With
the DecoJect thin foil for doors, instrument panels, consoles, pillar trim and
other components, Benecke-Kaliko has developed a cost-effective alternative to
coated injection-moulded parts in passenger and commercial vehicle interiors.
It can be used to enhance uncoated injection-moulded parts. Decoject foils are
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) based foils with a PUR (Poly Urethane) based lacquer
system available with a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. This foil is back
injection mouldable only with polypropylene (PP). The foil does not have a
grain of its own. The grain is transferred on to the back injection moulded
component from the engraved tool cavity. DecoJect paves the way for new design
options for vehicle interiors with an unlimited range of colours, print
patterns, and effect coatings including metallic colours combined with any type
of grain imaginable. The foil makes it possible to match the colour and gloss
of the injection-moulded parts to other components and to give the feel of
coated components thereby enabling designers to create a harmonious
environment.
"By
contrast, polypropylene injection-moulded parts have many inherent
disadvantages when used as first-class surfaces," notes Sven Ullmann,
Benecke-Kaliko's area manager for Asia. These include their interior haptic
properties and the fact that they are restricted to comparatively fewer design
options. In addition, they are also lack good gloss levels and scratch
resistance of first class surfaces. "In some cases, this can partly be
overcome with lacquering, but this process is not only expensive, it also comes
with its own set of restrictions." For example, yellowing of PUR coats,
coat peel-off in service life and non-visualisation of high resolution grains
are the common concerns experienced. "Our DecoJect foil feels great to the
touch and noticeably improves the perceived quality of the injection-moulded
parts," says Ullmann, adding, "With semi-glossy or matt finishes
available in combination with their soft-feel haptics, they give the components
a much more luxurious appearance."
The
foil is also particularly scratch-resistant and wear-resistant. Its scratch
resistance lends itself well to applications on seat surfaces, door sill
protectors or trunk loading sills – everywhere, in fact, where injection moulding
is currently used and prone to scratching. "The excellent scratch
resistance improves the appearance of the vehicle interior throughout its
entire service life," emphasises Chintan Kanakia, country manager for
India at Benecke-Kaliko. In addition, DecoJect also offers outstanding
resistance to aqueous tenside solutions and other cleaning agents, making it
the perfect choice in terms of cleaning criteria for components that are
subject to the highest levels of wear and tear.