Has this forum maxed out?

[splitpit]

With no new innovations or real technological advances in the wsr industry, when will this forum reach it's peak? Most topics are covered, recovered, and then covered again. Newbies find answers. The experienced give answers. The process is beneficial but the topics are old news for the most part. Do you think there are any substantial changes or advances in the process of wsr waiting in the wings, that will blow the doors off the industry as we know it today?

[screenman]

I think the answer is no.

[ProView WR]

Self healing windshields will bring the end of the industry.

No I have to agree with Blind Squirrel about the things on the horizon. I can't really think of any revolution that would happen WITHIN the repair industry, but definately changes will come sooner or later on the OUTSIDE of the industry that will bring changes within. Who knows what they will be.

[windshield]

well for my personal point of view i see some future for the windshield repair industry.I think the nanotechnology not only can affect the windshield repair business,i believe other specialty areas around the world such as medicine will be prepared for this kind of revolution,much more dramatic than the industrial revolution.I think ours services are a specialty.Ok some companies will introduce some kinds of nanotechnology chemicals but there is no way for damages that require drilling and tap a bulls eye,flexing a star leg with some experience or perform a long crack repair.As all of us know a long crack need a bulls eye where the crack is tight to flow over there a small viscosity resin. I was think about nanotechnology when i first see the "nano resin topic" over this forum.Right now when i go to the stores i beging to see "nano products" with miraculous remedies.For the posible fabrication of crack proof windshields i dont think so.It also attempt to the glass replacement industry,the mouldings,tools traders,glue products like sika etc...The best interest for the large industries ,specially the chinese,japan etc... is sell you again and over and over again.I supouse if you like a car with a crack proof windshield you will need to spend good money $$$. I really worried if someone invents a device that is capable to disapear the damages and began to distribute the equipment to the big chains stores and if i want one of this equipment the prohibited cost and the factor that this companies began to charge a little for the fix with a very strong advertising will make me another type of repair tech.Thanks for the attention.Good Luck!

[SGT]

For the forum being maxed out. I would say NO as well. If someone is receptive to new views/ideas from new or old members on old topics, then individual and forum growth is possible.

As for anything on the WSR technology horizon, well I persoanlly do not think that there will be any signifigant changing in the current repair process,specifically setup and resin delievery. That said, tooling may evolve but the process will remain the same.

I think there is a larger margin for improvment on the resin side. Perhaps a resin that would alter the physical proerties of glass to provide blemish free repairs.

Minor or major advancement require research which requires money which is driven by necessity. So I think minor changes will be driven by direct competition from one manufacturer to another and major changes will come from direct threats to the current WSR industries technology.

[splitpit]

The forum will always have topics as long as it has members. But it will primariliy be absorbed in rehashing old topics with new twists.

I'm sure the new topics in the future will be in regard to how to overcome the changes that have affected the industry in a negative way, as others have mentioned in this thread.

New products to make windshields damage resistant.

The possibility of polycarbonate windshields.

Insurance cos. no longer waiving the deductible.

Cheaper replacements.

Etc.

I don't see any major advancements. I don't even see much advancement in resin quality or appearance. I think it's about as good as it's ever going to get.

The gravy train is going to pull into the station and park at some point and it may have a hard time pulling back out again.

[Layne]

I am of the opinion that one of the new repair methods just may be the use of laser technology to weld the cracks and dings that occur in the windshield. Don't rule it out.

[splitpit]

I don't see laser use as a feasible option. For one, I don't think you could do it and if you could it wouldn't be cost effective.

[Glassdoc]

The concept of an unbreakable windshield will never fly.. The windshield is designed as a part of the structural integrity of the vehicle in the event of a roll over etc.. But, it is also designed via lamination to have "flex" appeal to keep from breaking the occupants necks, faces etc in the event of a major accident.. True air bags have helped to keep this from happening but I can't see an unbreakable windshield ever being used..

[splitpit]

I agree doc, plus the windshield is one of the easiest extraction points for emergency workers.