Bayer perfects plastic film with shining edges for designers

09 March 2009

Bayer MaterialScience AG has developed `Makrofol LISA', a new polycarbonate film that provides designers with enormous scope for creating plastic parts with a highly unusual and very striking colored light from round the edges.

Potential applications include business cards, posters, traffic signs, presentation screens, fashion accessories and labels for sportswear such as ski clothing, the company said in release.

''Our light-emitting film could also be used to design components for lamps, as well as frames, beading strips and facings for cupboards and chairs,'' the release quoted Norbert Kinzel, head of the films unit in the coatings, adhesives, specialties business unit, as saying.

''This kind of corona effect is attractive for many Makrofol applications. We are thinking, for example, of displays and dials, advertising articles, trade show booths, furniture and the printing industry,'' said Kinzel.

The transparent film collects incident light, conveys it to the edges and allows it to emerge there, shining brightly. Molded parts thus exhibit a clearly visible edge lighting that emphasises their contours.

Makrofol LISA is available in green, orange and red in sheets measuring 300 x 1,000 mm.