What Is Auto Glazing?

Auto glazing is a type of automotive window that is produced by injection molding a strong polycarbonate plastic. Also known as PC glazing, it can be used to create shapes that are impossible for glass to achieve.

Function

Although vehicle headlamp covers have been made out of polycarbonate for more than a decade, it is because of recent advances in materials and machinery that the automotive industry is able to create auto glazing windows. Auto glazing can be used to fabricate windows almost as large as glass windows, with a weight savings of almost 50 percent.

Benefits

Aside from the aforementioned weight savings, auto glazing can be used to create exciting new design concepts such as nonwindow transparent body panels and side windows with the rearview mirror built in rather than mounted on the side door. It is also easy and inexpensive to create things such as 3D window shapes and holes in the windows.

Potential

In addition to the design innovations, automotive industry inventors are working on light-allowing and -blocking polycarbonate compounds, as well as antiscratch coatings. Also, auto glazing is light enough to potentially build a car with a large, panoramic roof.