Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) have developed a new phosphorescent coating that will make vehicles much more visible in the dark. A thin layer of glow-in-the-dark film is applied to bumpers, engine covers and cowlings. It is like the phosphorescent material that is used on watch and clock faces, the polymer in the film absorbs sunlight and then releases the energy to produce a soft glow. The aim is to make smaller, more vulnerable vehicles, like bikes and scooters to ride in low-light conditions.
Background of DevelopmentCustomer needs are diversifying in all industries, and transportation equipment users are no exception, trending toward fashionable products of sophisticated design. This tendency is especially evident in the market for motorcycles, where many customers prefer a wide variety of colourful designs, gradation expressions, and other distinctive finishes on exterior parts and components. However, available colours and designs are somewhat limited with conventional coating methods. Hence, the market has been looking for new technology that can allow greater freedom of expression in design.
Meanwhile, an existing surface finishing method employing pattern-printed film -- often used in automobile interior finishes and cellular phones -- offers more colourful, textural design of higher quality. However, as it is conventionally applied, this film formation method may not press the film sufficiently to conform to resin and metallic surfaces while simultaneously meeting the need to protect exteriors against scratching and weather-related degradation.
Outline of TechnologyFilm-on-Graphics is innovative film coating technology that successfully addresses the drawbacks of conventional film coatings. Specifically, the Company has developed a special film and vacuum-pressure forming technology that form-fits the film over the entire object and presses it tightly to adhere to the object’s surface. With Film-on-Graphics, the Company simultaneously meets competing needs for colourful, high-quality design expressions and sufficient weatherability for exterior applications. Potential uses of the new technology extend beyond motorcycles to a broad range of covers, cowlings, fenders and other exterior parts and components of outdoor products in general, including ATVs and snowmobiles.
Special FilmThe special film used in Film-on-Graphics consists of the surface, intermediate, print and adhesive layers. It not only allows 3D, phosphorescence and other new design expressions but also provides the necessary resistance against weathering and scratching of parts and components, with enough formability for covering curved objects.
Vacuum Pressure Film Formation ProcessFilm-on-Graphics adopts a relatively simple process of placing optimally-heated film over an object in a vacuum chamber, while at the same time applying enough pressure to press it securely against the object, followed by trimming the excess. By controlling the film temperature, timing of pressure application and other factors, the film can be pressed tightly and accurately onto curved objects. The new method is expected to reduce the amount of VOC generated in conventional coating processes, which include degreasing, drying, coating, surface treatment and graphics adhesion.
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