The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) announced the winners and finalists for its 42nd Automotive Innovation Awards Competition on November 7, 2012 during a Gala at Burton Manor in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Colonial Plastics was a finalist of the category: Process/Assembly/Enabling Technologies for our Illuminated Grille Badge
- OEM/vehicle: Ford/2013 Ford Mustang
- System supplier: Colonial Plastics
- Material processor: Colonial Plastics
- Material supplier: Entec
- Resin: PMMA
- Tooling/equipment supplier: Colonial Mold
Injection molded PMMA with crushed glass particles give the grille badge a sparkly look…During daylight, this unique grille badge displays a 3D chromed look, but in low light it is illuminated — an industry-first for exterior ornamentation. Injection-molded PMMA with crushed glass particles (for a sparkly look) and the unique techno (translucent, electro-chromatic, high-intensity novelty optics) process for applying an electro-chromatic layer and sealed low-voltage wiring/LED assembly replaces the hazardous, time consuming, and costly chrome plating process while creating a unique effect that will not flake, peel or delaminate over time. The part is serviceable without removing the grille and can be installed on current or previous models.
