Japanese fibres and plastics producer Teijin (Tokyo; www.teijin.com) has developed a PC resin with enhanced properties for use in next-generation camera lenses. The company said its redesigned PC outperforms all resins currently used in camera lenses in terms of refractive index and heat resistance, making it ideal for next-generation applications.

Lenses for articles such as smartphones, vehicle and security cameras are increasingly shifting from glass to resin in order to reduce weight. As a result, the lenses require materials with a high refractive index and high heat resistance to balance the demand for smaller, lighter products with the need for strong performance and durability, the company explained.

Samples of Teijin’s PC resins are now available from a newly established production line at its plant in Matsuyama / Japan, with sales expected this summer. Teijin’s sales target is JPY 10 bn (EUR 81m) by 2020.

Another PC resin is being developed with a higher refractive index and heat-resistance, which Teijin said would be launched during fiscal 2016.