Marine vessels endure a range of abuse in and out of the water. Thus, they require special and customized fixtures to withstand harsh environments. Once boats and ships are in the water, they will constantly be exposed to the sun and salt. There could be storms as well. Therefore, visual clarity and the durability of materials used on fixtures are important.
The materials used in producing marine windows are different from those used for land-based vehicles. This is because materials for marine vessels must be designed specifically to adapt to the marine environment. Ships sailing the international sea routes that transport cargo worldwide, must ensure the safety of the ship, the cargo it carries, and its crew. The ship should have sturdy windshields that can reduce wind resistance and the strength against wave impact pressure.
Relying on trusted materials and platforms also ensures that international shipping lines can reach their destinations safely.
Polycarbonate Sheets for Windshields of Marine Vessels
It is difficult to find suitable materials that will offer excellent optical abilities and durability for marine vessels because of the extreme requirements and regulations of the shipping industry. As such, reinforced glass or acrylic used to be the material of choice for the windshield and windows of ships.
The availability of polycarbonate sheets, including multiwall polycarbonate, changed the equation. Polycarbonate sheets for the marine industry are now available, and they provide glass-like properties, which fit the visual clarity requirements of the international shipping industry. The feature provides high-quality optical vision, which is perfect for marine applications such as ship windows and windshields.
Need for Visual Clarity
Laminated glass used to be the obvious choice for windshields and windows of ships and other marine vessels because it provides excellent visual clarity. The crew members need a clear view of the sea for their safety. But today, the market preference has shifted to polycarbonates and acrylic. Polycarbonates are an obvious choice because the sheets are heavy-duty but weigh less and are highly suitable for heavy use and harsh environments.
In addition, polycarbonates for marine vessel windshields and windows are crystal clear. With a variety of coating options to help reduce the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, resist scratching, and prevent yellowing, the shipping industry has an alternative, more efficient, and cost-effective windshield material that can withstand the elements. The sturdy material has the flexibility to follow the curvature of boats and ships’ windshields without diminishing its protective features.
Things to Consider
The international shipping industry has specific requirements; thus, it is vital to carefully consider the materials to replace ships and boats’ windows and windshields. First, get the proper polycarbonate sheets explicitly made for marine vessels. The sheets should have an advanced surface coating to protect against harsher environments, especially from the sun’s UV rays coming from the sky and those reflected by the water. In addition, they should be more durable with extraordinary strength to resist impact, and abrasion resistance, from cleaning solutions, rainwater, seawater, salt, and other materials.
Conclusion
The international shipping industry needs materials that will perform excellently in rugged use, such as polycarbonate sheets. These durable materials are an excellent choice, and they are more cost-effective than other glazing solutions because they last for a long time. However, even if the product has unique features, including impact and scratch resistance, it needs proper and regular maintenance.
