Iron Glass is a company that secures vehicles by utilizing advanced polymers. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Iron Glass founder Alberto Oscar Fontela to learn more about the company.
Alberto Oscar Fontela’s Background
What is Alberto Oscar Fontela’s background? Fontela said:
“Initially, my brother and I started by selling safety films. However, we realized these films offered limited protection in complex situations, such as robberies. This sparked my curiosity to explore alternatives that could provide greater resistance without compromising the vehicle’s original structure and be cost-effective.”
“After years of development, we created our first product: a process that uses the vehicle’s original glass combined with plastic derivatives applied under high temperature and pressure. This product provides exceptional resistance to blunt force attacks.”
“The company quickly grew in Buenos Aires, opening locations in shopping centers and mass-marketing our product. Later, we ventured into more advanced automotive armoring while prioritizing innovation, which led us to develop various patents.”
“Once the company was established in Argentina, we decided to explore new markets, starting with Mexico. Growth there was accelerated, and during the pandemic, I took advantage of the time to conduct further research. This resulted in three innovative products capable of withstanding firearm impacts without altering the vehicle’s structure.”
“Today, we have a presence in Mexico City and Guadalajara, with expansions planned for Puebla, Monterrey, and Tijuana. We have also initiated projects in São Paulo, Brazil, and San Diego, United States, solidifying our global vision.”
Formation Of Iron Glass
How did the idea for Iron Glass come together? Fontela shared:
“The idea for the company came almost by chance. If I hadn’t worked with my brother in a window tinting business, I might never have had the curiosity to develop a more comprehensive product. I believe it’s all about being curious, observing market needs, and pursuing ideas with courage until they become a reality.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Fontela reflected:
“There have been many great moments, but the best ones are when an idea you dreamed of becomes a successful product. Seeing that product save lives is incredibly rewarding. We’ve received many heartfelt thanks from customers whose lives were protected by our products, and that makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Fontela explained:
“The company offers a comprehensive range of products addressing various security needs, from protection against blunt force attacks to advanced armor capable of withstanding weapons like the M16, AR-15, or AK-47.
We work with several key materials in our glass treatment process, including:
— Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB)
— Polyurethane (PU)
— Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
— Polycarbonate (PC)
— Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
— Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate (C-PET)
A significant innovation in our products is the integration of graphene, which at 0.34 nanometers thick is nearly invisible to the naked eye. We use graphene sheets during glass lamination, combining them with our plastic derivatives. Graphene’s properties include:
— 200 times stronger than steel
— Up to 97% transparency
— Superior electrical conductivity
— Excellent thermal insulation
When combined with other materials, graphene increases resistance by over 30%, enabling us to produce thinner, lighter glass capable of stopping firearm projectiles without requiring vehicle structural modifications.”
“Additionally, we’re expanding into architectural solutions, including hurricane-resistant glass designed through advanced lamination processes to maintain structural integrity during extreme weather conditions.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Fontela acknowledged:
“Yes, one of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the dynamics of different markets. Each country has its own particularities, and listening to what each market needs is essential.”
“Another challenge has been integrating new materials like graphene, which is 200 times stronger than steel and completely transparent. We have worked to incorporate this technology into our safety systems, allowing us to offer greater protection with minimal thickness.”
Evolution Of Iron Glass
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Fontela noted:
“The evolution has been constant. We’ve transitioned from manual processes to incorporating robotic machinery, improving precision and reducing production times.”
“For example, developing molds for a vehicle’s glass used to take a week. Today, with reverse engineering technology, this process takes just 40 minutes. Our ability to adopt advanced tools has allowed us to offer faster, safer, and more affordable products.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Fontela cited:
“One of the most significant milestones has been our constant innovation, from developing unique patents to incorporating revolutionary materials like graphene.”
“Another key milestone was our expansion into Mexico, a challenge we successfully overcame by adapting to the local market. Additionally, the integration of robotics into our processes has significantly improved the quality and efficiency of our production.”
Revenue
When Fontela about the company’s revenue details, he revealed:
“Currently, we produce approximately 500 units monthly. With our upcoming expansions in São Paulo and San Diego, we project reaching 1,000 units per month outside of automaker contracts. To meet our 2025 manufacturing commitments with major automakers, we’re planning a 30-40% expansion of our production capacity. This growth will be implemented strategically to maintain product quality while meeting increased demand.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Fontela assessed:
“We are not focused on capturing a specific percentage of the TAM. Our priority is to establish ourselves in the markets we are entering, such as the United States and Brazil. When you do things well and introduce innovative products, results tend to follow naturally.”
“In Argentina, we lead the market; in Mexico, within five years, we’ve positioned ourselves among the top three brands. We are confident we can achieve similar results in Brazil and the United States.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Fontela affirmed:
“We were pioneers in processing the vehicle’s original glass, which significantly reduces costs and production times. While traditional armoring processes take about a month to produce a set of glass, we complete the process in just three or four days using plastic derivatives and materials like graphene.”
“This allows us to offer lighter, more resistant products with equal or superior results to conventional systems, but in less time and at a more affordable cost.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Fontela emphasized:
“Our future goals include consolidating our presence in the United States and Brazil and finalizing our partnerships with major automakers. This will enable us to offer our solutions directly from the factories, taking the company to the next level.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Fontela concluded:
“We’re developing architectural glass capable of capturing solar energy, currently in an advanced stage of development. This innovative solution integrates state-of-the-art photovoltaic technology while maintaining full transparency, distinguishing it from traditional black silicon panels typically installed on rooftops.”
