Exatec, ULVAC Announce Technology Collaboration

Exatec LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SABIC Innovative Plastics, and ULVAC are collaborating to accelerate cost-effective, high-volume production of weatherable, scratch-resistant, plasma-coated Lexan polycarbonate (PC) resin for vehicle windows. Under the agreement, ULVAC will manufacture turnkey mass production systems that leverage its' expertise in high-volume vacuum equipment and Exatec's proprietary plasma coating technology.

The combined ULVAC and Exatec technologies will help automakers and tiers replace heavier glass windows with Lexan resin glazing to meet upcoming regulations for lower CO₂ emissions and also provide greater design freedom and cost reduction through parts consolidation. It also offers other industries - particularly consumer electronics - durable and abrasion-resistant coating solutions for a broad range of products.

More stringent vehicle emission restrictions are planned in major automotive markets. In the U.S., new rules mandate that by 2016, vehicles must get an average of 35.5 miles per gallon. In Europe, mandatory reductions of CO₂ emissions aim to reach 130gCO₂/km (.46lbs/mile) in 2015 for the average new car fleet, and 95g/km (.35lbs/mile) by 2020.