Autonomous Vehicle Glass
Anko Glass Collaborates with Argotec Films to Develop Lightweight PC Glazing Laminated Switchable Glass For Autonomous Vehicles
From a design standpoint, autonomous vehicles require cutting-edge advanced structural materials that are strong, lightweight, and attractive. Enter Anko Glass, a Chinese manufacturer that develops lightweight, high impact resistance polycarbonate (PC) transparent composite materials and PC glazing applications for automobile manufacturers around the world.
When tech giant Baidu needed glass components for its level 5 robotic car prototype, named the Apollo, they turned to Anko Glass. Level 5 cars, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), are steering wheel-less and can autonomously drive under all conditions without requiring human driving support.
For the Baidu Apollo project, Anko Glass needed to produce a PC laminate product that could pass industry standards. There are very few companies in the automotive industry that are using PC laminate glazing technology. Prior to collaborating with Argotec, Anko Glass tested various types of interlayer films and adhesive materials that were unable to successfully bond with their PC materials.
Together, Anko Glass and Argotec pushed the limits of what’s possible by harnessing the power of engineering. The result? An ultra-thin, lightweight composite glass that uses Argotec™ ST-6050 Interlayer TPU Film to produce hyperboloid, switchable or optical clarity, as the PC laminates.
“Throughout the sample production and testing period the Argotec team provided us with the necessary technical support and helped us overcome technical difficulties in the lamination process,” said Mr. Robert Kao, Anko Glass Founder. “The cooperation with Argotec enabled us to progress our development of the ultra-thin, lightweight composite glass, which uses ultra-thin glass and PC lamination technology.”
The Lightweight PC Glazing Laminated Switchable Glass is half the weight of traditional glass while being 700 times stronger. The Baidu team used this glass for the front windshield, side windows, gull-wing doors, and rear triangle window of the Apollo. In addition to providing optical clarity, Argotec offers custom engineered thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film also provided UV protection, heat resistance, and durability.
“With all the advantages and quality of Argotec products, we are very excited about moving forward with our collaboration in the future,” Mr. Robert Kao adds. “We believe our research and development of PC glazing will be a key contributor to achieving lightweight automobiles, reducing our carbon footprint, and ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers.”
(Uncoated?) TPU Films for Surface and Paint Protection Film Converters
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As a proven supplier to the paint protection film industry, Argotec manufactures high-performance uncoated TPU films used as the foundation of PPF and other surface protection films. Our extrusion capabilities are designed for consistency, quality, and to meet exacting technical specifications for coating operations, adhesive lamination, and finished film production.
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Manufacturing Excellence |
Global Supply Reliability |
Technical Partnership |
Performance Validation |
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Decades of TPU film extrusion expertise with rigorous quality control protocols ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for your conversion processes. |
Worldwide production footprint with regional distribution capabilities ensuring consistent supply for your manufacturing operations.
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Collaborative approach to material development with technical support for coating optimization, adhesive compatibility, and process refinement. |
Comprehensive testing data and real-world performance validation supporting your product development and market positioning. |
ArgoGuard Film Product Lines
ArgoGuard Elite: Premium Base Films for High-Performance PPF
Engineered for converters producing premium paint protection films requiring specialized performance characteristics. Backed by extensive real-world validation data. ArgoGuard Elite portfolio includes:
- UV & Flexibility Leader: Superior UV stability with exceptional elongation and recovery properties, ideal for long-term outdoor exposure or complex curved applications.
- Low Gel Performance: Minimal gel content for superior optical clarity in finished PPF products
- Thick Film: 8-12 mil format for enhanced impact protection applications (limited availability)
- EU Supply Chain: European production for regional sourcing optimization
Ideal For: Premium PPF brands, self-healing film production, high-performance automotive applications, marine-grade products
ArgoGuard Sustain Portfolio: Reliable Base Films for Standard PPF Production
Cost-effective uncoated TPU films maintaining solid performance characteristics for standard paint protection film manufacturing and volume production.
- Balanced Performance: Consistent quality across key attributes at competitive pricing for standard PPF applications
- Competitive, Non-REACH: Value-oriented solution for cost-sensitive markets where REACH compliance is not required
Ideal For: Standard PPF production, fleet protection products, value-tier offerings, high-volume manufacturing
Why Converters Choose Our TPU Films
✓ Coating Compatibility: Engineered surface characteristics optimized for urethane coating adhesion and uniform application
✓Batch Consistency: Rigorous quality control ensuring minimal variation in thickness, clarity, and mechanical properties
✓Roll Quality: Precision winding with controlled tension, minimal defects, and consistent edge quality for efficient conversion
✓Technical Documentation: Comprehensive specifications, test data, and processing guidelines supporting your production requirements
✓Custom Specifications: Flexibility to develop tailored formulations for specific application requirements or market positioning
✓Supply Chain Transparency: Clear communication on lead times, inventory availability, and production scheduling
✓Competitive Pricing: Volume-based pricing structures supporting your cost management and market competitiveness
✓Global Logistics: Regional warehousing and distribution capabilities minimizing freight costs and delivery times
Technical Specifications & Performance Data
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ArgoGuard Elite |
ArgoGuard Sustain |
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Performance Validation |
Extensive real-world data |
Accelerated testing |
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UV Protection |
Exceptional |
Excellent |
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Flexibility |
Enhanced |
Standard |
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Visual Clarity |
Superior (Low Gel variant) |
Good |
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Applications |
Specialized/demanding |
Standard/volume |
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Price Point |
Premium |
Competitive |
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REACH Compliance |
Yes (all variants) |
Available |
Available Formats & Customization
Standard Thickness Range: 4-12 mil
Roll Widths: 50-74”, custom widths available
Roll Lengths: Standard and custom lengths to match your production requirements
Core Sizes: X” and X" cores standard
Contact our technical team to discuss custom specifications, formulation modifications, or application-specific requirements.
Converter Applications & End-Use Markets
Our uncoated TPU films serve as the foundation for diverse paint protection film applications across multiple industries.
🚗 Automotive PPF
🏍️ Motorcycle Protection
⚓ Marine & Boat Wraps
🚁 Aerospace Applications
🏢 Architectural Films
📱 Electronics Protection
🚚 Commercial Fleet
🏭 Industrial Equipment
Partnership Approach
We view our relationship with converters as a strategic partnership, not a transactional supplier arrangement. Our commitment extends beyond material supply to collaborative technical support.
- Product Development Support
Collaborate on new formulations, performance optimization, and application-specific material development to differentiate your PPF offerings.
- Product Development Support
Collaborate on new formulations, performance optimization, and application-specific material development to differentiate your PPF offerings.
- Process Optimization
Technical guidance on coating parameters, adhesive compatibility, lamination processes, and quality control protocols.
- Market Intelligence
Insights on industry trends, emerging applications, and performance requirements shaping the PPF market landscape.
- Quality Assurance
Comprehensive testing data, certificates of analysis, and technical documentation supporting your quality systems and customer requirements.
Supply Chain Advantages
✓Global Manufacturing Footprint: Production facilities strategically located to serve major PPF manufacturing regions
✓Inventory Management: Flexible stocking arrangements and consignment options supporting your production planning
✓Capacity Scalability: Production capacity to support your growth from emerging converter to established manufacturer
✓Lead Time Reliability: Consistent delivery schedules with transparent communication on production and logistics
✓Regional Distribution: Warehousing and logistics infrastructure minimizing freight costs and delivery times
✓Supply Continuity: Multiple production sites and raw material sourcing strategies ensuring uninterrupted supply
Quality & Compliance
Our manufacturing operations maintain rigorous quality standards and regulatory compliance supporting your product certifications and market requirements.
- ISO Certified Manufacturing
Quality management systems ensuring consistent production standards and continuous improvement protocols.
- REACH Compliance
ArgoGuard Elite and ArgoGuard Sustain Balanced Performance lines fully compliant with European chemical regulations.
✓Material Transparency
Complete disclosure of material composition, additives, and processing aids supporting your regulatory requirements.
✓Testing & Documentation
Comprehensive test reports, certificates of analysis, and technical data sheets for every production lot.
Partner With a Trusted TPU Film Manufacturer
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