- Thicker perimeter of window allows elimination of A-pillar
- 36% lighter than equivalent conventional front window with A-pillar
- PC-resin window meets new Japanese standards
Teijin Limited unveiled the world’s-first polycarbonate-resin pillar-less automotive front window, installed in the Tommykaira ZZ electric vehicle (EV) produced by GLM Co., Ltd., during the recent Automotive Engineering Exposition 2017 Nagoya, Japan.
PC-resin window meets new Japanese standards
GLM, an EV manufacturer launched by Kyoto University, expects to acquire street-ready certification for the Tommykaira ZZ fitted with Teijin’s PC-resin window, after which it will offer the window as a special equipment for the car from this autumn.
- View from driver’s seat (PC pillar-less)
- View from driver’s seat (with A-pillar)
PC resins are prohibited from use in automotive front windows due to safety standards. Teijin’s PC-resin window, however, thanks to its high resistance to abrasion and weather, meets new Japanese standards that will become effective in July, paving the way for its use in the Tommykaira ZZ.
Teijin also will market its PC-resin window for automakers in the U.S. and the EU, where demands are increasing for PC-resin products that meet new safety standards.
Thicker perimeter of window allows elimination of A-pillar
Teijin, by thickening the perimeter of its PC-resin window, has managed to eliminate the need for the A-pillar. As a result, the transparent PC-resin window achieves unobstructed sight lines for safer driving and more enjoyable sightseeing. The integrated PC-resin pillar-less window also is 36% lighter in weight than an equivalent conventional front window with an A-pillar.
Japan’s new automotive safety standards will require plastics-glazed windows to offer enhanced resistance to abrasion and weather in vehicles models released from July. Simultaneously, PC resin will become available for automotive front windows.
