Covestro contends that polycarbonate will be a key material for new vehicle concepts and technologies responding to the trends for autonomous driving, connectivity and electrification. It will present new concepts based on the material at the VDI Plastics in Automotive Engineering conference, to be held on 14-15 March 2018 in Mannheim, Germany.
The focal points of the developments are the integration of lighting and sensor technology, automotive glazing, a functional interior and the powertrain for electric vehicles.
One example is the seamless glazing of injection-moulded elements and the integration of vitreous body parts. Covestro says the use of polycarbonate combines design freedom and functionality with the safety of passengers and other road users. For example, it can be used to create integrated LED lighting concepts and front elements that are permeable to infrared radiation from lidar sensors. The company also says polycarbonate provides good thermal insulation, ensuring greater efficiency for the air-conditioning system, extending the range of electric cars.
Covestro will show visitors a broad cross-section of its material solutions, demonstrating their optical and haptic properties. The Sample Bar gives visitors the chance to see and touch hundreds of samples. Possibilities include integrating ambient lighting with LED technology, new plastic optics and displays into large plastic components.
Together with the VDI, Covestro cordially invites participants of the congress to the Automotive Night, which takes place the evening before at Manufaktur Mannheim and offers an opportunity to talk to other participants, speakers and exhibitors before the event starts.