A Guide To Common Auto Glass Terms For Beginners

If you have never had to replace a windshield or window on your vehicle before, you may not be very familiar with all the special terms that are used in the auto glass industry. You may find yourself confused or a little unsure about what these terms mean if you ever have to replace the glass on your vehicle. Here is a guide to some of the most common terms used in the auto glass industry and what they mean:

Batch Glass

The term batch glass is actually a term that is associated with the manufacturing process of creating glass. Raw materials are used to create glass. A group of raw materials that are used to create a large quantify of glass are referred to as different "batches" of material. When someone refers to a sheet of glass as "batch glass" what they really mean is that the glass only contains raw materials and does not contain any additional post manufacturing materials. Typical post manufacturing materials that you may encounter in auto glass include special films or coatings. Once these have been applied to the glass, it is no longer "batch" glass. 

Float Glass

Once again, float glass is another term that actually refers to how the glass is manufactured. Float glass uses a specific process in its creation. The glass is melted in a furnace, then it is cooled in a bath made of tin, where the glass goes from a liquid to a solid state. It is a popular glass manufacturing method that many glass companies use. 

Monogram

When you purchase auto glass, you may hear the salesperson talk about the monogram on the glass. Essentially, every company is required to make sure that information about who made the glass as well as the type of glass will be visible once the glass is installed in a vehicle. This identifying information is referred to as a monogram within the auto glass industry. The monogram usually contains the following information:

  • DOT Code: First, the DOT code will be listed. DOT stands for the Department of Transportation. Each glass manufacturing company in the United States is assigned a unique DOT code.
  • M Number: Following the DOT number, glass manufactures are required to provide the M number of that pane of glass. The M number refers to the model number of the glass. Each glass company has hits own unique system of model numbers that it applies to its glass.
  • Glass Type: Finally, the last number in the monogram lets you know what type of glass it is. This code lets you know if the glass installed in your vehicle is tempered or laminated. It also lets you know how much light can transmit through the glass.

If you find yourself in need of some new auto glass, make sure that you review the auto glass terms above. When you understand the meaning behind these terms, you will be able to more easily ask questions about the glass that is being installed in your vehicle, and you will more easily understand your mechanic's explanation. 

For more details, contact a company like Dale-Way Auto Body Center Corp.


Share