AkzoNobel Unveils Radar Transparent Coatings Solutions
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
NEW – AkzoNobel announces Radar Transparent Formula availability for repairs of OEM vehicles utilizing Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
AkzoNobel has introduced Radar Transparent color formulas for vehicle refinish markets. As automotive OEMs increasingly integrate radar sensors into vehicles, understanding the proper application criteria for applying coatings to these areas becomes crucial for preserving vital safety features like anti-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, and support for autopilot functions, bringing us closer to the era of self-driving vehicles.
Paint & Coating Influences on Radar Sensors:
Automotive paint can have both direct and indirect impacts on Advanced Driver-Assisted Systems (ADAS) depending on its properties and how it interacts with the various components of these systems. Key impacts include:
- Optical Interference: Automotive paint properties, such as reflectivity, glossiness, and color, can affect the behavior of light when it strikes the vehicle's surfaces. This optical interference can potentially impact the accuracy and reliability of ADAS sensors, as they rely on clear and unobstructed vision to function correctly.
- Sensor Calibration: The presence of automotive paint, especially metallic or reflective paint, can influence the calibration process of ADAS sensors. These sensors may need to be accurately calibrated to function optimally, and the presence of certain paint types may require additional adjustments to maintain proper alignment.
- Signal Attenuation: If not applied according to OEM specific procedures, automotive refinish systems can have a detrimental effect on ADAS technologies that use radar.
These are just a few of the considerations manufacturers and automotive engineers factor in during the design, development, and calibration of ADAS systems to ensure compatibility with a wide range of automotive paints and coatings.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Always refer to the OEM radar repair manuals for specific refinish instructions.
- To maintain signal integrity, it's crucial to avoid blending of the basecoat color and or clearcoat materials within the radar zone.
- Radar Transparent paint formulas may not be tinted, by hand or digitally using Automatchic Vision. Altering radar transparent formulas will affect radar transmission.
- Strict restrictions apply to repair actions, such as body fillers or other repairs near areas equipped with advanced technologies. Special attention should be given to refinish paint products and processes.
How do I find Radar Transparent Formulas in Mixit?
- If the OEM color requires the use of a radar transparent formula, this will be indicated in Mixit.
- All approved OEM color formulas are available in MIXIT and contain the relevant messaging highlighted red in the examples below.
- Radar transparent coatings are a MIXIT cloud-based solution only.
For more information, check out our FAQ page: Radar Transparent Coatings Questions & Answers or to learn more about ADAS, click on this link Vehicle Radar and Sensor Technology Repair Considerations
Selecting the correct formula for Radar Transparency
The Honda example below includes both the standard and radar transparent formula. Upon selecting the standard formula, the messaging indicates "There is a radar transparent formula available." Select the radar transparent formula whenever working within radar sensitive areas.
Selecting the radar transparent formula, the messaging indicates "The selected formula is developed to meet OEM radar transparent specifications. This formula MUST NOT be adjusted and MUST be applied in accordance with the recommended OEM guidelines, including those on layer thickness."
Searching for the correct radar transparency formula with Automatchic Vision
In the Honda example below, when working with measurements you may select "Search radar transparent" from the options menu. Select this option to search specifically for radar transparent formula whenever working within these sensitive areas.
Utilizing "Search radar transparent formula, provides you with A formula developed to meet specific OEM radar transparent specifications.
IMPORTANT: This formula MUST NOT be adjusted for color and MUST be applied in accordance with the recommended OEM guidelines, including those on layer thickness.
Industry Roles supporting ADAS:
OE Manufacturers:
Leading the charge in vehicle safety technologies, OE manufacturers provide essential repair guidelines and radar repair standards, offering radar and sensor manuals for collision repairers.
The Repairer:
Responsible for ensuring sensors' functionality during repairs, repairers must adhere to OEM repair methods and use AkzoNobel's e-Learning modules to enhance their knowledge of radar technology and color formula search processes.
AkzoNobel:
Leveraging our expertise, AkzoNobel advises on the right refinish system and radar-transparent color formulas supported by our approved refinish brands, Sikkens and Lesonal, to meet stringent OEM specifications.
Enhance your expertise:
We invite you to participate in a comprehensive online training session dedicated to Radar Transparent Coatings Solutions, developed by AkzoNobel's refinish experts. This training will equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in repairing these coatings. To learn more, click on this link Vehicle Radar and Sensor Technology Repair Considerations and become an industry leader in automotive refinish.
As the automotive landscape rapidly evolves, AkzoNobel remains committed to empowering repairers with cutting-edge solutions for safer vehicles. Together, let's embrace the future of automotive technology and set new industry standards for radar-transparent repairs. For more information, visit our website and stay tuned for exciting developments in the world of automotive coatings!
View a free live webinar "Navigating the Intricate Landscape of Coatings and ADAS" hosted by technical experts Bob Chapman and Tracy Frye. The webinar is on September 25 at 2:00 P.M. ET. You can view full event details and register here.
