Automotive -EV and Autonomous Driving-
Material Strengths for Future Vehicle Manufacturing
The future of automotive is evolving to be lighter, safer, and smarter. The acceleration of EVs and automated driving is creating new material needs in vehicle design.
Kuraray's KURALPHA™ and PARAMIGHTY™ are advanced materials that respond to these changes. With characteristics such as high heat resistance, transparency, light weight, and high strength, it offers new possibilities for the next generation of vehicle manufacturing.
KURALPHA™ : Maintains Transparency Even Under Harsh Conditions
The acceleration of EVs and automated driving is creating new material needs in vehicle design.
Kuraray's KURALPHA™ and PARAMIGHTY™ are advanced materials that respond to these changes. With characteristics such as high heat resistance, transparency, light weight, and high strength, it offers new possibilities for the next generation of vehicle manufacturing.
KURALPHA™ : An Innovative Alternative to Polycarbonate
Toward Advanced Automotive Lighting
Nishina Ryo
Chemicals & Plastics Sales Dept., Methacrylate Division
Previously, PMMA was not suitable for headlights and could not take advantage of its benefits.
KURALPHA™ changes that. Thanks to its high heat resistance, the headlights remain transparent and the covers retain their shape.
Other benefits: KURALPHA™ is suitable for the production of high heat-resistant acrylic decorative films, opening up new possibilities for functional and beautiful lighting design. Furthermore, it can be used in both injection molding and extrusion molding. This allows customers the flexibility to respond to individual product requirements. KURALPHA™ is a new sustainable material that replaces polycarbonate and conventional PMMA. Transparency, dimensional stability, and durability.
KURALPHA™ : Always in Shape
- Heat resistance: KURALPHA™ MX grades withstand high temperatures, with a heat distortion temperature (HDT) of 112°C.
- Flow properties: Kuraray's proprietary polymerization technology provides excellent flow properties despite heat resistance.
- Mechanical stability: High mechanical stability with a flexural modulus of 3,500-4,000 MPa.
- Compatibility: KURALPHA™ AX grades are compatible with PMMA and ABS resins and can be blended in any ratio, further improving heat resistance. KURALPHA™ MX grades are compatible with transparent ABS resins and can be blended in any desired ratio. Heat resistance can be improved while maintaining transparency.
PARAMIGHTY™ : The Next Generation of In-Vehicle Displays
Displays are an indispensable part of the modern automotive. It is the interface between the driver and the vehicle, enhances safety, improves comfort, and plays a central role in interior design. This places high demands on the materials used.
Taiki Teragaki
Sheet Sales Dept., Methacrylate Division
The shape remains stable even in high-temperature environments and is easy to see even with polarized sunglasses. We were able to achieve the safety and comfort required for in-vehicle displays with PARAMIGHTY™ (PMMA / PC) multilayer sheet.
PARAMIGHTY™ : Reliable Peace of Mind for Tomorrow's Vehicles
The evolution of automotive is also the evolution of materials. Kuraray's new PARAMIGHTY™ material has excellent heat resistance and suppresses heat-induced deformation and warpage, thereby enhancing the reliability of in-vehicle displays and interior components. Furthermore, it ensures visibility even when polarized sunglasses are used, and reduces blackout and color irregularities. Herein lies Kuraray's challenge to meet the needs of next-generation vehicles in terms of comfort, safety, and environmental performance. PARAMIGHTY™ brings new value to the mobility of the future.
PARAMIGHTY™ : A Material That Protects Your Vision for Tomorrow
A head-up display (HUD) is an important technology that enhances safety and comfort while driving. Kuraray's PARAMIGHTY™ HUD protective cover grade cuts infrared rays to reduce temperature rise inside the unit and support stable performance. In addition, it conforms to FMVSS No. 302, offering reliable quality. Our technical staff strongly supports customers' development through prototyping and evaluation using our own facilities. Kuraray's challenge for future in-vehicle technology begins here.
Supplementary Information
PARAMIGHTY™ (1): Mass production MT220R_T63_0.5mmt
PARAMIGHTY™ (2): Developed PMMA/PC_0.45mmt ...Tt68% Mar 2025 Prototype production
Comparison (1): Modified film specifications
Comparison (2): IR-cut coating specification
PARAMIGHTY™ : Supporting Comfort, Safety, and the Environment
- Heat resistance: PARAMIGHTY™ has excellent heat resistance and suppresses heat deformation and warpage.
- Optical properties: PARAMIGHTY™ is effective in improving visibility when using polarized sunglasses, avoiding blackout, and reducing color irregularities by adjusting and controlling retardation.
- Solution: Our technical staff will support customers with prototyping and evaluation using our own test extruder. We also focus on developing solutions to meet the needs of environmental performance, safety, and comfort, such as HUD protective cover grades and bendable grades.
