sustainable automobile production
For the iX, BMW relies on technology from Oerlikon Balzers
At the BMW plant in Landshut, coating systems and solutions for metallurgy of plastic parts from Oerlikon Balzers are used. The company’s EPD technology enables innovative features and designs and is compliant with Reach’s environmental regulations.
The BMW Group was awarded the “Grand Prize” for the BMW kidney grille plastic concept for its all-electric iX model. © BMW Group
Oerlikon Balzers develops coating solutions and systems that help to use resources sparingly and reduce carbon dioxide2Significantly reduce emissions.
Environmentally clean operation with low energy consumption
Epd (PVD Embedded Parts Design) is a future-oriented, environmentally friendly coating process that can be used anywhere high quality metal surfaces over plastic parts with smart functionality are required. The three-layer structure of UV lacquer and combined PVD coating is a pioneer of new design concepts for plastic components for cars with electric or hybrid engines, according to Oerlikon. Integration with other technologies such as laser marking, digital printing, and screen or pad printing opens up more possibilities for designers and engineers.
Due to its low energy consumption and the avoidance of hazardous waste, the EPD process is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, which sustainable companies especially value. In addition, the European Union has also started the so-called Reach Standard, which initially aims to restrict the use of harmful substances such as cobalt salts, boric acid and nickel and subsequently not allow them at all.
New jobs for the next generation of cars
With Inubia, BMW can offer its customers metal components of the highest quality. Interactive communication between vehicles will play a much larger role in autonomous driving, for which Oerlikon Balzers Epd-Technologie already offers solutions.
One example is radar-transparent layers for driver assistance systems: for example, a radar sensor to measure the distance to the vehicle in front can easily be installed behind the radiator grille finished with an EPD layer. Due to the special manufacturing technology, capacitive or transparent components can also be manufactured, the function of which remains invisible and therefore harmoniously fit into the design concept of modern vehicles. Since the durable, scratch-resistant coatings can be made transparent to light, symbols can also be inserted into backlit keys.
Coated mold ensures the reliability of the process
BMW is using EPD technology for the new all-electric BMW iX. Oerlikon Balzers also covers the new front kidney molding for the BMW iX, which is manufactured by Summerer Technologies. Due to its extreme hardness, the Balinit Futura Nano coating offers high scratch and abrasion resistance. Thanks to the improved mold filling and easy molding, the glossy surface quality is maintained. Thus maintenance costs are reduced and the mold can be cleaned more abrasively, despite the high heat load, without attacking the surface. As a result, the entire production process acquires a high level of productivity, economy and manufacturing reliability.
For the BMW iX kidney grille concept, the company took home the grand prize at the 20th SPE Automotive Prize in the field of exterior plastic production.
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