COTEC And CADIS Engineering Launch Hydrophobic Coating Printer For Enhanced Automotive Displays

Leveraging the synergy between vision care technology and advanced coating materials, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, has made a significant stride in the automotive industry. On Monday, March 18, 2024, the company announced a pioneering development in automotive display technology. This innovation comes through a collaboration between its German subsidiary COTEC GmbH and CADIS Engineering GmbH, a fellow German entity known for its expertise in digital printing machinery.

The partnership has yielded a digital printer capable of applying innovative hydrophobic coatings to automotive displays. These coatings, previously utilized in ophthalmic lenses, are celebrated for their exceptional water repellency. They ensure clarity of view by allowing easy removal of fingerprints, sebum, and dirt from the coated surface. The integration of COTEC's ultra hydrophobic coating technology with CADIS's digital printing machine expertise has led to the creation of a technology that supports continuous production of hydrophobic coatings under normal pressure conditions. This is a notable advancement from the traditional batch production method that relies on vacuum evaporators.

The new printer boasts several features aimed at enhancing the production and design flexibility of automotive displays. It enables quick coating application and seamless integration into existing production lines. Moreover, it allows for precise coating on large or complex displays using Inkjet technology, thereby offering greater design flexibility for vehicle interiors. Additionally, the printer is designed to reduce environmental impacts by minimizing energy consumption and eliminating waste through high-precision control of the coating area. These improvements not only lead to cost reductions but also contribute to an eco-friendly manufacturing process.

Demonstrations conducted at a leading European automaker supplier in the third quarter of 2023 have set the stage for accelerating efforts towards the printer’s full-scale adoption. Mitsui Chemicals' venture into this innovative technology underscores its commitment to providing sustainable products across various sectors including automotive, construction, optical instruments, and medical care.

Mitsui Chemicals' journey into coating material technology began with key acquisitions aimed at enhancing its ophthalmic lens offerings. The acquisition trail includes SDC Technologies in 2008, FSI Coating Technologies in 2010, LTI Coating Technologies in 2014, COTEC GmbH in 2020, and Coburn Technologies in 2022. These acquisitions have fortified Mitsui Chemicals' portfolio with a range of technologies from ultra hydrophobic and anti-reflective coatings to permanent anti-fogging materials and UV-curable hard coatings.

SDC Technologies, established in 1986 and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals since 2008, specializes in the manufacture, sale, and research of hard coatings, anti-fog coatings, and coating equipment. COTEC GmbH, which became part of SDC in 2020, focuses on ultra hydrophobic and anti-reflective coatings and process technology since its inception in 1997. CADIS Engineering GmbH has been contributing to the industrial inkjet systems market since 2016, catering to sectors such as automotive, packaging, and pharmaceuticals.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Mitsui Chemicals' strategy to leverage its extensive know-how in coating material technology. By extending its expertise from ophthalmic lenses to automotive displays, the company aims to deliver new value and sustainable products that meet the evolving needs of various industries.