The reinvention of the display

The car of the future will be a mobile multifunctional living and working space. Displays and indicator instruments will take on a whole new meaning. They will become infotainment systems that will connect passengers with the outside world and provide them with information or entertainment, depending on their use. The interaction between people, cars and the environment will drive innovation in this field. More than ever, the main component of this interaction will still be the display, even as the demands on functionality and design continue to grow.

Seeing this challenge as an opportunity will require new concepts in display design and optimal integration in the car cockpit. Together with an industry partner, Covestro has developed a display concept that should meet the increased requirements in terms of optical quality, durability and design standards. The result of this cooperation is the largest three dimensional OLED display to date, which will serve as a seamless interface between humans and cars. It was presented for the first time at the plastics trade show K 2019.

Curved surface, clear image

Two Covestro materials were used in the display concept: the polycarbonate Makrolon® Ai and the polycarbonate film Makrofol®. Both thermoplastic products make it possible to fabricate geometrically challenging components that are of good quality and very durable. The high optical purity of the polymers ensures that the OLED display (organic light emitting diodes) provides vibrant colors without distorting the image due to its curved surface.

For the production of such highly complex components, Covestro was able to draw on its many years of experience in process development. An ingenious combination of manufacturing technologies ensures the surface design and durability. The surface, shape, haptics and appearance of the component can be individually adapted to the customer's wishes.