MATERIALS | AUTOMOTIVE
components while providing an attractive exterior design. The roof module integrates 14 sensors and
Above: Webasto’s prototype sensor roof module for autonomous driving uses polycarbonate and PC/ABS from Covestro
Seeing the light Plastics compounder Mocom has received a listing in the US vehicle market for its Alcom lighting portfolio. This means that its products have passed the US-American FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) tests for automotive exterior lighting applications. Following three years of weathering in the
desert of Arizona and humid climate of Florida, six of its polycarbonate materials are ready to be used as inner lenses in headlights or rear lights. “It is a huge step forward for all system suppliers looking for an all-in-one compound that can be used in both the local and US-American market,” said Andre Schrader, team lead of Mocom’s product and business development service. The test set-up simulates a typical automotive lighting assembly where the diffusive lens (test specimen) is covered by a coated polycarbonate sheet. The natural weathering exposure is per- formed at a fixed tilt angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal facing south in accordance with SAE J-576. Each grades showed no change in colour, appearance or optical properties.
On the roof
Automotive supplier Webasto has developed a prototype sensor roof module for autonomous driving – using both polycarbonate and PC/ABS materials from Covestro. In production, Webasto used Covestro’s trans-
parent polycarbonate Makrolon AG and black PC/ ABS Bayblend T95 MF, which together enable a lightweight, aesthetic and durable design. The Makrolon grade was developed for use in glass-like exterior components and is highly permeable to various sensor signals. It also meets high mechani- cal requirements and offers the necessary design freedom for embedding all relevant electronic
14 INJECTION WORLD | May/June 2024
cameras – and are ideally situated at the highest point of the car, to provide a complete overview of the surroundings “The complete sensor technology is hidden under a seamless roof module made of Makrolon AG,” said Fabian Grote, head of global technical marketing mobility in Covestro’s engineering plastics division. “It offers an ideal solution for integrating sensors into vehicles.” The sensors and cameras measure the distance and speed of objects in front of and beside the vehicle, while also detecting traffic lights, traffic signs and road markings. To function optimally, they must not get too warm. This is ensured by a thermal management system from Webasto. Here, the high heat resistance of polycarbonate ensures that the roof module retains its shape even at high outside temperatures and in strong sunlight. Cleaning and de-icing systems ensure flawless operation in winter. Covestro showcased another roof module last
year, equipped with Lidar sensors. The module, from Chinese automaker Human Horizons, uses special polycarbonate grades for the cover panels. Human Horizons is equipping its new HiPhi Z model with Lidar sensors protected by a housing made of PC/PET Makroblend UT235 M. Optical signals from the sensors pass through a cover glass made of Makrolon AX ST, a polycarbonate grade that ensures maximum efficiency. A dozen cameras – plus several Lidar and radar sensors – are installed on a Chinese-built car, allowing it to achieve Level 3 autonomous driving.
Interior and exterior Eurotec of Turkey offers a number of grades for both interior and exterior automotive applications. Emission behaviour, aesthetics and scratch
resistance are important in interior parts, while low moisture absorption, UV and weathering perfor- mance and surface quality are significant for exterior parts – which are covered by its Tecomid PA, Tecodur PBT and Tecotek PC/ABS grades, for instance. PA66 with 30% glass fibre is widely using for
pedal brackets and housings. Eurotec has focused on replacing virgin material with recycled material here. One grade of Tecomid Eco, for instance, has a minimum of 65% recycled content and can safely be used for pedal housings. Tecodur PBT grades have high UV performance.
Tecodur PB70 GR50 BK009 CE01 (PBT GF50) are used for side mirrors by many OEMs, it says, due to
www.injectionworld.com
IMAGE: COVESTRO
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