Toyota first to adopt plasma-coated polycarbonate rear quarter window

Injection-molded part is 50% lighter than glass

07/07/2016 20:15 AST

Toyota’s special edition 86 GRMN sports car is the first production vehicle to feature a rear quarter window in polycarbonate (PC) material with a plasma-coat solution designed to deliver the highest level of durability performance. The vehicle, exclusive to Japan, was exhibited earlier this year at Tokyo Auto Salon 2016.

The car’s rear quarter window is injection molded with Lexan polycarbonate (PC) resin from SABIC. The optically clear window is about 50 percent lighter compared to a conventional glass solution.

Until now, manufacturers have produced rear quarter windows in PC using wet-coat only solutions. Depending on vehicle type and passenger position, wet-coat solutions can meet industry requirements for weatherability and abrasion resistance at that window location. In some cases though, a higher level of performance is required to meet driver visibility needs.

Because Toyota wished to achieve regulatory requirements at a global level, the Japan-based OEM turned to Exatec plasma technology from SABIC. This flexible glass-like coating is deposited on top of a base wet coat to enhance performance. Applying this advanced coating made it possible to meet Toyota’s high quality requirements.

“We are proud to have supported Toyota and its Tier suppliers with this first-to-market, plasma-coated rear quarter window on a very special car,” said Scott Fallon, SABIC’s automotive business leader. “No other technology is available today with the same level of durability for PC-glazed windows than this plasma solution. It is a good example of the superior value that we can deliver to today’s automakers as they strive to build light, stylish and well-finished vehicles.”

Exatec plasma coating technology from SABIC can make it possible for PC-glazed windows, where regulations allow for their use, to meet legislated driver visibility requirements. For larger PC-glazed surfaces like backlights and sunroofs, weight savings of up to 50 percent can be possible, helping automakers to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

In addition, compared to other material solutions for windows, new combinations of style and function are possible with PC glazing. For example, rear quarter windows can smoothly integrate an aerodynamic spoiler, roof pillar, airflow separators, door handle scallops and even rear lamps.

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