Oct 4 2012
At its 2012 Transportation Summit this week – an event showcasing the newest technology solutions designed to address industry challenges such as alternative energy, weight reduction, safety, sustainability, passenger comfort, personalization and quality – 3M displayed its Uniform Lighting Lens (ULL) technology to its OEM transportation customers and their suppliers.
A prototype of a tail lamp using 3M Uniform Lighting Lens demonstrates the uniform lighting possible with a small number of LEDs. (Photo: Business Wire)
The ULL innovation, which allows for new design and performance possibilities for LED illuminated tail lights, is a unique light management solution utilizing a precision engineered, micro-patterned polycarbonate that provides even illumination when used as an inner lens in LED tail lamp designs.
The ULL technology can currently be seen on its first commercial vehicle application, the 2013 Buick Enclave.
“Our Uniform Lighting Lens technology is a solution to several challenges our customers face,” said Jeff Boettcher, new business development manager, 3M Automotive. “It can be used not only to create new, modern lighting designs, but also allows for manufacturers to create signature images to generate brand differentiation.”
When ULL is used in an application, the hollow light mixing cavity design enables the creation of lightweight, unique designs with a thin profile and uniform appearance. This improved uniformity may also enable LED reductions. ULL’s thermoformable, automotive grade polycarbonate also provides proven durability while allowing custom shapes to be created.