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BEYOND SURFACES
Fall
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30
Passion
Markets
The study concerns the five-seater VW Tiguan which is
conceived as a zero-emission vehicle (a petrol engine
starts up only as needed) and is based on the newly
developed second generation of the VW Tiguan. The
topic of design is of central importance for the Volkswagen
brand. An emotional design and a high level of precision
are factors which define automobiles with an appealing
character. This is expressed in the Tiguan GTE Active as
it presents itself with independent design elements in an
‘authentic off-road look’.
The ePD technology from Oerlikon Balzers has a
decisive share in this: For one thing, it represents the
environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative for
plastics metallization, and for another, the attractive
VW Tiguan study relies
on ePD technology
In a striking dragon red, Volkswagen
presented their study on the
Tiguan GTE Active at the Detroit Motor
Show beginning of this year. The
Oerlikon Balzers ePD technology
used on the exterior mirror covers, the
front-light frame and the radiator grille
strips makes a significant contribution
to the design of the vehicle.
colour range opens up many new possibilities for
designers which are otherwise offered by only very
few technologies. The exterior mirror covers, front-light
frame and radiator grille strips were metallized in an
ePD hue similar to haematite called ‘black chrome’,
which the Oerlikon Balzers ePD specialists defined in
cooperation with VW designers.
Sustainable ePD technology
The technology of plastic metallization has attracted the
attention of designers and important industrial sectors
for many years. High-quality components with glossy,
metallic surfaces, such as those used for interior and
exterior equipment on automobiles or in the consumer
electronics segment, presently represent a strong trend
and increase the value of the end product. The ePD tech-
nology developed by Oerlikon Balzers is a trail-blazing
coating method for all areas in which high-quality metallic
surfaces are required on plastic parts. What’s more, it
is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional
production methods: Because ePD operates entirely
without the use of toxic substances such as chromium
derivatives, this type of metallization will comply with
the European REACH environmental regulations taking
effect at the end of 2017.
Authentic look
A new challenge every day
Halil Arifovic is proud of his work: “We are the connecting
link between the customer and Oerlikon Metco. In
order to make sure the customer is satisfied with the
end result, we work closely together with other depart-
ments, such as Equipment Assembly or Engineering.
Our job also includes advising and supporting our
internal, and of course our external customers with
respect to the overall technical process sequence
which is of relevance for coating. Consequently,
Massimo and I visit customers on site regularly. That
gives us very fascinating insights and
the collaboration with the experts on
site is very fruitful!”
Peter is happy to leave the foreign
travel assignments to his two younger
colleagues these days: “Even after
so many years, I still learn something
new at CSC every day – that’s what
motivates me the most. Some of the
problems which customers bring
to us can be solved in a matter of a few hours. But
sometimes you have to tinker with it for a couple of
days to find the perfect solution – after all, we offer over
1’000 powders and over 35 different processes. I’ve
had and still have the opportunity to work with some of
the true experts for thermal spraying – there is no clas-
sic training for our profession, you see. Oerlikon Metco
is a leader in the area of thermal spraying and we are
all immensely proud to belong to the small circle of
people worldwide who have so much knowledge and
experience in this area.”
Pragmatists enamoured with detail
During the visits BEYOND SURFACES paid to the two
teams in Balzers and Wohlen, not only the enthusiasm
for their respective professions was truly palpable: Their
passion for detail is also a trait all five share in common.
“Our experience and our careful attention to even the
smallest details makes it possible for us to offer the
quality the customer expects. That is not only good
for Oerlikon Balzers or Oerlikon Metco, but also for us
as individuals. It might sound like a cheap advertising
slogan to say that the customer is king. But that doesn’t
matter. The main thing is that the customer is happy and
we’re happy,” explains Helene Aggeler pragmatically.
And meticulous pragmatists is what they all are – they’re
in agreement on that.