AkzoNobel provides Soliant Bright Film® and Paintfilm® for interior applications requiring extra durability, color and style. Special effects including printing, texturing, twotones, metallics and pearls are achieved right out of the mold.
The Class A films are ideal for applications requiring weather, UV, chemical and chip resistance. The films are 100% recyclable. Bright Films offer a chromelike finish without the hazardous effects of chrome. Both films are gaining popularity with companies interested in green technologies.
Fluorex® Paintfilm technology is the film alternative to traditional spray application systems where a full palette of colors are possible including metallic, pearlescent, and even anodized finishes. The technology utilizes the same types of pigments as our spray-applied systems in combination with chemical and weather resistant resins; affording decoration possibilities for current automotive applications.
Fluorex® Bright Film technology has a similar structure to Paintfilm, however here the color coat is replaced with a thin metallic layer that beautifully replicates the look of vacuum metallization and chrome plating without expensive processing or the use/generation of hazardous materials. Bright Film is also
non-conductive.
Prints, Patterns, & Textures can be combined with colors and Bright Film through print capabilities at Soliant. Ecofriendly anodized, brushed aluminum and chrome effects too.
DIGITAL IMAGING GROUP
Consumer electronics manufacturers have made huge strides in recent years to differentiate their products, and offer custom designs for laptops…everything from bright colors and designs, to actual artwork from world-renowned artists. Many companies use stickers, transfers or supply pre-designed computers which are decorated and manufactured in huge batches. But companies dedicated to offering a more personalized approach are using new technologies developed by AkzoNobel’s Specialty Plastics digital imaging group.
FlexxPress and JettFlexx
The AkzoNobel technology that enables the decoration of full three dimensional plastic objects is called FlexxPress, the name given to a digital imaging transfer technology, which uses a process known as image transfer. When decorating flat three dimensional objects the same technology is used with JettFlexx.
Both transfer methods use waterborn chemistry for hassle free application.
Pictaflex – Pixel Perfect
The AkzoNobel technology that enables personalization and one-off production is called Pictaflex, the name given to a digital imaging transfer technology, which uses a process known as diffusion. Compared to gravure or in-mold printing, the Pictaflex process requires significantly less capital investment, and occupies only a fraction of the production space.
Its use isn’t restricted to laptops. Pictaflex can be used to decorate and customize items as large as desktop computers, while AkzoNobel is already supplying the technology to manufacturers of mice and other peripherals. Work is also ongoing with a number of OEMs in the wireless and consumer electronics markets.
COATING EFFECTS
Reflex
When working within a few microns of surface thickness, it’s often difficult to achieve any real illusion of depth with paint. Specialty Plastic’s Reflex technology blows the lid off of that problem. This technology relies on the particles within specific paints that can be manipulated to achieve near holographic depth. It’s so extraordinary in fact that many people have to touch the surface to make sure it’s smooth, and not rippled or ribbed, as it appears to the eye.
Specialty Plastics has successfully industrialized this process and has ushered laptops, mice, and coffee makers to the market place… and the results are stunning.
Laser Etch
Designers love playing with lighting effects in new ways, such as the “hidden until lit” effect, which employs laser etch and translucent coatings that expose text or designs when an objects interior light is triggered. Laser etch has a very functional side as well in the manufacturing of automotive dashboard instruments. But more and more manufacturers are playing with laser etch purely for its exceptional aesthetic appeal, using laser etch to reveal intricate patterns and designs. By varying the depth of the etching process, multiple colors can be revealed with incredible accuracy, and wonderful appeal.
Our design center in Kalmthout, Belgium is famous for its development of new special paint effects. We have developed methods for creating marble effects, suede, crackling, and other nature-inspired surfaces. Combining these paint effects with textures and other technologies such as reflex and soft feel top coats has yielded some very convincing natural looking surfaces.
The tactile sense is growing in its influence of consumer purchasing impulses. Our Foresee color and design group includes many exciting new developments in their annual global color trend presentation. Ask your local Specialty Plastics account manager about the 5th Edition of the global color trends, created by Foresee.