Driving or operating an agricultural, forest or construction machine can be a dangerous job, why ensuring operator safety is crucial. One of the most important aspects of safety is using high-quality materials for the machinery, including the use of hard coated polycarbonate glazing.
Benefits of polycarbonate glazing for ensuring operator’s safety
Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic material that has gained popularity in recent years for its durability and resistance to impact. It's often used in applications where safety is a top priority, such as the glazing for machine cabins. Compared to traditional glass, polycarbonate offers several benefits that make it an ideal choice for ensuring operator safety.
Durability: Why polycarbonate is a better choice than glass
First and foremost, polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, which means that it's much safer than glass. In the event of an impact, collision or roll-over, glass can shatter into sharp shards that can cause serious injury to the driver or operator. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is much more resistant to impact and it won't break or shatter like glass. This greatly reduces the risk of injury to the operator in the event of an accident.
At Aikon®, we prioritize the safety of forestry machine operators. To ensure their protection, we manufacture safety glazing in accordance with ISO 21876, Saw Chain Shot Standard. This is particularly important in the event of a saw chain break, which could result in a piece of the chain being hurled into the window at an extremely high speed. With our safety glazing, operators can have peace of mind knowing that they are well-protected.
Lightweight properties: Enhancing efficiency and performance
Another benefit of polycarbonate is that it's much lighter than glass. The density of polycarbonate is 1,20 g/cm3 whereas the density of glass is 2,50 g/cm3, making the weight of a polycarbonate sheet 52 % lower compared to glass.
This not only makes it easier to install, but it also reduces the overall weight of the machine. This can significantly impact fuel efficiency and overall performance, making the machine more efficient and cost-effective to operate.
Weathering, UV resistance and scratch resistance: Reducing maintenance and cost
In addition, hard coating improves the properties of polycarbonate. Hard coated polycarbonate is highly resistant to weathering, UV radiation, and scratches. This means that the glazing will last longer and require less maintenance than traditional glass. This can be especially important for machinery that operates in harsh environments or is exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Prioritizing Safety with High-Quality Polycarbonate Glazing
Overall, the use of polycarbonate glazing in the forest, construction, and agricultural machinery can have a significant impact on operator safety. Its durability, impact resistance, and lightweight properties make it an ideal material for machine cabins. By choosing high-quality polycarbonate glazing, operators can rest assured that machinery and cabin manufacturers are doing everything possible to ensure their safety while on the job.
Do you need help for design sustainable glazing solutions for cabs? Our experts are happy to help you to fulfill your vision of the future and take cabin glazing to the next level.