PLEXIGLAS® Molding Compounds at K 2019 – a proven partner with a new name

• Special molding compounds for a variety of applications
• Material development follows trends in application areas
• On display at K 2019: PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for displays with black panel effect, lighting applications with homogeneous light distribution and for high-gloss decorative panels in car bodies

LED technology has transformed the lighting sector, just as electric drives are currently changing the automotive industry. Material manufacturers need to adapt to new framework conditions and offer tailor-made materials for the respective applications – and PLEXIGLAS® special molding compounds from Röhm GmbH are a perfect example of this. The Molding Compounds business unit will demonstrate how design elements can be combined with a range of functions in Hall 6, Booth no. B30 at K 2019 in Düsseldorf, which will be held between October 16 to 23.

Evonik Industries’ former Methacrylate Verbund, to which the Molding Compounds business unit belongs, has been transferred to its new owner, Advent International on August 1. The business unit producing special molding compounds under the PLEXIGLAS® brand is now presenting itself as part of the independent company Röhm GmbH for the first time. “PLEXIGLAS® is an extremely versatile plastic that offers great design freedom, is highly weather-resistant, and is easy to mold and process, among other properties. The material also impresses with its low weight and excellent light-guiding properties,” explains Siamak Djafarian, Head of the Molding Compounds business unit. As a result, the material has long since established itself in many applications, such as the lighting and automotive industries and the electronics and household appliances sectors, where it helps create the latest innovations. “This wide range of applications is also reflected at our trade fair booth,” adds Djafarian.

Examples of innovative materials at K 2019

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for homogeneous lighting in vehicles:

One trend from the automotive industry is visible to trade fair visitors even from afar: Enormous lighting elements on the sides of the booth are reminiscent of modern taillights, which have long since evolved from merely functional signal lights to become large, brand-specific design elements. These homogeneous light features are realized thanks to transparent and light-diffusing PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds. They offer good light-scattering properties as well as minimal light transmission losses, and are available in a range of formulations depending on the specific application. With the new sample box at the trade fair booth, visitors to K 2019 can see the properties of the various light-scattering PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for themselves.

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for displays with black panel effect:

A display measuring 3 x 1.5 meters at the middle of the PLEXIGLAS® trade fair booth displays a number of surprising effects: When switched off, the display is invisible and appears to be part of the booth wall – but when it is switched on, it comes to life and shows multimedia content in its true colors. This is known as the “black panel effect” and is enjoying growing popularity in the automotive industry among others. Infotainment systems in the central console only come to the fore when they are needed, while at other times they do not distract from the elegant and uniform appearance of the interior. However, this effect can only be realized with a material in special, neutral gray colors – such as the various special colorings of PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds, which the Molding Compounds business unit will be showcasing at the booth.

PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds for high-gloss decorative panels in car bodies:

High-gloss car body components, such as pillar panels or covers for ventilation inlets, are another real eye-catcher at the trade fair booth. These can contribute to the elegant overall impression of the car bodywork. Electric drives are opening up new design possibilities for such parts: The electric motors free up space in the lower car body part, as less ventilation is needed and the radiator grille is no longer necessary. PLEXIGLAS® Hi-Gloss NTA-5 is a particularly impact-resistant molding compound for components in the lower vehicle section, combining optimum mechanical properties with high weather resistance, scratch resistance and depth of color.