Until now, backlit controls, knobs and buttons in motor vehicles have mainly been produced from white pigmented thermoplastics such as polycarbonate. Mobility, absence of noise and abrasion resistance in the gliding plane are needed to ensure the perfect functioning of such components.
These properties are currently achieved through the use of special greases that incur costs both in their procurement and storage. Further-more, the actual lubrication process is a separate operation that may also be occasionally overlooked. And last but not least: the grease is harmful to the environment and, if the passenger compartment is overheated, may result in contamination.
The use of thermoplastics with incorporated lubricants makes it possible to dispense with the grease. Lehmann&Voss&Co. have developed tri-bologically modified LUVOCOM® materials especially for the demands of the automotive industry, which render additional lubricating agents superfluous. These materials thus increase process safety, protect resources and reduce system costs. LUVOCOM® 50-8276, the latest material specially for this application, offers the photometric values necessary for good light scattering and the required colour values.