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Carl Wilhelm Cleff GmbH & Co. KG

Extreme operating conditions call for clear technical solutions.

At temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, conventional window solutions in rail vehicle construction quickly reach their limits – particularly in terms of thermal insulation, functionality and durability. At Cleff, we have therefore developed a bespoke hinged window specifically designed for use in low-temperature environments – with a clear focus on technical innovation and design optimisation.
The key advancement lies in the consistent thermal separation of all relevant components. Through multiple development cycles and detailed thermal analyses, thermal weak points were systematically identified and eliminated.  The result is a significant improvement in the heat transfer coefficient: from a typical 5.8 W/m²K in standard solutions to below 3 W/m²K.

Further design features underline the technical approach:

• Use of a heated pane to ensure functionality under extreme conditions

• Elimination of an inner frame to minimise thermal bridges

• Specially developed pane seal for open glass edges

• High resistance to cleaning agents 

Our solution demonstrates how, through targeted engineering and systematic development steps at Cleff, a component that is ‘merely’ functional can be further developed into a high-performance system.
The rotating window is therefore not merely an adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, but an example of practical innovation in the manufacture of vehicle windows for the rail industry.