Panoramic and Cielo Windshields - A Manufacturing Challenge

A C Woodward & C Hanley, Pilkington Automotive

Recent vehicle design trends have included windshields that wrap around into the side of the vehicle and/or curve into the roofline. These have become known as Panoramic and Cielo windshields respectively. This paper reviews these trends, examines the implications of such designs on product performance (optics, wipers, solar control etc) and manufacturing features (sag and press bend, furnace heating, surface control etc). The paper also looks at the compatibility of additional functionality items (rain sensors, shade bands, visors, HUD etc). Most operations and requirements associated with Panoramic and Cielo windshields incur additional costs above standard designs. However, many benefits in terms of increased light and forward visibility lead to a safer vehicle driving environment, together with a vehicle whose exterior styling results in differentiation and whose interior provides a beneficial experience for the occupants.

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