Polycarbonate for unique lighting effects

Bayer MaterialScience wants to position Bayblend® FR 2010 and Makrolon® 6555 in the market as two materials that enable the realization of sophisticated concepts in television housing design. "With their properties, both materials easily meet the specialized requirements of the television industry," Stephan emphasizes.
The 120 by 60 centimeter Tech Cabinet frame also fulfils other tasks in addition to its function as a "light transmitter". For example, anchoring points for the loudspeakers, various cables, the operating components and the screen mounts are all built into the frame. This high degree of integration and the variety of functions result in complex part geometry. Together with the size of the housing components, this posed quite a challenge in terms of part design, because the used polycarbonate has a relatively high melt viscosity. Bayer MaterialScience and Philips therefore worked together closely throughout the component development phase, which took only a few months. "Our services included extensive rheological calculations to position weld lines in areas hidden from view and to minimize stress in the molded part by means of optimum gating. Consequently, we were also very involved in the mold design work," Stephan explains.
Using the remote control, both the color and brightness of the ambient lighting can be adapted to the time of day and the incidence of light, thereby reducing disruptive reflections on the screen and improving picture contrast and color. There is also less strain on the viewers’ eyes, so they don't tire as quickly. AmbilightTM can even provide attractive ambient lighting around the television when the set is switched off.

Leverkusen, 2004-11-02