Through our knowledge and experience gained from our own product and process development, PPD can offer a host of value-added services relating to glass for the transportation markets. This process can be used on almost any glass product requiring a trimmed finish, or any component addition.

Glass Encapsulation - Molding of flexible PVC or Polyurethane-RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) around the glass perimeter to provide an aesthetic integrated trim for the product, saving pre-assembly of gaskets and the like. Encapsulated glass products can also incorporate studs for glass retention to the vehicle, different cross-sections to attain appearance features required, insert of other plastic and metal parts for sliding features, latches, hinges and trim enhancements.

Hardware Assembly - Addition of clips, channels, rails to glass products to provide sliding or mechanical action interfaces for moveable glass products. These products can be bonded on with polyurethane, bolted on with through holes in glass or snapped on.

Benefits of Encapsulation Include:

• Integrated trim to glass.
• Cost reduction through one supplier integration.
• Tooling cost reduction through use of composite tooling for lower volume applications.
• Low volume products become the norm.
• Less components to handle at OE.
• Overall program timing reduction.