Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s scratch-resistant Makrofol films deliver high gloss and high surface hardness, plus good abrasion and chemical resistance. |
Because
of its outstanding performance characteristics, polycarbonate resin is
widely used to manufacture parts used in a myriad of industries. Parts
made of polycarbonate resins and protected with hard, scratch-resistant
polyurethane coatings offer superior impact strength, superior
dimensional stability, glass-like transparency, excellent thermal
resistance and low-temperature toughness in a broad range of
high-performance applications in the transportation, construction,
electronics, telecommunication, packaging and medical industries, to
name a few.
Now
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is bringing to manufacturers two solutions
that offer even greater scratch resistance for polycarbonate parts: its
2-D, nonformable Makrofol HS 520 hard-coated film and its 3-D formable
Makrofol HF 278 hard-coated film.
2-D hard coat with high chemical resistance and outstanding hardness
Makrofol
HS 520 hard-coated, glossy film exhibits excellent wet and dry scratch
resistance. This coated film achieves a high ASTM D3363 pencil hardness
rating, which is an established global test standard for evaluating the
surface hardness and abrasion resistance of materials. Makrofol HS 520
film is much more resistant to everyday scratching than its predecessors
and also maintains its gloss and transparency longer.
Makrofol
HS 520 film also offers excellent resistance to harsh chemicals such as
MEK and toluene and to typical “everyday chemicals” such as sun creams,
cosmetics, oils, grease, fuel and cleaning agents. It also provides
better clarity with less haze and exhibits no rainbow effect or
iridescence. Makrofol HS 520 film is ideal for flat panels, graphic
overlays and backlit displays in electronic devices and appliances.
3-D, innovative dual-cure technology solves complex cracking issue
In
addition to providing high scratch resistance, better surface hardness,
improved abrasion resistance and higher chemical and stain resistance,
new Makrofol HF 278 hard-coated films offer parts makers manufacturing
flexibility, because they are formable and offer a deep-gloss finish
(“piano effect”).
Makrofol
HF 278 formable, hard-coated films are dual-cure technologies with a
long shelf life. The hard coat is partially cured on the film and
remains stretchable during the forming operation. After the forming
operation the film undergoes an ultraviolet (UV) cure, which produces a
final hard coat free of brittleness and cracking, and sufficient for use
in subsequent insert molding operations. An ASTM rating of at least 1H
pencil hardness is achievable on back-molded parts with this film.
According
to Bayer, the dual-cure approach is attractive to manufacturers of
complex parts such as automotive bezels, center stack consoles,
electronic housings and household appliances which are formed under high
pressures.
In
addition to the Makrofol HS and HF coated films, Bayer MaterialScience
Functional Films offers other technologically advanced grades: LM (Light
Management), ID (ID Cards and Security), HX (Holographics), and SR
(Scratch Resistant) capped products.
SOURCE: Bayer MaterialScience LLC