Double-Sided Passenger Information Display

The joint between glass and stainless steel relies entirely on adhesive bonding, with no alternative mechanical fastening: the adhesive bead must therefore be continuous, uniform, and defect-free to ensure sealing performance and long-term strength.

For this reason, an automated CNC-controlled adhesive dispensing process was introduced, ensuring uniformity, precise bead control, and process repeatability. The adhesive is Sika 265, selected following tests carried out with the client and applied by EAB-certified operators.

The adhesive is applied directly to the glass, taking advantage of its greater flatness compared to the structure and improving process reliability.

Even minor deformations, whether originating from the glass or from welding, could compromise component fit and bonding quality. Targeted manufacturing solutions were therefore introduced:

• angle brackets manufactured with an automated process for improved precision
• laser welding to minimize deformation
• replacement of rivets with threaded holes in sheet metal

In a system where adhesive bonding is the sole joining method, even minimal misalignments can disrupt bead continuity, generate stress, and reduce reliability. Precise and repeatable positioning, with alignment along all axes, was essential.

Dedicated positioning fixtures were designed to ensure accurate glass centering and uniform force distribution during bonding.

The gap between glass and structure is controlled by a 1.1 mm double-sided adhesive tape spacer, which ensures uniform compression of the sealant and an even distribution of the adhesive bead across the entire bonding surface.

Dedicated tooling was also developed for gasket installation.

The choice of monolithic glass required the graphics to be applied to the rear surface of the panel. To meet both bonding and aesthetic requirements, two printing technologies were combined:

• vitrified ceramic printing in the bonding areas: fused into the glass, it ensures compatibility with the structural sealant and reliable adhesion
• organic printing in the visible areas, for superior graphic quality and color reproduction

The product must remain intact not only during operation but also throughout transportation and assembly, without compromising its appearance. A dedicated protection and packaging system was therefore developed, delivering to the client a display that is already protected, IP54 sealed, and ready for electronic integration.

This system is made of:

• Stainless steel for the structure
• Monolithic tempered glass for the front panel
• Sika 265 structural adhesive for glass/stainless steel bonding
• 1.1 mm double-sided adhesive tape for controlled spacing
• Vitrified ceramic printing and organic printing for the glass graphics
• Gasket for IP54 sealing

The result was achieved using several technologies: CNC adhesive dispensing, automated angle bracket manufacturing, laser welding, threading in sheet metal, vitrified ceramic printing, organic printing, gasket installation with dedicated tooling, and final assembly.