This fine grain pattern is particularly immune to scratching, as the high gloss areas in the depressions are set back and thus protected

COVESTRO will be showcasing the prototype of a new design for a steering wheel cover. This development features a wide range of colours, surface structures and tactile properties that can be reproduced on the same component from a single mould using DirectCoating.

The coated component is produced in a two-component mould using a two-stage process in an injection moulding machine. Having undergone injection moulding in the first cavity, the plastic substrate is then transferred to a second cavity that is one coating layer thickness larger. The solvent-free coating system is injected into this mould via a RIM (reaction injection moulding) mixing head. This creates a polyurethane-coated component with outstanding properties that requires virtually no post-processing.

 

Virtually unlimited design freedom

The component itself can be transparent, translucent or opaque. Its surface can be coated in various colours, decorated with a matte or high-gloss finish or protected with scratch-resistant functional coatings. There are also various tactile and surface structuring options.

This is another advantage direct coating has over spray coating. The injected coating can also reproduce contours such as sharp or rounded edges and raised surfaces because it accurately depicts the mold surface. Ultrafine grain patterns with a sharp contrast between high-gloss and matte areas are one possible variant.

At K 2016 Covestro will be showcasing a design variant with a thin illuminated strip that highlights the contour of the steering wheel cover and produces an ambient light effect. This is achieved by leaving the translucent thermoplastic substrate uncoated in the area of the strip. A light source fitted behind the substrate can then shine through the strip to create this delightful visual effect.

www.covestro.com