Polycarbonates give designers a free hand in creating future in-car displays

From basic transportation to a multi-purpose space

Autonomous, electric and rideshare vehicles of the future will be far more than a means of getting from A to B. Depending on the situation, car interiors may be used as mobile office, meeting space or even a family room. Seamless curved displays, personalized lighting and individual touch surfaces will all find expressive new forms, along with reimagined flooring and new materials. Beneath these surfaces, a new range of components and functions will await discovery by the passenger. 

Dawn of a new automotive design era

As the transition to autonomous vehicles begins, car designers have the chance to completely re-envision the automotive interior as a pod for productiveness or for relaxation. Polycarbonate materials, printed films and production technologies will help translate these visions of versatility into actual reality. We’ve created a premium interior concept display to show how a variety of components and functions can be incorporated within highly complex 3D forms.

Design freedom: form, function, color and finish

Our polycarbonate materials and films bring imaginative new car interior concepts to life. With Makrolon® Ai polycarbonate, large forms can be manufactured easily in a single part, and the material can accommodate a wide variety of underlying display technologies and components. Designers enjoy a wide choice of colors and decorative effects. In addition, all colors can be further tailored to match specific display functions.

Polycarbonate provides an inherent toughness that can withstand head impact, and its viscosity can be tailored to suit the geometry of the part. On the surface, Makrofol® film ensures durability, scratch resistance and the flexible use of graphics.

High optical quality without compromise

Regardless of vehicle class, future passengers will routinely expect a crystal clear in-car display with no distortion. Our transparent, thin polycarbonate material delivers optical purity and high resolution coupled with an extremely durable surface. Injection compression molding (ICM) yields a uniform, flush surface on a large part while minimizing birefringence and internal stress.

Durable and scratch-resistant surfaces

In addition to enabling huge flexibility in color choice, film insert molding (FIM/IMD) technology gives Makrofol® film a surface finish on a 3D form that is nearly impervious to scratches and abrasion in everyday use, while resisting chemicals and the effects of long-term weathering. 

Cost-effective design freedom for every class of automobile

From entry level to top-tier premium car interiors, polycarbonate materials and films from Covestro give designers and engineers virtually endless options for easy customization. Polycarbonates unite innovative form and exceptional durability with high optical quality and finish. They’re a cost-effective solution for automotive interior designers who are on the lookout for materials that can live up to their imaginations.