Book excerpt: The art and science of glass engineering, specifically applied to automotive projects, are not at all commonplace. Although windshields, side and backlites seem to be obvious parts of any car, truck, or bus, designing, sourcing, and manufacturing them are unique challenges. From the business perspective, cost control makes the choice of the ideal supplier a vital decision, greatly impacting availability and production. From the technical standpoint, the most creative designs can be rendered impractical due to regulations, lack of economies of scale, or convoluted logistics. Glass Engineering: Design Solutions for Automotive Applications tackles all these variables using a no-nonsense, step-by-step approach. Written by Lyn R. Zbinden, a mechanical engineer and glass specialist, this book narrows the gap between the reader and a technical subject by using language that is easy to understand, a good variety of examples, and a series of invaluable reference design tables. With a career spanning over 30 years in the automotive industry, Lyn R. Zbinden breaks down complex concepts into “knowledge bites,” building up a solid base that both students and practitioners can profit from, and use on a regular basis, for years to come. Glass Engineering: Design Solutions for Automotive Applications addresses the theme of glass from the manufacturing stage to the design, installation, and warranty aspects. It also flags, along the way, the pitfalls and the important questions to ask. More importantly, it provides the reader with practical ways to solve the not-so-obvious problems associated with the use of automotive glass. Developed with the goal to offer effective training on the subject, this book is a must-have for those just starting to get acquainted with the world of automotive glass applications as well as those looking for the ultimate source of practical knowledge in this field.