Advanced automotive technology requires an increasing number of parts with precisely defined reflective, optical or surface properties. Applications range from metallization for reflection and decoration through protective coatings to dielectric mirrors or optical filters for infrared night vision systems, data communication or heat management. In this paper, several examples currently under investigation at Leybold Optics are discussed with regard to the recent state of technology as well as manufacturing and cost aspects. Direct metallization on molded polymer parts is widely used to provide reflecting layers for numerous automotive parts. In a new process, enhanced corrosion protective properties of the coatings of aluminium reflectors are reached by plasma polymerization of siloxane precursors using additional reactants. Higher protection can be achieved by alternative layer stacks. By controlling the surface energy of the last layer deposited, the part can be furnished with additional properties to repel dirt or minimize condensation. A cost-efficient method of producing a chromium free high gloss finish on aluminium wheels has been developed using layer stacks comprising special lacquer systems and vacuum metallization methods. Numerous existing or potential applications for partial or wavelength selection of light can be found in driver assistance systems, optical sensors and headlamps. Transparent hard coats produced by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) offer superior abrasion properties. Vacuum coating offers increased functionality, better performance and higher manufacturing yields than traditional processes and, in many cases, is the key technology to make new applications work at all. A multitude of functions such as reflection, protection and precision optics can be tailored to the precise needs of the actual functionality and cost frame.
Vacuum deposition of functional coatings on polymer substrates, technical properties and manufacturing aspects
Vakuumzerstäubung von Funktionsbeschichtungen auf Polymersubstrate, technische Eigenschaften und Herstellungsaspekte
2005
10 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 6 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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