The design of vehicle structure is undergoing drastic changes all over the world. Alternative drive technologies, such as electric vehicles, new connection modes and autonomous cars, all require a new concept of automotive design.
It also includes a new design for the front of the car, the ' face ' of a car, a glass-like surface with a variety of functions. With more than a decade of experience in the field of glass-like exterior parts, and combining its thin film and glazing technology, Covestro has invented an innovative front-end modular study, which provides solutions for many of the automotive industry's requirements.
Starting October 16, 2018, the company will showcase the design concept at the German plastics industry trade Show (Fakuma) in Frederiksborg, Germany, and at the International Auto supplier Trade Show (IZB) in Wolfsburg.
New design with highly functional integration In the future, the front-end design of the car will be a three-dimensional, seamless, glass-like surface features, the traditional radiator grille will be eliminated. "Automakers want to design a model that is different from their competitors as independently as possible," explains Stefan Schulten, head of automotive division at Covestro's Specialty film division, and Europe, Middle East and Africa, explaining that it is not just about the wishes of automakers, It also involves the integration of more and more features in less space.
' By using a variety of decorative or translucent films, the front of the car has been designed in many ways. In addition, lighting and signaling functions, such as the required communication between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians, can also be achieved. A special form is the black panel technology, in which a special makrofol® polycarbonate film is used, with a light source behind it to illuminate.
When the light source is off, passers-by can only see a mat with a black surface.
Compact Polycarbonate Construction The structure of the front-end module prototype consists of a film with a color pattern, such as the company's trademark pattern, depending on the customer's requirements.
Traditional metal trademarks have been replaced by modern versions. The composite is then coated with a transparent MAKROLON®AG polycarbonate using the film insert molded parts (FIM) technology. The smooth surface and the polycarbonate depth effect create a glass-like look. In addition, although the use of planar makrofol® film, will still produce three-dimensional effect.