Cybertruck Prototype Glass Window Manufacturers -- AGP vs FUYAO

[cvalue13]

That said, and I’m deep in my armchair here, I think that the types of laminated glass required of windshields are more similar to the sort of laminated glass used for armored glass. This is why a broken windshield sticks together when smashed. Armored glass may be just like this but with thicker or multiple layers of glass/lamination.

Contrast with side windows, that are typically tempered glass (which is why unlike windshields, side glass beak into a billion square shards when smashed).

From my armchair, then, I could see safety regulations cutting either way with respect to windshields: the “armoring” qualities causing it to be either further in or further out of bounds.

In any event, these differences in construction are why windshields are more expensive than side glass (on an area basis), and why armored glass is more expensive than windshields.

I suppose it’s possible that if Tesla was cutting costs anywhere, having armored side glass would be one item on the bubble

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[Cyberman]

FUYAO is the windshield supplier to Rivian. Lots of complaints on the forums on how fragile the glass is.

Because of the extreme rake of the Cybertruck windshield I would think it would be less susceptible to impacts from road debris like small stones, etc.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/windshield-glass-is-trash.12879/

Cybertrucks' glass doesn't seem much better, at this point.

 

[Greshnab]

Cybertrucks' glass doesn't seem much better, at this point.

Nothing is funnier to me than seeing statements about what cybertruck specs are for something stated as fact...

there are precisely ZERO production cybertrucks in existence at this time.
The ONLY ones who can with any certainty make statements about what the cybertruck is capable of or not capable of won't talk

the only images of glass i have seen are from prototypes not even release candidates.. we have no idea how the glass on a proto type relates to what will go on a production vehicle.

 

[Albern]

Two points:
1) What kind of glass is on the Semi and who supplies it? I remember that it's supposed to be tougher because of regulations where even if there is a small crack, the truck is no longer road-worthy until the glass is replaced.
2) Following the 2019 CT reveal, I remember Munro talking about ALON by Surmet. He was under the impression that that's what Tesla Armour Glass would be made from - http://www.surmet.com/products-and-applications/ALON-Transparent-Armor/index.php

 

[cvalue13]

Following the 2019 CT reveal, I remember Munro talking about ALON by Surmet. He was under the impression that that's what Tesla Armour Glass would be made from - http://www.surmet.com/products-and-applications/ALON-Transparent-Armor/index.php

I remember this too

but maybe he was thinking of the sides and not the windshield?

thing with the windshield is that it has to be as precise as a camera lens since the FSD and other cameras look “through” it

the windshield finish also can apparently be a significant contributor to drag, and I saw that these companies are now making business divisions that specialize in windshields for EVs, touting lens and drag reducing construction/finishing (and costs too I’m sure)

I don’t know anything about the optical or finish qualities of ALON are, but from the armchair suspect it may not meet the lens or drag requirements if a windshield

Wouldn’t be an issue on side glass

 

[charliemagpie]

I do hope its armored glass all around.

Good odds some idiot will throw a rock just for fun, not knowing the little panel will break as normal.

 

[Deleted member 17810]

FUYAO sounds like an uncle Roger catch phrase.

#slightlyracist

 

[audi2tesla]

FUYAO sounds like an uncle Roger catch phrase.

#slightlyracist

 

[CyberGus]

I have no interest in "armored" glass meant to protect the occupants. I'm not a tinpot dictator dodging the rebels.

But stronger glass that resists breakage would be welcome. Cracked glass is a necessary and expensive repair.

 

[hridge2020]

Prototype. -- not certified yet.. Nice they label it as such.

 

[CYBER PARK]

Any auto-glass experts among us?

Some intel regarding the different manufacturers of CT prototype glass was buried in this week's videos from the EV Cars and Coffee citing.

There are two different glass manufacture marks visible on the windshield and side glass, respectively.

For the windshield, the manufacturer is Peru-based AGP, discussed over here:



On one hand, AGP manufactures some "armored" glass products consistent with the messaging from Tesla regarding the CT's glass. On the other hand, AGP has been supplying glass to Tesla for a long time, including the Model X’s panoramic roof and windshields - which other models don't seem to be touted as "armored."

In any event, presumably AGP is doing the windshields and panoramic roof in the CT as well.

But as for the prototype side-glass (doors, A-pillar triangles, and rear window):


These are being manufactured by FUYAO, which is a large Chinese-owned OEM auto and PV panel glass supplier (that touts its American factories).

FUYAO was the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary “American Factory” in 2020, whose wiki entry reads "In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America."

Unlike AGP's possible lines of armored glass, I see no information about FUYAO having similar product lines.

They are good suppliers of automotive glass.

 

[SparkChaser]

Is this the same as the solar panel roof tiles. They showed those having hammer blows and drop tests.

 

[Gurule92]

Nothing is funnier to me than seeing statements about what cybertruck specs are for something stated as fact...

Nothing?! You either have a weird sense of humor or very bad choices for entertainment

 

[Carolinahiker]

Tesla should be collaborating with American owned Corning on any special glass. Best in the Biz.

If they want or need just normal auto glass, there are many options.

 

[PilotPete]

Windshield glass is designed to safely yield in a collision, instead of smashing the occupants into pudding.

Gus,

Nope, not really. Windshield glass is a multi-layer bonded glass to prevent the exact kind of accidents my Uncle had when he was a kid. His head went through the windshield, when the greater area of his shoulders hit the glass, he stopped, and the rebound brought his neck back through the jagged shards until his head caught, causing some massive cuts through his neck and just below his jawline. The blood loss should have killed him. He wore a beard most of his life to cover the scars. Now the glass is designed to prevent any object from going through it, first, and to prevent jagged shards if something does go through. Its construction is similar to "bullet resistant" glass, with glass layers sandwiched with polymers to absorb without penetration. This also works for many objects on the outside that get loose from coming inside and causing damage.

Armored glass would work for a windshield, if it also uses a bonded layer somewhere in the sandwich to prevent an object from going through it.

Side windows are designed to shatter into millions of tiny pieces (that won't cause severe lacerations) when broken. The armored glass can meet this standard as well.

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