Axalta adds radar-compatible color formulas to its color formula database
Axalta Refinish has added color formulas that are compatible with radar systems to its global online color formula databases - ChromaWeb, Phoenix Cloud and Standowin iQ Cloud. The company is thus equipped for future radar requirements in the repair of vehicles with driver assistance systems (DAS).
"It is estimated that the market for driver assistance systems (DAS) will double by 2030, rising from a valuation of 30.9 billion US dollars in 2022 to 65.1 billion US dollars. The reason for this is the growing number of vehicles equipped with driver assistance systems. The equipment supporting the DAS is often located behind the painted plastic surfaces of vehicles and can pose a significant problem for the automotive refinish business. The paint layers can directly influence the signal sent or received by the DAS sensors," explains Gregor Dördelmann, Axalta's Refinish Color Service Manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Radar sensors are particularly sensitive to the thickness and composition of paint layers. This can lead to potential interference with critical safety systems, such as pedestrian detection, evasion systems, adaptive cruise control systems, automatic emergency braking systems and blind spot detection.
"During the color development process, we can identify and test hues that are known to affect the performance of radar sensors. These include, for example, shades with a high concentration of aluminum flakes. For shades where the transmission attenuation of the radar waves exceeds the threshold value specified by the vehicle manufacturer, we can develop a compliant color formula that meets the specifications," explains Gregor Dördelmann. The radar-compatible color formulas are related to the formulas of CromaxPro, Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC and Standox Standoblue, which are optimized for radar systems. They ensure the safe repair of vehicles equipped with radar sensors. Body and paint stores can easily recognize these radar-compatible color formulas as they are marked with a special symbol. It identifies the formulas that comply with the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for radar systems. Gregor Dördelmann concludes: "When repairing painted surfaces under which radar sensors are located, refinishers should always use the radar-compatible color formula and strictly adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's repair specifications. This ensures a safe repair." After selecting the color formula, a message is also displayed. It points out that the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for the repair and for testing the VAS must be observed before the vehicle is put back into operation.