Polycarbonate Windows
Our polycarbonate windows are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in mass transit applications, combining lightweight design with robust durability and optical clarity.
- Front Windshields: Designed for maximum driver visibility, these windshields feature anti-glare coatings, high impact resistance, and proprietary Fusionite™ coatings to maintain clarity under constant exposure to UV light and cleaning agents. They ensure safe operation in urban and high-speed environments.
- Side Windows: Available in fixed, sliding, or emergency exit configurations, our side windows offer customizable tints, coatings, and framing options to meet aesthetic and safety requirements. They are built to endure frequent passenger interactions and environmental stresses.
- Rear Windows: Providing clear rear visibility for drivers, these windows are crafted with durable, scratch-resistant surfaces to withstand rear-end impacts and maintain optical quality over time.
Each window is produced using advanced forming techniques, allowing for seamless integration into modern vehicle designs, from sleek, curved profiles to large, flat panels. With light transmission rates comparable to glass (approximately 90%), our windows ensure bright, clear views for passengers and unobstructed visibility for drivers.
Composite Panels
Our fiber-reinforced composite panels complement our windows, offering lightweight and durable solutions for various transit vehicle components.
- Interior Partitions: These panels provide strong, lightweight separation for passenger compartments or driver protection areas, enhancing safety without adding unnecessary weight. They can be customized with finishes to match vehicle interiors.
- Side Panels: Exterior side panels are designed to resist weathering, impacts, and UV degradation, maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
Made from high-performance thermoplastics and composites, these panels contribute to overall vehicle weight reduction, supporting fuel efficiency and sustainability goals.
Additional Transit Components
We offer a range of complementary components to enhance vehicle functionality and passenger comfort:
- Sunroofs and Sky Views: These allow natural light to brighten interiors, improving the passenger experience while maintaining the same durability and safety standards as our windows.
- Custom Signage: Screen-printed signs for route information, advertisements, or branding are produced with vibrant, durable inks that adhere to polycarbonate surfaces, even under harsh conditions.
- Weatherproofing Elements: Seals, gaskets, and other weatherproofing components ensure vehicles remain protected from water, dust, and temperature extremes, extending the lifespan of windows and panels.
These components are fully customizable, allowing transit agencies to create cohesive, high-performance vehicles tailored to their operational needs.
Significant Weight Savings
Our polycarbonate windows, up to 50% lighter than glass, can reduce a vehicle’s overall weight by up to 30%. This weight reduction directly translates to improved fuel efficiency, which is critical for transit agencies managing large fleets. Lower fuel consumption not only reduces operating costs but also supports environmental sustainability by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, a lighter bus requires less energy to operate, enabling agencies to allocate budgets to other priorities like fleet expansion or passenger amenities.
Superior Optical Clarity
Clear visibility is paramount in mass transit for both safety and passenger comfort. Our windows are engineered to deliver outstanding optical clarity, with light transmission rates comparable to glass (approximately 90%). This ensures drivers have unobstructed views of the road or tracks, reducing the risk of accidents, while passengers enjoy bright, clear views of their surroundings. Our proprietary forming processes eliminate optical distortions, providing a premium visual experience that enhances the overall quality of transit services.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is a top priority in mass transit, and our windows are designed to protect passengers and drivers in various scenarios. Their high impact resistance prevents shattering during accidents or vandalism, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass. Compliance with FMVSS No. 217a ensures that our windows meet anti-ejection standards, keeping passengers secure during collisions. Additionally, emergency exit windows are designed for easy operation, allowing quick evacuation in critical situations, further enhancing passenger safety.
Exceptional Durability
Polycarbonate is inherently strong, offering impact resistance up to 250 times greater than glass, making it ideal for the demanding conditions of mass transit. Our windows resist damage from vandalism, such as scratches or impacts from thrown objects, as well as accidental collisions. The proprietary Fusionite™ coatings further enhance durability by protecting against scratches from cleaning processes and UV-induced degradation, ensuring windows remain clear and functional for years. This durability reduces the frequency and cost of replacements, providing long-term value to transit operators.
Flexible Design Capabilities
Modern transit vehicles often feature sleek, aerodynamic designs that require custom glazing solutions. Our advanced forming capabilities allow us to produce windows and panels in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and curvatures, from flat panels for traditional buses to complex, curved windshields for high-speed rail cars. This design flexibility enables OEMs to achieve their desired aesthetic and functional goals without compromising on safety or performance, making our products suitable for both new vehicle designs and retrofitting existing fleets.
Cost Efficiency
By combining lightweight design, durability, and low maintenance requirements, our solutions deliver significant cost savings. Reduced vehicle weight lowers fuel expenses, while the durability of our windows and panels minimizes repair and replacement costs. The long lifespan of our products, supported by UV and scratch-resistant coatings, ensures that transit agencies can maximize their investment, achieving a lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional glazing materials.
Customization for Mass Transit Applications
We understand that each mass transit vehicle has unique operational and design requirements. Our team collaborates closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that address specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and integration. Our windows and panels are customized for a wide range of vehicle types, including:
- Municipal Buses: Engineered for the rigors of urban environments, our windows feature enhanced resistance to vandalism and frequent cleaning, with options for tinted or privacy glass to improve passenger comfort.
- School Buses: Prioritizing child safety, our windows include emergency exit features with intuitive operation and durable surfaces that withstand daily use by young passengers.
- Charter Buses: Designed for long-distance travel, our windows offer superior clarity and UV protection, creating a comfortable environment for passengers on extended journeys.
- Light Rail Vehicles: Sleek, curved windows complement modern rail designs, providing high impact resistance and aerodynamic efficiency for urban and suburban routes.
- Subway Cars: Built to endure underground conditions and high passenger volumes, our windows resist scratches and impacts while maintaining clarity in low-light environments.
- Trams: Lightweight windows reduce energy consumption in electric trams, with customizable shapes to match unique vehicle aesthetics.
- Commuter Rail Cars: Durable windows withstand frequent use and varying weather conditions, ensuring reliability for daily commuters.
- High-Speed Rail Cars: Aerodynamically optimized windows minimize drag and noise, enhancing efficiency and passenger comfort on high-speed routes.
- People Movers: Compact, durable windows support the high-frequency operations of airport shuttles and urban transit systems, with options for quick installation.
Our ability to produce windows and panels to exact specifications ensures seamless integration into any vehicle, whether for new builds or fleet upgrades. From initial design consultation to final production, we work with clients to deliver solutions that meet their operational, aesthetic, and budgetary goals.
Unwavering Commitment to Quality
Every product we manufacture is crafted at our state-of-the-art facility in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, where we maintain strict quality control at every stage of production. From sourcing high-grade polycarbonate and composite materials to applying advanced coatings and conducting final inspections, we ensure that each window and panel meets our exacting standards. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification (Commitment to Quality) reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Our in-house capabilities set us apart, allowing us to oversee every aspect of manufacturing:
- Advanced Coating Applications: Proprietary Fusionite™ coatings are applied with precision to ensure consistent performance across all products.
- Precision Forming: Our forming processes enable the creation of complex shapes and large-scale windows, meeting the diverse needs of transit vehicle designs.
- CNC Machining: High-precision machining ensures that every component fits perfectly, reducing installation time and improving reliability.
We adhere to industry standards such as FMVSS No. 217a for anti-ejection glazing (FMVSS Standards) and ANSI Z26.1 for safety glazing (ANSI Z26.1 Standard), ensuring our products are safe and compliant for mass transit applications. Rigorous testing for impact resistance, weatherability, and optical clarity guarantees that our windows perform reliably in real-world conditions.