INNOVATION | AUTOMOTIVE
Showing the way forward in optical moulding
Sophisticated lenses made possible by new injection moulding technology and compounds are providing new opportunities in lighting for the automotive industry, writes Mark Holmes
Improved injection moulding technology is now providing significant productivity gains for mould- ers of automotive lighting. In addition, new and improved moulding compounds are offering advances in lighting performance for carmakers, while providing new design and styling options for vehicles. There are several major trends in the optical moulding and automotive lighting market current- ly, according to Jochen Mitzler, Director of Market Intelligence and Product Management for Krauss- Maffei. “For example, one is to replace standard spreading discs by LEDs,” he says. “In addition, there is a worldwide trend towards multi-layer applications. Parts with integrated sensor technol- ogy are becoming more popular too, not only for automotive interior applications but also for
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exterior parts, for example for spacers. New innovative headlamp systems like new standard matrix lights/LEDs and new HUD [head-up dis- plays] systems are increasingly in demand. Moreo- ver, there is a rising demand for lens arrays instead of singular lenses. As for resin materials, lenses made of LSR [liquid silicone rubber] are increas- ingly in demand for temperature resistant parts with smaller layer thicknesses and lower yellowing. “Economic efficiency and especially cycle times
and reduction of waste are the major driving factors in new developments. New micro structures and materials, for example, increasingly require dynamic mould tempering. In this area, university institutes in particular are driving science and research forward in order to develop new processes and technolo- gies. New camera systems and simulations are
September 2018 | INJECTION WORLD 49
Main image: For the exact scattering effect of headlights and rear lights, a precisely harmonised process chain is necessary
PHOTO: KRAUSSMAFFEI
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