Polycarbonate makes lane markers tough, reflective
Canadian Plastics
Harding Traffic needed a virtually indestructible material to protect its Smartstud lane markers from the wheels of airplanes, trucks and other types of heavy traffic. The company, located in New Zeal...
Harding Traffic needed a virtually indestructible material to protect its Smartstud lane markers from the wheels of airplanes, trucks and other types of heavy traffic. The company, located in New Zealand, chose Makrolon AL 3103 polycarbonate to form the protective shell of the Smartstud system. The shell is especially critical as it protects the electrical components of the low-profile, light-emitting diode.
This Makrolon grade provides the required impact resistance, as well as good optical characteristics, flexibility and temperature and moisture resistance. The shell is injection molded and designed with a shock-absorbing, polyurethane backfill that encapsulates and protects the electronics.
According to Michael Hunt, Harding Traffic’s product development manager, Bayer also supplied key technical support in the design of Smartstud: “Bayer improved on our concept using their expert knowledge on the characteristics of Makrolon, as well as insight into the molding technology that would ensure no stress marks were evident in the final product.”
Bayer Inc. 800-668-2254 Circle Reader Service No. 193
