CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 2003--Exatec, a joint venture between Bayer Polymers and GE Plastics, today launches its first complete polycarbonate glazing system - Exatec 500(TM), a state-of-the-art technology with superior weatherability and abrasion resistance.
Exatec applications are on display in the GE Plastics' booth at the National Plastics Exposition in Chicago (McCormick Place, South Hall, Booth #2215) from June 23-27.
The Exatec 500 system will open up new opportunities for both OEMs and their suppliers. This is the starting point for a new tier industry, Polycarbonate Glazing System Suppliers.
Exatec will work with GE to make this exciting new opportunity available to OEMs and their suppliers as soon as possible, said Clemens Kaiser, CEO of Exatec.
Exatec has completed the development of all the technologies necessary to meet the most arduous OEM specifications for window glazing applications and are introducing the Exatec 500 System.
I envision in the future that stylists at OEMs will have the freedom to incorporate new designs that were previously impossible with glass. This could forever change the look of automobiles, said John Fitzgerald, chief operating officer for Exatec.
A state-of-the-art Technology Development Center was built in Wixom, Michigan to develop the technologies necessary to enable the use of polycarbonate in automotive glazing systems.
Exatec's research focuses on the manufacturing processes necessary to enable Tiers to design, mold, print decorate, UV protect, plasma hardcoat, bond and assembly windows.
Exatec is a glazing system developer and intends to license its technology. Technology available from both of Exatec's parents, Bayer Polymers and GE Plastics, as well as their own developments put Exatec in the leading position to enable Polycarbonate Glazing Systems.
Exatec 500 is today's State-of-the-Art technology with superior weatherability and meeting the most arduous glass based abrasion specifications for automotive windows.
Polycarbonate is a highly versatile material that offers unique properties for styling and design-driven challenges in today's highly competitive automotive market. Because of the shape and complexity limitations of glass, previously impossible design opportunities are possible for OEMs using polycarbonate glazing solutions.
Styling departments of vehicle manufacturers can now consider highly 3D-shaped windows, innovative window designs, locations and consider different opening mechanisms for windows and doors. Exatec will provide all the technologies necessary to make these new chic styles a reality.
At the same time, polycarbonate reduces the weight compared to a similar glass surface area by up to 50% and has significant advantages in active and passive passenger safety due to its ductility and high impact resistance.
Exatec's R&D covers the entire value chain. Specific grades of resins of LEXAN(R) resin and MAKROLON(R) resin have been selected because of their unique suitability for glazing applications.
In addition to exploring the use of 1K, 2K, IMD injection molding technologies, Exatec has developed proprietary plasma Hardcoat and printing technology.
The technology solutions and in particular Exatec 500(TM) address a growing demand in the automotive industry for innovative glazing, e.g. Panoramic Roof Systems or new solutions for Backlites and Liftgates.
At the NPE, which will take place from June 23 - 28 in Chicago, Exatec will introduce its new product Exatec 500(TM) at the Bayer Polymers and GE Plastics booths. A variety of exhibits will show the unique design and styling opportunities that polycarbonate provides to the OEM stylist.
In addition, Exatec will demonstrate that it is possible to integrate functionality and reduce assembly complexity based on smart engineering solutions.
Visitors will also be introduced to the new IMP(R) molding technology that was developed by Exatec's partner Summerer Technologies. This dynamic injection compression molding process allows for the manufacture of large windows with high optical quality, extremely low molded-in stress at about half the clamp force of conventional methods.
This cost-effective technology for polycarbonate glazing will be demonstrated with a Battenfeld injection-molding machine at the SMS Kunststofftechnik booth.
The introduction of Exatec 500 offers current Tier companies the opportunity to become the first advanced polycarbonate glazing system Supplier and it has the potential to create completely new options for OEMs in vehicle styling and design.
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CONTACT: Exatec, LLC
Tim Edwards, 248/926-4211
[email protected]