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Johnson Controls Showcases Two New, Enhanced Surface Technologies at the IAA
BURSCHEID, Germany, September 11 /PRNewswire/ -- - More Appealing Parts for Greater Well-Being Johnson Controls, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive interiors, electronics and batteries, has developed two new processes for the surface finishing of vehicle interiors. While very different technologies are involved, these two innovations have one factor in common: they both increase the quality of interior surfaces. After all, the perÂceived value of the look and feel of surfaces makes a significant contribution to the feel-good factor of vehicle interiors. In principle, numerous technologies currently are available for the surface finishing of automotive interiors. These range from the enamel painting of plastic parts, through various foils and injection-molded skin coatings up to elaborate finishes in natural leather. The reason that basic, untreated surfaces are commonly used in the lower vehicle segments is all a matter of cost. With this in mind, the interior experts at Johnson Controls sought alternative ways of creating high-quality surfaces that would improve components' scratch resistance and matte appearance. Two proÂcesses which met these criteria are now fully developed and ready for serial production: PP Thin Film and the RIM alpha process. Scratch resistance of PP Thin Film The PP Thin Film method consists of a composite foil comprised of multiple, primarily polypropylene (PP) layers in a direct mold-behind process. Unlike enamel-painted surface parts, these films are highly scratch-resistant. As the degree of glossiness can be varied, they also can be readily adapted to match the finish of adjacent parts. In their innovative RIM alpha surface technology, specialists at Johnson Controls also have introduced advances in materials processing to achieve cost-effective results. Unlike previous methods, only a one-step process is now required, reducing the processing time by about half. The all-in-one process also enables the production team to monitor wall thickness and reduce material consumption in the process. This allows strategic surface weakening to be included to accommodate airbag openings. Commenting on the new developments, Dr. Detlef Jürss, Vice President of Product EngineeÂring Seating, Interiors and Systems for Johnson Controls said, "Our innovative surface processes offer wide-ranging potential to add value to vehicle interiors, while at the same time demonstrating how seemingly sophistiÂcated technologies can still be fine-tuned through innovation." You will find the full press release with photos on http://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com. Further information is available from: Johnson Controls GmbH Automotive Experience Industriestr. 20-30 51399 Burscheid Germany Astrid Schafmeister Tel: +49-2174-65-3189 Fax: +49-2174-65-3219 E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com Ina Longwitz Tel: +49-2174-65-4343 E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com
