An Aftermarket Polycarbonate Windshield?

[messenger13]

I am currently in contact with a local start-up company that wants to break into the BMW market with their product. They manufacture polycarbonate windshields that have a patented coating that makes them virtually scratch-proof. I saw a demonstration at the Cleveland IMS show and was very impressed.

[patrick2000]

I am currently in contact with a local start-up company that wants to break into the BMW market with their product. They manufacture polycarbonate windshields that have a patented coating that makes them virtually scratch-proof. I saw a demonstration at the Cleveland IMS show and was very impressed.

Joe,

Are you sure their claim is scratch-proof ? Scratch resistant I can understand, but scratch proof seems like a tall order.
On the other hand I had a hard time believing that radios, anti-lock brakes, heated seats, or cruise control would ever be possible on a motorcycle.
So I assume scratch-proof will definately lead to windshield wipers.

[yaklt]

...
So I assume scratch-proof will definately lead to windshield wipers.

No - that can never happen -- it would only throw the water at your faceshield :D

[hschisler]

Joe,

Are you sure their claim is scratch-proof ? Scratch resistant I can understand, but scratch proof seems like a tall order.Scratch-proof? Yes, I think so. What they demonstrated was their windshield, with a windshield wiper hooked up to it. Between the windshield and the wiper blade were several steel wool pads, being drug back and forth across the windshield by the wiper. No scratches...

[messenger13]

I see this thread and/or poll is still alive and well. Cool! Time for me to submit these numbers to the 'powers that be', and see what kind of deal I can work up.


Scratch-proof? Yes, I think so. What they demonstrated was their windshield, with a windshield wiper hooked up to it. Between the windshield and the wiper blade were several steel wool pads, being drug back and forth across the windshield by the wiper. No scratches...
Yes, that is correct. Or...perhaps one would actually say "virtually scratch-proof". After all, everything and anything can be scratched if you try hard enough. I could be wrong, but I think I remember them telling me that IF the shield does get a scratch, that you can polish it out with 4-0000 steel wool. More on that later.

[hschisler]

Yes, that is correct. Or...perhaps one would actually say "virtually scratch-proof". After all, everything and anything can be scratched if you try hard enough. I could be wrong, but I think I remember them telling me that IF the shield does get a scratch, that you can polish it out with 4-0000 steel wool. More on that later.Joe, their product was a coating, wasn't it? Or was it the windshield material itself? Their demo windshield at the Cleveland IMS was half with their product and half without; the half with their product was unscratched; the other half was scratched to he** and back.

[messenger13]

Joe, their product was a coating, wasn't it? Or was it the windshield material itself? Their demo windshield at the Cleveland IMS was half with their product and half without; the half with their product was unscratched; the other half was scratched to he** and back.Yep...some kind of special patented coating on top of polycarbonate that makes it (virtually) scratch-proof.

[ecirwin]

I wonder if this is some kind of in-mold film? or is it applied after? I also wonder if it is on both sides? The LT windscreen tends to get bugs on both sides.