Optical Coating Systems for the Automotive Industry

Optical coating systems are used in a variety of industries including automotive. In fact, the use of thin film technology in the production of vehicles and accessories is growing steadily. Optical coating is helping to fuel some of the major breakthroughs in the automotive industry as well as making cars safer and more affordable.

Here are just a few of the ways that thin film coatings are used in the automotive world:

Solar Cells: Solar technology is very “hot” right now as automotive manufacturers try to determine how to more efficiently utilize solar power generation in their vehicles. One area that shows major promise is with solar cells made using thin film photovoltaic technology. Compared to older, silicon panel-based solar panels, these cells are much more flexible, lightweight and affordable to produce. The use of this technology could make fully solar powered cars more acceptable for everyday drivers.

Automotive Glass: The use of thin film coatings for automotive glass is extensive. Coatings applied to a front windshield can keep frost from forming or help drivers to defog their windows. They can also add the reflective “baffles” that are found on car headlights.

Thermal Coatings: Parts manufacturers can use a thermal evaporation system to thermally coat the items they produce. Dry coatings are used to permanently lubricate bearings, pistons, gears, valve stems, piston rods and other parts that need to move freely without constant oil. Thermal barrier coatings on piston domes, combustion chambers and exhaust systems reduce heat transfer while heat dissipation coatings are applied to parts such as radiators, brakes and oil coolers to cool down parts that heat up during heavy use.

Written by Denton Vacuum, LLC.  Denton Vacuum, LLC creates the latest e-beam evaporation and sputter deposition thin-film advances for customer in a range of industries.

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