A two-component tailgate and glazing system has been designed using GE’s LEXAN* GLX resin and Exatec’s coating capabilities. The new design features molded-in fastening elements, rear brake light, handles and locks, and column cladding that are achievable using this cutting-edge GE polycarbonate (PC) material to consolidate parts. Photos courtesy of GE Advanced Materials

Wixom, Mich., USA; and Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, March 23, 2005 - Jobwerx News - GE Advanced Materials, Automotive, working in collaboration with Exatec, offers premium design options for large three-dimensional (3-D) glazing panels for rear and roof window applications and other 3-D parts by combining high-performance LEXAN™ GLX resin with unique coating technologies from Exatec, a joint venture of GE Advanced Materials and Bayer MaterialScience.

This innovative highly weatherable Exatec® Glazing System, currently licensed to the Tier industry, integrates LEXAN polycarbonate (PC) resin’s outstanding transparency with resistance to chemicals and abrasion. It may also provide more design freedom to OEMs wishing to incorporate greater functionality and aesthetics into automotive panels.

A comprehensive evaluation program by both GE and Exatec is running for correlating laboratory and field data gained from a fleet of dedicated test vehicles, in order to further optimize this new glazing system.

GE Advanced Materials is a world leader in providing materials solutions through engineering thermoplastics, silicon-based products and technology platforms, and fused quartz and ceramics.

The GE-Exatec collaboration aims, in part, to help address and lead the auto industry’s move toward larger, automotive backlite and roof glazing panels, as well as deluxe panoramic roofs. For example, while the side and rear quarter windows of modern limousines have become slightly smaller, higher rising door panels, larger backlite and roof glazing panels – up to luxurious panoramic roofs – are meeting with growing consumer acceptance. With this in mind, engineers from both companies have developed innovative materials and processing, printing, and coating technologies that are key to this large-surface glazing. Applications using the panels are currently under development with various Tier-1 suppliers and OEMs.

With the introduction of the LEXAN GLX resin portfolio, GE has taken a major step forward in optimizing its proven polycarbonate technology to meet the growing industry demand for large, 3-D rear and roof glazing panels with high impact strength, durable UV protection, and excellent dimensional stability. In addition, new LEXAN GLX resin enhancements, currently under development, could potentially lead to infrared barriers that may help decrease automotive interior heat build-up, thus reducing the loads on cooling systems.

GE Advanced Materials, Automotive can provide premium design options for large three-dimensional (3-D) glazing panels – for rear and roof window applications and other 3-D parts – by combining high-performance LEXAN GLX resin with unique coating technologies from Exatec. Photos courtesy of GE Advanced Materials

GE’s LEXAN GLX resin may also contribute to the development of large sunroofs and backlites that could offer up to a 50 percent weight reduction vs. comparably sized glass windows. At the same time, the resin offers the potential to reduce assembly time and costs. Additionally, the use of GE's proprietary Visualfx™ resin technology opens a wide range of possibilities for model differentiation based on color.

The EXATEC® 900 coating system includes an optimized wet coat tailored to the specific requirements of the automotive glazing environment. This advanced wet coat improves the adhesion to the final (PECVD) protective layers (plasma coating), and offers a wider processing window than competitive materials for higher yields at potentially lower cost.

Exatec Glazing Systems feature coatings that meet the 10-year weathering and abrasion resistance required by OEMs globally. The solvent-free, water-based primer in the EXATEC 900 coating system is less prone to molded-in stresses, minimizing the risk of micro cracks and delamination. Furthermore, the plasma coat exhibits a glass-like surface energy, providing optimum compatibility with standard adhesives used in the automotive industry for final bonding of the glazing to the vehicle body.

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