Technology isn’t just restricted to mechanical engineering. We can also see new technology in the painting of automobiles. German car maker, Audi has just developed a process for the partial matting of painted surfaces. With this process, the Audi exclusive program offers personalized design of the side blades for all R8 customers. This new process developed by Audi experts makes each Audi unique. An owner can etch desired symbols into their car’s paint job. The symbols are applied to components after being painted, the process can easily be integrated into normal series production.Painting an automobile consists of – in addition to the cathodic dip coating to protect against corrosion – at least three further coats: filler, base coat and the transparent lacquer as the top protective coat. With the newly developed process, a template of the desired pattern is first placed on the component. A blasting system then sprays a special powder onto the surface, which roughens the clear lacquer to a depth of just a few thousandths of a millimeter – less than a tenth of the thickness of a human hair. This creates the effect of a matt and homogeneous pattern.
The Audi paint shop can apply almost any pattern that a customer might desire and which does not affect any third-party rights. At present, components with a size up to a meter by a meter can be processed in this way. The super sports car Audi R8 is the first model for which this technology is offered through the Audi exclusive individualization program. If desired, R8 customers can have their individual lettering and graphics applied to the side blades of the Coupe and the open Spyder version. It is planned to extend the offer to other models in the future.
