Covestro Showcases Polycarbonate Sheet with Technical Advancements at APTA Expo

Oct. 6, 2017
Innovations in materials from Covestro help mitigate vandalism and reduce unplanned maintenance.

Public transit agencies depend on high-performance materials to provide safety, weight reduction and longevity for bus and rail transportation. Innovations in materials from Covestro help mitigate vandalism and reduce unplanned maintenance. Lightweight and cost-effective polycarbonate sheet offers security, energy savings and durability for an array of public transportation applications.

Covestro will exhibit a range of polycarbonate sheet products for mass transit at the 2017 American Public Transportation Association Expo Here’s a preview of the materials Covestro will highlight at the industry’s premier event, October 9-11 in Atlanta, booth #3707.

  • Makrolon TG (train glazing) polycarbonate sheet – Used for rail car windows as a lighter alternative to glass, Makrolon TG polycarbonate sheet features exceptional durability. The material reduces the cost of unscheduled maintenance due to broken glass and meets stringent Federal Railroad Administration requirements. Makrolon TG polycarbonate sheet is available in clear and custom tints.
  • Makrolon BG (bus glazing) polycarbonate sheet –A lightweight alternative to glass side passenger bus windows, Makrolon BG polycarbonate sheet offers abrasion and chemical resistance, and long-lasting outdoor weathering performance. The high impact strength of this durable product provides excellent protection against vandalism to keep the fleet on the road longer. Makrolon BG is available in clear and custom tints.
  • Makrolon FP (frit polycarbonate) polycarbonate sheet – Used for mass transit glazing, Makrolon FP polycarbonate sheet can be configured to provide a direct replacement for fritted glass and includes a customizable black-out border. This allows for innovative installation methods, eliminating common threaded hardware, clips and glazing channels. The hard coat technology delivers excellent abrasion, chemical and weather resistance. Makrolon FP polycarbonate sheet is available in clear, standard and custom tints.
  • Makrolon AS2 (ANSI Z26.1 AS2) polycarbonate sheet – Ideal for driver barriers and surrounds where operator safety and visibility are critical. This ultra-hard coated polycarbonate sheet has exceptional impact resistance and clarity, providing unobstructed sightlines for maximum range of vision. The protective coating guards against abrasion, UV and chemical attacks. Only half as heavy as similar glass products, Makrolon® AS2 reduces weight on the partition system and vehicle while providing maximum protection. 
  • Bayblend MTR (mass transit rail) polycarbonate sheet – Used for various rail interior components including thermoformed seat parts, window masks and ceiling panels, Bayblend® MTR polycarbonate sheet features superior rigidity, strength and impact resistance. This versatile product offers up to 30 percent weight savings compared to alternative materials, reducing overall car weight. It also meets flame, smoke and toxicity requirements. From a production perspective, the material offers forming and fabrication advantages, including cycle times that are faster than most comparable materials, for greater cost effectiveness. Bayblend MTR polycarbonate sheet is available in multiple colors and textures.
  • Bayblend MTR AG (mass transit rail anti-graffiti) polycarbonate sheet – This product extension of Bayblend MTR sheet offers the same performance characteristics with an anti-graffiti surface and decorative patterns.

APTA Annual Meeting attendees are invited to visit Covestro’s booth #3707 to learn more about polycarbonate sheet materials for public transportation or to speak with a Covestro expert.