5 Logic behind why Acrylic Plastic Is Used For Automotive Glazing

Polycarbonate had earned the tag because most suitable material for use within the automotive industry. However, these days, Polymethyl Methacrylate, the PMMA polymer or commonly known acrylic plastic, has efficiently risen to the growing demands in the automotive industry in replacing polycarbonate for the most important used in the, namely, automotive glazing.

Long established for use in a variety of vehicle applications including decorative trim, ambient lighting and door entry strips, automotive glazing is one kind of those fields that offer the very best growth prospect of PMMA.
Related key top features of acrylic plastic which make it ideal for the process of automotive glazing are discussed below.
Light weight
To create a comparison on the erogenous level, PMMA is half the body weight and much more transparent than glass, thereby providing superior visibility even during true of fluctuating and unstable temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, thermoformed polymer resin are used almost just for car window glazing where every one of the necessary requirements for light-weight materials which can be safe, simple to process and perform in all of the weathers are met.
High on Scratch Resistance
Another significant requirement for glazing is scratch resistance. Standard PMMA already has got the highest surface hardness of most thermoplastics even though uncoated. However, for automotive glazing, you’ll find stringent conditions being fulfilled to satisfy the optimal state of scratch resistance. The usage of a coating is thus mandatory. Given that PMMA is intrinsically UV in addition to weathering-resistant, a single-step coating is effective. As opposed, thermoplastics who have low capacity weathering demand a two-step coating system. This results in relatively expensive for coating.
New design possibilities
PMMA glazing is 40 to 50 percent lighter than conventional glass, which piques the interest of automobile manufacturers. Together with the advantages being immediately obvious, PMMA is known as the right fit for automotive glazing. Weight savings apart, the transparency of acrylic plastic in addition to its quite high weathering resistance, pleasant acoustic properties, and exceptional form ability allow freedom enabling entirely new design possibilities.
Less anxiety birefringence
PMMA exhibits very little stress birefringence which functions as a major benefit over other thermoplastics including polycarbonate, that was primarily useful for glazing in the past. Weighed against traditional materials including polycarbonate, moulded PMMA, comes with a distinct chance for functional integration – reducing recess depth and assembly costs.
Environment-friendly
The modern goal within the automotive industry is to formulate clean low fuel consumption vehicles. Due to the awareness along with the need for eco-friendly initiatives in today’s general scheme of things, PMMA functions as a perfect option to glass within the automotive glazing segment. As vehicle manufacturers push the bounds of design, also is automotive glazing evolving.
SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer offers characteristics that match the latest challenges within the transportation sector. It’s a monumental challenge for car makers that are looking for to sit in recent environmental requirements and therefore are thinking about alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas and save fuel. It does not take perfect partner within this movement as it can make cars lighter.
As being a leading manufacturer of SUMIPEX® PMMA polymer, Sumitomo Chemical is pleased to help you out in understanding its properties and how it ideal to automotive glazing.
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