Developed 3D decorative hard coat film exclusively for automobile exteriors.

No.122C32
September 14, 2021

Developed 3D decorative hard coat film exclusively for automobile exteriors.
Reducing CO2 Emissions in Automobile Manufacturing through Paint Substitution

AICA Kogyo Corporation (Representative Director and President: Yuji Ono, Head Office: Nagoya, Aichi) has developed a 3D decorative hard coat film exclusively for automobile exteriors that contributes to reducing CO2 emissions in automobile manufacturing. Sample work will begin in October 2021.

Development Background

In the automotive industry, technological innovation is progressing in the area of “CASE” (Connected, Autonomous/Automated, Shared, and Electric), and the nature of automobiles itself is changing. In addition, the growing sense of urgency over climate change has heightened public interest in ESG and SDGs, and measures to realize a decarbonized society are taking shape in various fields, and sustainable manufacturing methods are being sought in the automotive industry as well.

In particular, as countries move toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, about 30% of CO2 emitted from automobile manufacturing is said to come from the painting process, which involves repetitive painting and drying, and decorative films are attracting increasing attention as an alternative material to paint. We have been selling 3D decorative films for automobiles since 2018, and have now succeeded in developing a 3D decorative hard coat film for automobile exteriors such as hoods. Compared to automobile interiors, automobile exteriors have a larger area, and switching from paint to decorative film is expected to further reduce CO2 emissions.

In addition, the film does not emit volatile organic compounds, which is a problem with spray painting, making it possible to create cars that are friendly to the global environment and the health of workers. In addition, in July 2021, we succeeded in developing a hard coat product partially using plant-derived biomass raw materials, and we will apply this technology to 3D decorative hard coat film for automotive exteriors.

We will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by developing products that use sustainable materials and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Product Features

• This is a 3-dimensional decorative hard coat film exclusively for automobile exteriors with twice the weather resistance of conventional products.
• It does not emit CO2 or VOCs, contributing to the creation of cars that are friendly to the global environment and the health of workers.
• By applying various designs to the film, it is possible to realize designs different from those of conventional painted automobile bodies.
• Combines high gloss comparable to spray paint with abrasion resistance to withstand car wash scratches, etc.
• At the high temperature range (130°C) during thermoforming, it becomes flexible and achieves an elongation ratio of 50% or more, which is necessary for 3D molding.
• Pre-cured type* that does not require UV irradiation in the post-process, eliminating the need for additional equipment investment.

* A pre-cure method where the film is UV-cured before thermoforming, eliminating the need for UV curing afterward. In contrast, the after-cure type (UV curing after the film is molded) requires a significant investment in equipment, including multiple large UV lamps to accommodate the molded product.

Product Overview

Product Name	3D Decorative Hard-Coated Film For Automobile Exteriors "Lumiart HC Series"
Application	Paint replacement film for automobile exteriors

Sample Work Start Date

October 2021

Annual Sales Target

300 million yen

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