AUDI personalizes the R8 with new technology
AUDI Ingoldstätter has developed a process for the partial matting of painted surfaces. A special powder roughens the top layer of paint to a depth of a few thousandths of a millimeter, so that individual signets become visible when light falls on them. Using this process, the Audi exclusive program offers personalized sideblade designs for all R8 customers on request. The process developed by [...]
The process developed by Audi experts makes every Audi unique. As the components are only decorated with the desired symbols after the painting process, the process can also be easily integrated into ongoing series production.
"Being able to implement individualizations during ongoing series production is a maxim of our Smart Factory," says Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl, Board Member for Production at Audi AG.
In addition to the corrosion-protective cathodic dip coating, the paint finish of an automobile consists of at least three further layers: Filler, basecoat, and the transparent clearcoat as the top protective layer. In the newly developed process, a stencil is first applied to the component to cut out the desired pattern. Then a blasting unit sprays special powder onto the surface, which roughens the clearcoat to a depth of just a few thousandths of a millimeter - equivalent to less than a tenth of the thickness of a human hair. This creates an effect similar to a matte and homogeneous embossing.
"With this process, we specifically influence the brilliance of the coating as well as the intensity of its gloss. The incident light is diffusely reflected on the individualized areas. This makes them appear matte," says project manager Dr. Erhard Brandl. Production section manager Mirko Endres adds: "In contrast to conventional lettering and motif stickers, this form of individualization is weather-resistant and has a much higher-quality appearance."
The Audi paint shop can implement almost any motifs that the customer wishes and that do not affect the rights of third parties. Currently, components measuring 1 x 1 meter can be processed using the process. The Audi R8 super sports car is the first model for which this technology is offered via the Audi exclusive individualization program. On request, R8 customers can have the sideblades on both the Coupé and the open Spyder variants customized. There are plans to extend the offer to other models.
