Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Sabic Innovative Plastics | Subject: Lexan SLX film
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 19 July 2005
Film gives paint a run for its money
When the new 2005 Opel Zafira compact van arrives in showrooms this summer, customers will be dazzled by the high gloss and rich colour of its unique roof.
When the new 2005 Opel Zafira compact van arrives in showrooms this summer, customers will be dazzled by the high gloss and rich colour of its unique roof To achieve exceptional aesthetics and durability, Opel selected GE's Lexan SLX film for this complex part as a superior alternative to a traditional painted component
As part of GE's ecomagination initiative to help customers solve tough environmental challenges, Lexan SLX film could help avoid harmful volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, associated with conventional paint, to lessen the impact on the environment.
"To make the Zafira roof design concept a reality, while helping to reduce VOCs for environmental compliance, we needed a fresh, new approach, and Lexan SLX film delivered", said Hans-Dieter Langer, Exterior Director, Plastics Engineering at Opel.
"We're delighted with its many advantages over conventional painting, including an exceptional gloss level that matches the overall look of the roof".
"The Zafira is Opel's first experience with this GE technology and we are confident that customers will be impressed with the look and performance of this roof module solution".
The Zafira roof module, which is developed and manufactured by Webasto, is back-moulded using a polyurethane LFI substrate and preformed Lexan SLX film.
The multilayer structure is infused with pigment, avoiding the requirement for priming or painting.
In comparison with a traditional painted system, which Opel decided against, Lexan SLX film can help reduce VOC emissions.
VOCs, which have been shown to have a negative impact on air quality, are strictly regulated in Germany where Opel is headquartered.
In addition to helping reduce VOCs, replacing painted exterior components with lighter-weight Lexan SLX film could potentially result in the production of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
As an example, body panels made of GE Advanced Materials resin, including Lexan SLX films, could be up to 40% lighter, compared with similar components made from painted metal.
Another potential benefit is water conservation from the elimination of waterborne paints.
Coupled with its potential environmental benefits, Lexan SLX film provides outstanding performance in demanding automotive applications.
It is exceptionally weatherable with good scratch and chemical resistance, extremely strong, and tested to withstand prolonged outdoor exposure.
But what customers will notice is the high-gloss finish and rich colour.
For the roof module, with its extensive use of glass insets, Opel wanted a finish that would be highly polished.
With a gloss rating of 110 - far exceeding that of painted steel, for example - Lexan SLX film gives paint a run for its money.
"As a centrepiece of the GE ecomagination initiative, Lexan SLX film can offer tremendous potential to manufacturers who are looking for a new solution to boost environmental compliance", said Kurt Schuering, Executive Director, GE Advanced Materials, Automotive.
"We have worked closely with Opel and Webasto to validate the performance of this unique technology".
"A solution like Lexan SLX film not only addresses environmental challenges but also delivers top performance and shows that GE innovation is stronger than ever - and growing".
GE offers other innovative materials with paint avoidance potential, including Xenoy, Geloy and Valox resins that can be used in place of conventional paint systems.
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