Covestro: Reinventing the Screen

The automobile of the future will be a multi-functional mobile living and working space. Screens and displays will take on an entirely new meaning. There will be infotainment systems that connect passengers to the outside world and provide them with information or entertainment depending on their use. [caption id="attachment_101849" align="aligncenter"] Working with an industrial partner, Covestro developed a display concept aimed at meeting future requirements regarding visual quality, design and durability.[/caption]   The interaction between people, automobiles and the environment will guide innovations in this field. Even as functionality and design requirements continue to increase, the screen will remain the key component of this interaction more than ever before.

Viewing this challenge as an opportunity will require new concepts in display design and optimal integration into the vehicle cockpit.

Covestro, together with an industrial partner, developed a display concept that must meet increasing requirements in terms of optical quality, durability and design standards. The result of this collaboration is the largest three-dimensional OLED screen to serve as a seamless interface between people and automobiles. It was presented for the first time at K 2019 plastics trade fair. [caption id="attachment_101850" align="aligncenter"] The result of the new concept: the largest three-dimensional OLED screen capable of serving as a seamless interface between people, automobiles and the outside world to date.[/caption]

Curved surface, sharp image

Two Covestro materials were used in the display concept: polycarbonate Makrolon® Ai and polycarbonate film Makrofol®. Both thermoplastic products enable geometrically demanding components to be produced with excellent quality and high durability. The polymers' high optical clarity allows the OLED screen (organic light-emitting diodes) to present vivid colors without image distortion due to the curved surface. For the production of such highly complex components, Covestro was able to draw on its extensive long-standing experience in process development. A skillful combination of manufacturing technologies guarantees surface design and durability. The component's surface, shape, haptics and appearance can be adapted according to customer requirements.