Axalta adds RADAR compliant colour formulas to global colour database
Axalta has integrated RADAR-compliant colour formulations into its global online colour databases—ChromaWeb, Phoenix, and Standowin iQ—to anticipate future RADAR requirements for repairing cars equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
“Some projections[1] suggest the ADAS market to double from a valuation of US$30.9 billion in 2022 to US$65.1 billion by 2030 due to the number of vehicles being equipped with some form of ADAS. ADAS-supporting equipment is often located behind painted plastic surfaces on cars and can be a major concern for the automotive refinish business since the coating layers can directly influence the signal emitted and received by the ADAS sensors,” says Jim Iliopoulos, Product and Technical Manager for Axalta Australia and New Zealand.
RADAR sensors are especially sensitive to the thickness and composition of coating layers, resulting in potential interference with critical safety systems, including pedestrian detection, collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and blind spot detection.
“We can identify and test colours that we know will interfere with RADAR sensors during the colour development process, such as those with high concentrations of aluminium flakes. For colours where the RADAR transmission loss exceeds the threshold set by the OEM, we can develop a compliant colour formula that passes these specifications,” says Iliopoulos.
The RADAR compliant colour formulas, which are related to RADAR Optimised Formulas in Cromax® Pro, Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC and Standox Standoblue, will ensure accurate repairs of vehicles equipped with RADAR sensors.
Bodyshops can easily identify these RADAR-compliant colour formulations through a special icon indicating that the formulations meet OEM RADAR specifications.
Iliopoulos emphasises, "When repairing painted surfaces covering RADAR sensors, refinishers should always opt for the RADAR-compliant colour formula and strictly adhere to OEM repair guidelines to ensure accurate repairs."
Once the formula is selected, a message will also remind users of the mandatory requirement to follow OEM repair guidelines for testing ADAS before the vehicle is returned to service.
For more information, please contact your local Axalta representative or Axalta distributor.
