Cost large curved glass winshield

[Grant Nelson]

Hi, what would be the costs (and feasibility) of an round (102 degrees, actual length of 3 meters, with radius of 1.68, height of one meter) simple curved (partial vertical cylinder) glass windshield . Its the steering house front windshield, on a slow coastal cruiser of 12 meters. Mounting would probably be to kit it into a recess in the steering house construction - special kit/glue of course. any thoughts how thick it should be? I would not mind knowing the difference in price for a 'standard' glass, verses somekind of thermal glass. Any other (constructive) thoughts, comments, etc are welcome.
Cheers,
Grant

[tinhorn]

Such a laminated windshield would likely run into thousands of dollars, AFTER the mold was built. I'm thinking acrylic (Lexan maybe?) would be more practical.

One of the old kit cars I manufactured used a custom windshield. Fifteen years ago, the price was insane - I can just imagine what it would cost today.

[PAR]

I would look into the new school buses and tractor windshields, which have gone from flat to huge curved laminated jobs. Other wise a custom piece of curved glass will cost a few thousand to say the least, likely $5,000 or more. Plastic will be the more cost effective method and the mold is much cheaper. I've even done it with an old electric oven and a plaster mold.

[marshmat]

There would be a few options, Grant.
In glass, you could go with laminated or tempered, but in both cases you're looking at a few thousand bucks if the glass shop doesn't already have a suitable mould. Have you calculated what thickness you'll need?
In plastic, the choice would probably be between polycarbonates and acrylics; each have their advantages and downsides but both would probably be a fair bit cheaper than custom moulded glass.
I'm not sure what you mean by "kitting" it in place, that's not a term commonly used in my area. If you're referring to adhering the glass in place with no pressure plate, in the manner of a car windshield, that is difficult. Structural-glazing silicones such as Dow 995 are required and the preparation/application techniques are finicky.

[Verytricky]

You really dont want glass! Glass is nasty heavy stuff. Go for a plastic - polycarbonate or something similar, which is stronger than glass and lighter than glass.

[wet feet]

It may not be cheap but you need to talk to a company like Isoclima.They should be able to produce what you require.

[Grant Nelson]

Many thanks everybody - for now I am leaning toward glass, for durability and the best optics (minimal distortion). I assume the 'plastics are much easier to scratch, and might tend to have, or develop minor shape distortions that will negatively affect outward viewing.

I know glass is heavy, but its not as bad as you might think: my 3 meter screen, if its 1 cm thick, would weigh in at 75kilos (165lb).

(check out this site: http://www.simetric.co.uk/si_materials.htm it gives the weights about 500 common materials (alas, kilos / m3)

But it looks like the price would be upwards of 5k, and while expensive, is not outrageous (if you are rich enough).

And yes, I meant 'structural glazing' when I said kitting. I have see it used by several suppliers at the Marine Trade and Equipment Show in the Netherlands, so I am assuming the 'technlogy exists', and hopefully the professional services to do it right.

I will try to explore the topic with a few suppliers and get back to you all with any results.

Cheers,

Grant

[User_U]

you can try www.parema.it or the German specialist www.flachglas.de - they are coming from the automotive and not that expenasive than 'Tilse Flachglas'.

[Brent Swain]

Adapt a windshield out of an older car in an autowreckers yard.
Brent