Cutting-Edge Thermal Insulation

This is what thermal glass offers, representing a milestone in the field of thermal and energy insulation. Its layered composition, which incorporates empty spaces or insulating gases between glass panels, provides excellent resistance to heat transfer. This means that heat loss in winter and heat ingress in summer are drastically reduced. As a result, the use of heating and air conditioning systems is significantly optimized, leading to a considerable reduction in the energy consumption of buildings.

This direct impact translates into a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, helping mitigate climate change. It’s a strategic asset for those who care about the well-being of our ecosystem.

Reduction of Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions

A crucial aspect of thermal glass is its ability to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. The decrease in the use of heating and air conditioning results in a lower demand for electricity and fossil fuels. This reduction directly impacts carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. By using thermal glass, we actively contribute to limiting the environmental impact of daily activities, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Extending the Life Cycle of Buildings and Recyclable Materials

In addition to the immediate benefits for energy efficiency, thermal glass also helps extend the life cycle of buildings. Thanks to its excellent insulating properties, buildings constructed with thermal glass require less maintenance and are less prone to deterioration caused by temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, the materials used in the production of thermal glass can be recycled and reused, reducing the use of natural resources and the accumulation of waste.

This characteristic promotes more sustainable resource management, further contributing to the protection of our planet.

Isoclima’s Commitment to the Earth

Thermal glass stands as an advanced technology in thermal insulation, with significant environmental sustainability impacts. Its ability to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, along with promoting longer-lasting buildings and the recyclability of materials, makes it a key element in the fight against climate change.

Investing in thermal glass is not only a smart choice for reducing energy costs but also a tangible step toward the protection and preservation of our precious planet. At Isoclima, we have developed several glass technologies to offer maximum performance and sustainability.

We are pleased to announce that on May 24, 2024, the event “The Thousand Lives of Glass” will take place at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, organized by the Italian Chapter of the American Ceramic Society.

This initiative, launched in 2011 with the aim of bringing together companies and researchers in the glass sector, is dedicated to sharing the most innovative ideas developed in laboratories and transferring them to interested businesses to explore new opportunities offered by this extraordinary material with a millennia-old history. This is the third edition, following those held in 2019 and 2022. Isoclima SpA has contributed to the sponsorship of the event, supporting high-profile scientific gatherings. In addition to its role as a sponsor, Isoclima will actively participate in the event, presenting scientific contributions resulting from the international collaboration of its R&D department with some of the world’s leading experts in glass science.

Dr. Guglielmo Macrelli, Chief Technical Officer of Isoclima, will attend the event as a speaker with his presentation “Sustainable glass technologies for thinner yet stronger glass products,” co-authored by Arun K. Varshneya from Alfred University (USA), John C. Mauro from Penn State University (USA), and Stefan Karlsson from RI.SE (Sweden). He will also be a co-author in the presentation “Flexible glass: from the legend to the forefront of photonic research,” delivered at the event by Giancarlo Righini from CNR-IFAC (Florence, Italy), with additional co-authors including Guglielmo Macrelli, Maurizio Ferrari from CNR-Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnologies (Trento, Italy), and Anna Lukoviak from the Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland).

Shatterproof glass is a very specific product, with its uniqueness starting from its composition to its installation.

Shatterproof glass is so named because it ensures a good level of security: it is designed to protect people and objects from penetration caused by external attacks or accidental impacts.

The composition of the glass depends on the level of protection required. A basic level shatterproof glass is obtained by laminating the glass with a special interlayer that makes the final product solid and resistant. In case of breakage, it provides a high level of protection by preventing dangerous fragments from being projected inside the cabin, thus reducing the risk of injuring occupants.

Our response to this type of requirement is OmniGard®, a solution widely adopted by the majority of our law enforcement agencies, such as the State Police, Carabinieri, and the Guardia di Finanza.

Our Range of Shatterproof Glasses

Before addressing the installation of shatterproof glass, it’s important to understand the different types of products that we at Isoclima offer.

We can indeed provide specific products to meet our clients’ needs, even for extremely high levels of protection.

OmniLite® is one of our products, made by layering two or more sheets of glass, with specific plastic materials inserted depending on the required resistance level.

How do we ensure that a glass is truly resistant? For the highest levels, the standard requires the “Axe Test,” which ensures that glass (roof and windshield) installed on earthmoving or forestry vehicles can withstand impacts from stones, bulky debris, and large branches. The glass used in this case is certified according to the EN356 standard and is designed to withstand a minimum number of strikes from a blunt object (blade) weighing around 2 kg, made of forged steel capable of exerting extremely high localized impact forces.

Installation of Shatterproof Glass: How OmniGard® Works

The installation of shatterproof glass does not follow uniform procedures.

It all depends on the required level of shatterproof protection. OmniGard®, for example, is the easiest shatterproof glass to install on the market, characterized by a minimal increase in thickness and complete compatibility with the vehicle’s original structure.

The installation of OmniGard® products does not require complex interventions or dedicated structures, as the installation of the reinforced transparencies is quite similar to that of the vehicle’s standard glass. This, in turn, minimizes the necessary interventions on the car, ensuring the normal operation of the sealing systems and window lift mechanisms originally present in the vehicle.

Lastly, what unites our shatterproof transparencies is their road use homologation according to the ECE-R43 standard. This guarantees both the installer and the end customer that the product is tested and validated according to the strictest European standards and is qualitatively equivalent to the original product in the vehicle.

“Isoclima’s 2022 results exceeded expectations, despite rising raw material costs and supply chain challenges. This positive performance is due to the creativity and flexibility that have characterized the Group’s strategy and operations,” says Daniele Santi, Isoclima’s Commercial Director, emphasizing the company’s position as a global leader in high-quality glass and transparent surfaces. These technologically advanced products are the result of an engineering process developed in collaboration with customers. “Growth has been particularly strong in the automotive and marine sectors, followed by the rail industry,” Santi explains. “But our focus is increasingly on the future, where innovation is the key word.”

Today, Isoclima Group operates 7 production plants, holds 120 patents, employs 1,000 people, serves over 500 clients, and produces more than 500,000 square meters of glass. The company specializes in transparent protection solutions made of glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic, for applications ranging from armored vehicles to helicopters, luxury cars to yachts, rail transport to aerospace, and security architecture.

“Isoclima is capable of offering architectural products originally developed for security applications, such as anti-burglary and bullet-resistant glass,” says Santi. “This is a major concern in the United States, where, as of January 1, 2023, bulletproof glass has become mandatory in newly constructed school buildings. In response to mass shootings, American schools are increasingly adopting security measures.”

But how is glass made resistant to impacts and mechanical stress? “There are two processes that achieve this: chemical tempering and thermal tempering,” Santi explains. “Chemical tempering works differently from thermal tempering, even though the end goal is similar. However, chemical tempering offers significantly better optical performance. At Isoclima, we have chosen to invest in chemical tempering because it aligns more closely with our core business. In this area, we installed a plant in 2022 at our Este facility, capable of processing 10-meter glass sheets.”

But that’s not all. “Sustainability is also a key part of our strategic development plan. We are currently working on several projects and initiatives aimed at designing sustainable products,” Santi emphasizes. For Isoclima, carbon footprint reduction and the goal of achieving “Net Zero” are not abstract concepts but the foundation of a concrete strategy.

“We aim to expand our offering to include polycarbonate transparent solutions, which are increasingly in demand, and electronic glass with integrated sensors. The future is shaped by the concepts of geometry, weight, and comfort. This marks the beginning of a technological challenge that promises to revolutionize mobility. The first step is Autonomous Driving, followed by the research and development of commercial transport ‘drones’ capable of vertical take-off and landing, eliminating the need for a runway—essentially, flying taxis. These aircraft, known as eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing), are powered by electricity,” Santi concludes.

Glass surfaces are now designed to fulfill multiple tasks, beyond simply protecting from the elements.

This is why we talk about panels made with infrared radiation protection systems that ensure significant light and thermal comfort.

Specifically, we are talking about coated glass that limits solar radiation inside a cabin by calibrating the amount of infrared rays entering the environment.

This is a highly effective technology that allows for concrete control over the amount of infrared radiation that penetrates through the glass. Let’s explore the key steps of this production process.

Coating: The Main Design Element of the Transparency

Among the most notable innovations regarding glass, and closely aligned with technological progress, infrared radiation protection systems are undoubtedly the most interesting.

This is because having a transparent material that remains clear while filtering out solar radiation seems almost paradoxical, yet it is possible.

How? Thanks to the coating, a metallic layer that is applied in a dedicated plant where metal parts are released onto the glass. However, not just any metal. The precious metal used, depending on its physical-chemical properties, gives the glass different physical characteristics.

Why Coating is the Right Choice for Glass that Protects Against Infrared Rays

The most interesting aspect of coating is its functions.

Glass designed as a protection system against infrared radiation has two specific purposes:

• The first is to significantly reduce the electromagnetic emission of infrared rays, allowing for better control of the temperature inside the cabin and offering greater comfort.
• The second concerns the metal deposition. This can be used as resistance with specific electrical collectors, taking advantage of the coating’s ability to act as an anti-fog or defroster for the glass.

In short, a truly creative and innovative use, enhanced by the fact that for the automotive sector, we do not produce standard films and interlayers but design customized coatings to offer maximum performance.

The partnership between Isoclima and Sanlorenzo, a leader in the luxury yacht sector, has deep roots dating back to 2003. From the very beginning, we have been dedicated to developing advanced and innovative glass solutions for yachts to meet the needs of the market and yacht owners. The first project involved curved and flat glass for the Sanlorenzo SL88, featuring high structural strength and optical performance. This was just the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration that has led to the creation of numerous yachts equipped with innovative, high-quality glass, ensuring safety, comfort, and exceptional performance for their owners.

Outstanding Results Through Co-Design and Technological Innovation

In the development of yacht glass, co-design is at the heart of our collaboration, allowing us to create futuristic products. The integration between our technical teams enables us to address and resolve any issues effectively. Thanks to the research and tests carried out by our R&D department, we achieve important goals in terms of performance and quality. Flexibility is a key feature of our partnership, allowing us to successfully tackle any challenge during the project execution. From curved to flat glass, from side windows to panoramic canopies, each component is meticulously designed and manufactured to ensure uncompromising excellence. A prime example is our Vision Plus®, developed together with the Sanlorenzo team: a glass that “blends” with the color of the yacht, further enhancing the beauty of an exceptional nautical vessel.

Turnkey Service and Mutual Trust

Our commitment goes beyond the design and production of yacht glass: we offer a complete service, from conception to installation. This approach allows us to provide our clients, the yacht owners, with total security and a 360° service. With the supply of glass for about 200 vessels, the trust of our clients forms the foundation of our relationship with Sanlorenzo and represents our greatest success. Every glass we provide is the result of a craftsmanship and technological process that guarantees resistance, durability, and excellent performance even in the most extreme conditions. Our glass not only adds aesthetic value to yachts but also provides reliable protection against the elements and contributes to creating an unforgettable sailing experience for owners and their guests.

The partnership between Isoclima and Sanlorenzo is an example of excellence in the luxury yacht industry. Thanks to our long experience in the sector and our continuous pursuit of innovation, we are able to offer yacht glass that exceeds every expectation in terms of quality, performance, and design. Our dedication to the customer and our attention to detail allow us to maintain the trust of our clients and continue to be a benchmark in the industry. We are proud to contribute to the success and satisfaction of yacht owners around the world and look forward to continuing this extraordinary collaboration with Sanlorenzo for many years to come.