See Plasdan’s equipment at Nissei America’s booth, W2401, at NPE2024 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center from May 6 to 10.

To meet the growing demand for PC glazing in products such as Nissan's NY200 taxicab, Teijin will begin commercial production of PC glazing parts in Japan. Molding will be handled at the Mihara Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture and hard-coating at the Matsuyama Plant in Ehime Prefecture. Teijin aims to achieve PC glazing sales of JPY10 billion (nearly $100 million) per annum by fiscal 2019.

The plastic glazing, jointly developed with Nissan Shatai Co. Ltd., a Nissan group company that handles vehicle development, is achieved by molding Panlite PC resin using the world's first three-dimensional thick-wall injection-press technology developed by Teijin. The glazing is then hard-coated with Teijin's three-dimensional double-sided flow-coating technology, also a world's first. The result is a smooth, distortion-free surface, which has not been achievable with conventional thick-wall PC molding.

A three-material molding system from Plasdan will demonstrate the production of complex assemblies with two add-on injection units and in-mold robotics at NPE2024.

Plasdan’s equipment will be integrated with a Nissei NEX360V-100LE all-electric molding machine to function in a single cycle — without the need for multiple machines or manual assembly. The setup reduces machine time, labor and energy requirements, and uses less floor space.

Plastic has also made inroads into external glazing for vehicles. Volkswagen, for example, uses Lexan GLX143 PC from Sabic Innovative Plastics (Pittsfield, MA) in the fixed and roll down side windows of its XL1 vehicle. Use of PC is said to Use of PC window glazing with advanced coating technologies reduces weight by 33 percent (2.6 kg) versus 3.2-mm glass solutions, while delivering a high quality optical appearance and scratch-resistant surface. "PC glazing solutions in the XL1's side windows demonstrate the feasibility of plasma coating technology for serial vehicles," adds Sabic.

Plasdan’s end-to-end automated cycle moves products quickly through the cycle, eliminating the cost of unfinished work-in-process inventory. The company’s multi-injection molding solutions ultimately save operating costs and reduce environmental impact.

In New York City, a vast majority of taxis are equipped with driver-passenger partitions for enhanced in-vehicle security. The partitions are generally made from acrylic resin, which is flammable and has low resistance to impact. PC resin has been used as a substitute, but it does not achieve a smooth surface in the thick-wall molding, resulting in impaired visibility through the partition.

Nissei touts its NEX-V series and its “N-Constellation” IoT technology as turning the injection molding machine into a network hub that connects auxiliary equipment and collects real-time operation data.

During live demos at Nissei America’s booth at NPE2024, Plasdan will discuss with attendees how they can integrate the company’s solutions into existing manufacturing setups. The demo will feature two add-on Ergoline injection units, which Plasdan designed in a slim footprint to overcome assembly constraints. These units can be mounted angular on tool, vertical on a fixed platen, or horizontal on the non-operator side.

Teijin Limited (Tokyo) has revealed that Nissan Motor is using plastic glazing made with its Panlite polycarbonate (PC) resin for the driver-passenger partition in its new NV200 taxicabs based on the NV200 compact cargo vehicle. Nissan has begun marketing the vehicle to taxi operators in New York City.

Teijin Limited (Tokyo) has revealed that Nissan Motor is using plastic glazing made with its Panlite polycarbonate (PC) resin for the driver-passenger partition in its new NV200 taxicabs based on the NV200 compact cargo vehicle. Nissan has begun marketing the vehicle to taxi operators in New York City.

“This system represents a significant leap forward in injection molding technology,” said Plasdan CEO Paulo Silva. “It delivers efficiency gains and productivity improvements, crucial for manufacturers aiming to optimize their operations and minimize environmental impact. The single-machine approach not only cuts operational costs but also supports the industry's move toward more sustainable practices.”

Teijin has developed various PC resin solutions for panoramic roofs, quarter windows and luggage door garnish trim. Recently, demand for larger plastic parts, such as rear doors and fenders, has been expanding.

Geoff Giordano is a tech journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in all facets of publishing. He has reported extensively on the gamut of plastics manufacturing technologies and issues, including 3D printing materials and methods; injection, blow, micro and rotomolding; additives, colorants and nanomodifiers; blown and cast films; packaging; thermoforming; tooling; ancillary equipment; and the circular economy. Contact him at [email protected].

The plastic injection molding system from Plasdan with an integrated Nissei press reduces cycle times and labor and energy requirements.