Toyota marks industry first with plasma-coated polycarbonate window

Car manufacturer, Toyota, has marked an industry first with 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 window features on Toyota’s special edition 86 GRMN sports car and is injection moulded with LEXAN resin, an optically clear and lightweight-enabling PC material from SABIC. The 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 used ‘EXATEC’ plasma technology from SABIC. This flexible glass-like coating is deposited on top of a base wet coat to enhance performance.

“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.”