cab-partition windows, wind screens, and passenger door windows.

All NASG Side window systems are certified in accordance with U.S. and international
railway standards.

Reducing the Effects of Vandalism

Vandalism has caused many transit authorities to rethink windows and issues related to their replacement. In response, NASG offers a complete line of products that provide vandal-resistance and quick change-out for customers experiencing vandalism problems.

Anti-vandal Removable Plastic Liners

• Installed during manufacture or after glass installation
• Optical characteristics comparable to those of glass
• Increased protection of glass
• Can be removed and replaced should vandalism occur
• Available in single or multiple layers

ToroGlas® - for Improved Impact Resistance

To improve its mechanical performance – resistance to impacts, wind pressure, thermal stresses or other applied loads – annealed glass for railway applications must be reinforced before it is laminated. Typically the reinforcing is done by either thermal tempering, or by chemical strengthening. Both processes create compressive stresses in the outside surfaces of the glass to reinforce its strength.

While thermal-tempered glass provides strength superior to that of annealed glass, it is not as tough as annealed glass and vulnerable to scratches and abrasion. Plus on impact thermal-tempered glass shatters into tiny thumb-nail size pieces because of edge stresses created during the heat-treating process. In a laminated window this shattering characteristic creates a break pattern that can severely limits visibility.

With ToroGlas chemically strengthened glass from NASG the break pattern is comparable to that of annealed glass. The break remains localized, with no dicing effect to interfere with visibility.

ToroGlas also delivers the high-strength of thermally-tempered glass while providing the optical qualities of annealed glass (flatness, with no undulation). The impact-resistance of ToroGlas far exceeds that of annealed glass.

And unlike its thermally treated counterpart, ToroGlas offers scratch and abrasion resistance, thermal-shock resistance, high optics, and is available on all float glass thicknesses (.6 mm to 12 mm) for improved weight reduction.

North American Specialty Glass also uses semi-tempering to strengthen certain products. The choice between chemical strengthening and strengthening by semi-tempering depends on the application – but each process results in excellent residual visibility after impact damage.

Ballistics And Large Object Impact Resistance

All North American Specialty Glass windshields and safety glazing systems are tested, validated on site, and optimized in terms of thickness, weight and cost effectiveness. This information is then re-certified by independent outside laboratories to ensure our products meet all applicable U.S. and Canadian safety performance standards. Among the parameters taken into account:

• Climatic environment
• Method of installation
• Geometry of the window
• Impact energy
• Location of the impact point
• Size and speed of the object

Minimizing the effects of impact is of paramount importance in railway windshields. North American Specialty Glass has developed anti-spall windows, using laminating materials such
as Spallshield film that increase window strength and greatly reduce the possibility of glass fragments showering operator or passenger areas should an impact occur.

Industry Standards

NASG offers a complete line of windshields and side window systems certified in accordance with following U.S. and Canadian railway standards.

FRA Type I
FRA Type II
FRA Type I Tier II
FRA Type II Tier II
ANSI -Z26.1 for AS-1, AS-2 and AS-3 glass.