Polymeric Reflective Materials: The Future of Body Ornamentation and Lighting 930467
Polymeric Reflective Materials (PRM) offer the automotive designer a unique new material and processing technology for vehicle ornamentation and lighting. PRM is a highly reflective multi-layer thermoplastic extruded sheet containing no metallization or surface coatings to create it's reflective appearance. PRM's ability to “transflect” light is a very unique characteristic.
Transflection is the ability to simultaneously transmit and reflect light. PRM enables the integration of lighting components and exterior ornamentation to create uninterrupted exterior styling lines. PRM allows lighting components to disappear. Targeted applications include rear lighting lenses, illuminated body trim, emblems, door edge guards, safety lights, etc. Additionally, unique visual effects are created by front and second surface decorating. PRM also offers many interior styling options. The design concept is to have components appear bright metallic (silver, gold, copper, etc) and change appearance and or/color when back illuminated.
PRM is formed and fabricated by conventional thermoforming methods. Conventional methods are utilized to trim formed PRM parts.
Citation: Lutz, W. and Motter, G., "Polymeric Reflective Materials: The Future of Body Ornamentation and Lighting," SAE Technical Paper 930467, 1993, https://doi.org/10.4271/930467. Download Citation
Author(s):
William G. Lutz, Gregg A. Motter
Affiliated:
Dow Chemical Co.
Pages: 13
Event:
International Congress & Exposition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
SAE 1993 Transactions: Journal of Materials & Manufacturing-V102-5
Related Topics:
Vehicle styling
Extrusion
Coatings, colorants, and finishes
Thermoplastics
Copper
Doors
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