Finishing options for polycarbonate automotive glazing

Bruce C. Benda, Exatec, LLC

For automotive glazing, polycarbonate offers unique creativity options for styling and design, significant weight reduction, and advantages in passenger safety and security. New coating systems for polycarbonate provide resistance to more than 10 years of outdoor exposure, which is one of the most important quality criteria for polycarbonate windows. Additionally, glass-like abrasion performance is secured with plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technology. These coating technologies as well as predictive weathering models will be presented. Options for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as defrosters, integrated panoramic roof systems, highly curved backlights, ambient lighting, and innovative door modules will also be reviewed.

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The Authors

Mr. Bruce Benda Chief Operating Officer Exatec, LLC. Bruce Benda is the Chief Operating Officer for Exatec, LLC; a Wixom, Michigan based joint-venture-company of Bayer MaterialScience and General Electric. Mr. Benda is responsible for leading the techno... Read more