The Technological Centre for Plastics (Andaltec) has launched the project “Ad-Lighting”, whose aim is the development of new materials and processes that will improve part quality and functionality for the land transport sector. Researchers at Andaltec are already working on this initiative for advanced manufacture of complex optical components based on polymeric anti-condensation materials by means of surface texturing. This project will offer innovative solutions for two of the major limitations found in the manufacture of complex optical systems: the development of optical parts with anti-condensation properties and the complex surface geometries.
This initiative is funded by the R&D scheme directed to private entities of the department for Economy, Business and University of the Andalusian government.The “Ad-Lighting” project is focused on a new methodology that will allow for the development of new materials with anti-condensation properties, having high outdoor stability and excellent optical properties. This will be achieved thanks to the structural modification of the thermoplastic matrices
The head of this project, Manuela Cano, explains that car part industries are demanding thermoplastic parts with a high complexity degree. “Currently, parts are manufactured by injection modelling, which allows for a short manufacturing period, but are also hampered by ensuing processes extending production time”, as she pinpoints. The Andaltec researcher holds that, as for parts employed in transport lighting systems, it is necessary to apply the anti-condensation character during the processing stage. “This constitutes an unsolved problem that also affects other industrial sectors using thermoplastic materials”, as she asserts.
All in all, “Ad-lighting” Project intends to apply laser technology to obtain modified surfaces at micro and nanometric level with the purpose of meeting the industrial companies’ demand for more complex coatings and geometries in thermoplastic parts. The deadline for the project is 24 months, so this R&D scheme will be active until late 2021.
