Kedzie Fernholz is a research engineer in Materials Research and Advanced Engineering at Ford Motor Co. Her primary responsibility is to drive implementation of film laminate technologies in a cost effective way while ensuring that the resultant components have acceptable long-term performance. Her areas of research include the relationship between process conditions and part appearance, thermoforming process robustness, and development of appearance metrics. She can be reached at 313.594.1881 or kfernhol@ford.com.
Film laminates can allow the same degree of part design flexibility and level of surface quality as painting without requiring a paint shop. But is the automotive industry ready to embrace them?