Covestro at the VDI Congress "Plastics in Automotive Engineering"
Covestro, a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of polymer-based solutions for the plastic industry, will participate at the VDI Congress “Plastics in Automotive Engineering” in Mannheim, Germany, March 14-15, 2018.
Covestro presentation will be focused on key concepts and materials related to e-mobility, autonomous driving and the corresponding use of special materials to empower future mobility.
Among those materials, polycarbonate has been used for many years in innovative applications in the electrical/electronics and automotive industries. Due to its outstanding properties, it can also serve as a key material for the new mobility.
"The value chains face enormous challenges," explains Dr. Eckhard Wenz in a lecture about new plastic concepts for vehicles. The car expert from Covestro recognizes a clear focus: "Most of the future functionalities are derived from the electrical and electronics industry, whether it is about electric drive or battery technology, sensor technology, connectivity or artificial intelligence."
At the VDI Congress "Plastics in Automotive Engineering" in Mannheim, Covestro will present new concepts based on polycarbonate. The focal points of the developments are integration of lighting and sensor technology, automotive glazing, a functional and individually designed interior, and the powertrain for electric vehicles.
Several specific topics and their corresponding examples will be presented during the Congress by Covestro.
Seamless design
One example is the seamless glazing of injection-molded elements and the integration of vitreous body parts. The use of polycarbonate combines design freedom and functionality with the safety of passengers and other road users. For example, seamlessly integrated LED lighting concepts and front elements that are permeable to infrared radiation from LiDAR sensors also contribute to this.
Car interiors
Good thermal insulation of polycarbonate also ensures effective thermal management: The air conditioning system consumes less energy when heating and cooling, which leads to a longer range of electric cars.
Specially in car interiors, the optical and haptic material properties play an important part. Covestro uses the exhibition at VDI Congress to show visitors a broad cross-section of its material solutions for future mobility. The Sample Bar gives visitors the chance to see and touch hundreds of samples - an ideal way to discover the fascinating characteristics offered by modern plastics.
Above all, they attract the interest of designers. They offer great freedom, especially in the functional and individual design of the car interior: Ambient lighting with LED technology, new plastic optics and displays can be seamlessly integrated into large plastic components, thus conveying a complete picture.
Welcome to the "Automotive Night" - Together with the VDI, Covestro cordially invites participants of the congress to the "Automotive Night", which takes place the evening before at the "Manufaktur Mannheim". The get-together offers a good opportunity to talk to other participants, speakers and exhibitors before the event starts.
For more information, please visit www.covestro.com.
