K 2013: ECKART displays pigments that pop at K

ECKART is promising a metallic appearance for automotive and associated components like door handles, side add-ons, interior trim, gear knobs, covers and other decorative elements using its new effect pigments.

ECKART (Stand 5/E16) will showcase its SILVERSHINE pigments, which lend a metallic or steel look to plastics parts. The aluminum-based pigments reportedly have excellent optical properties, hiding power, and, what ECKART calls a distinctive flop. The company notes that SILVERSHINE is especially suited for plastics with high-quality surface properties, including engineering plastics such as PC/ABS, as well as polyolefins. ECKART adds that mass-colored plastics are less scratch-sensitive compared to coated surfaces.

Automotive OEMs as well as Tier suppliers derive multiple benefits from using plastics pigmented with SILVERSHINE, ECKART said, adding that unit costs can be reduced by up to 30%.
Additional product displays at K by ECKART include:

ENERGYSAFE, which absorb less sunlight, reflecting up to 60% of solar radiation. The pigment is particularly suitable for outdoor applications, including wall sidings or plastic roof tiles, as well as for wood plastic composites (WPC) decking. Automotive interior applications can include dashboards or artificial leather.

LASERSAFE for environmentally friendly laser marking, replacing heavy metal-based pigments that had been required for laser marking of caps and closures or other plastic parts. This new generation of effect pigments is based on aluminum and designed for both transparent and colored plastics. It is suitable for laser marking with all standard lamp technology, such as the Nd: YAG laser system operating at 1064 nm, even at extremely high speeds.

SYMIC synthetic mica-based pearlescent pigments. The silver-colored SYMIC types feature high color purity, creating bright, full tones, according to ECKART. The brilliance values significantly exceed the specifications of comparable pearls based on natural mica. The synthetic substrate enables a substantially lower heavy metal content. These features make SYMIC particularly suited for use in cosmetic packaging

LUXAN effect pigments are characterized by extraordinary brilliance, unique color intensity and color purity. Thanks to the high transparency of these glass pearl pigments, they can be combined with any desired color shade without impairing its original color character. ECKART says they provide extraordinary three-dimensional depth due to an exceptional light reflection and brightness.

PLATALUX has been expanded to include a new silvery glitter effect pigment, enabling intense glitter effects in pure colors or in combination with transparent color pigments and dyes. The pigment provides good hiding power and excellent temperature stability, and can thus also be used for transparent high-temperature applications.