Expanding the possibilities of film decoration for automotive exteriors
3D Decorative Hard Coat Film “Lumiart”
Approximately 25% of CO₂ emissions from car manufacturing are said to come from the painting process.
As a result, decorative films are gaining attention as an alternative to traditional paint.
In this context, we at Aica Kogyo have developed a 3D decorative hard coat film called “Lumiart”.
This material performs well as a hard coat, offers excellent for post-processing and moldability,
and does not require UV curing after molding.
By switching from paint to decorative film,
we can reduce CO₂ emissions and eliminate the release of VOC (volatile organic compounds),
which are one cause of photochemical smog.
This enables us to produce sustainable vehicles that take into account both workplace and global environments.
Take advantage of AICA’s technology to greatly expand the possibilities of film decoration.
What is Lumiart?
This is the name for Aica Kogyo's range of high-performance film products.
Aica Kogyo developed optimal coating techniques for each resin type to maximize the performance of this advanced UV-curable resin.This high-performance film is optimized for factors such as base film, coating thickness, UV exposure conditions, and more.
In addition to automotive interior and exterior applications, it can also be used for large displays, smartphones, tablet surfaces, and internal touch sensor films.
A major challenge facing the automotive industry is reducing CO₂ emissions during manufacturing.
As shown in the pie chart to the right, CO₂ emissions from the painting process account for the largest share of emissions in automobile manufacturing, representing approximately 25%.
This video will introduce AICA's 3D decorative hard film and explain its features and characteristics in an easy-to-understand way.
Complete Edition
Features Overview
We estimate that switching from spray painting to our product will reduce CO₂ emissions by more than half.
In addition, the film enables the production of automobiles that are considerate of both the global and workplace environments, as it produces no VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, which are problematic in spray painting.
*Estimated values based on specific shapes.
AICA is a chemical resin manufacturer with a long history of providing resin-based products that can withstand the harsh conditions of building exteriors. We have applied our extensive resin technology expertise to mobility applications, developing a film that is both durable and stretchable, with excellent weather resistance. This film also offers resistance to extreme conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to gasoline.
Left: AICA product, no yellowing /
Right: Competitor product, significant yellowing
<After 2000 hours of XWOM testing>
This is a pre-cured product that does not require UV post-processing, eliminating the need for additional equipment investment. It’s not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective to implement.
*Film insert meth
Our special resin technology provides excellent elasticity during the heat molding process and superior hard coat performance under normal use conditions. This product offers 3.5 times higher elongation for interior applications and 2 times higher elongation for exterior applications.
For interior components, sunscreen lotion on hands can adhere to surfaces and melt plastic in the summer heat.This product offers high chemical resistance to sunscreen and hand cream.It is also resistant to gasoline and oil, qualities essetial for exterior use.
Left: AICA product / Right: Competitor product.
<Sunscreen Resistance Test: 80℃ for 24 hours>
The film has high hardness, and, like paint scratches, can be repaired using commercially available compounds and waxes.(Deep film scratches, like these in paint, cannot be repaired.)
<Before and After Compound Repair>
By optimizing the adhesive/bonding layer, this film can be applied to metal, resin, and other difficult-to-bond substrates. It is widely used as a hard coat film that can protect the surface of various substrates.
Another feature of the 3D decorative 'Lumiart' hard coat film is its ability to offer a wider variety of designs than paint. Like traditional painting, it can achieve solid colors, pearl finishes, and metallic effects. Additionally, it can create geometric patterns and designs that change with the light, thanks to the unique properties of the film.
Wood grain decorative film
Piano black decorative film
Four organizations jointly submitted a proposal for the "Cyber-Physical Development Project for Quantum/AI Hybrid Technology," publicly announced by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The proposal was accepted. We are working on the development of automotive exterior parts that can be easily disassembled using methods such as heat, light, electricity, chemicals, microwaves, and more.
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This technology can be applied to automotive interior and exterior parts that were traditionally spray-painted.
Various film lamination methods, such as the film insert method and TOM (Three-dimensional Overlay Method),
can be selected based on the shape and design of the part.
Here are some examples of applications for 3D decorative hard coat film.
Case01
In recent years, there has been a growing trend to reconsider the use of spray paint due to its adverse effects on the workplace environment and CO₂ emissions. However, there were no alternative coating methods for 3D products other than spray painting.
Our 3D decorative hard coat film offers both high elongation and hardness, allowing it to follow 3D contours while providing a level of hardness comparable to spray coatings, all through a more environmentally friendly process.
Case02
After-cure type products requiring UV exposure are prone to deformation during the molding process because the hard coat layer remains uncured. Dust or foreign objects can become trapped on the surface, leading to deformation and a decrease in product yield.
In addition, depending on storage conditions, the hard coat layer may continue to cure, making the product more susceptible to cracking or other damage.
Our products are pre-cured, ensuring a very stable hard coat layer. This makes handling during production easier and contributes to improved product yield.
