2014The Alfa MiTo instrument panel sports the world’sfirst gradient surface technology in series-vehicle production / Spray-misteffect on two-tone surface employing just one material sheet
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•            TheAlfa MiTo instrument panel sports the world’s first gradient surface technologyin series-vehicle production
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•            Spray-misteffect on two-tone surface employing just one material sheet
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The gradient surface technology developed byBenecke-Kaliko opens up to automotive manufacturers’ creative opportunities ofa whole new kind in the design of modern vehicle interiors. It is yet anotherexample of the surface manufacturer’s wide-ranging surface expertise andvirtually unlimited creative versatility. The new technology is celebrating itsworld premiere in series production on the instrument panel of the new AlfaRomeo MiTo.
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The instrument panel in this Italian vehicle is a realeye-catcher. The colors on the TEPEO® foil manufactured by Benecke-Kaliko seemto have been sprayed on, transitioning from black to red. “With ourgradient surface technology, we allow automotive manufacturers and suppliers tonow manufacture two-tone interior components using just one single materialsheet,” notes Michael Mäker, head of the Surfaces and Design TechnologyCenter at Benecke-Kaliko, underscoring a further advantage that simplifies themanufacturing process for the customer. What is more, the procedure can beapplied to nearly all materials from Benecke-Kaliko.
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The surface manufacturer’s developers had just one yearto realize the customer’s specifications for the two-tone design of theinstrument panel surface and optimize the printing method involved. The mainchallenge here was one of achieving a uniform color gradient for the spray-misteffect and positioning the blend as desired. “This project breaks newground for us and is thus extremely important,” says Mäker. “Afterall, none of our competitors offer a printing method like this for productionvehicles.”
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But it is not only the spectacular TEPEO® foil thatimpressed Alfa Romeo. The automotive manufacturer also chose Benecke-Kaliko forthe seats of the MiTo, which are covered in the Acella® material.