Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • MATERIALS
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • RESOURCES
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • CONTACT
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest News
  • Market Trends & Reports
  • Price Alerts
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
  • Weekly Featured Article
  • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
  • Product News
  • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
  • Additives
  • Resins/Polymers
  • Pigments
  • Equipment
  • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • Adhesives
  • Architectural Coatings
  • FINISHING
  • Industrial Coatings
  • Nanotechnology
  • Powder Coatings
  • Solventborne
  • Special Purpose Coatings
  • Sustainability
  • UV Coatings
  • Waterborne
  • FINISHING
  • Finishing News
  • Finishing Technologies
  • Finishing Equipment
  • Finishing Today
  • RESOURCES
  • Columns
  • Blogs
  • Coatings Supplier Handbook
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • PCI Store
  • Classifieds
  • eBooks
  • Sponsor Insights
  • White Papers
  • COATLE Word Game
  • Columns
  • Ask Joe Powder
  • Did you know?
  • Distribution Dive
  • Focus on Canada
  • Formulating With Mike
  • Innovation Insights
  • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
  • Powder Coating Perspectives
  • Target the Market
  • TiO2 Insider
  • Blogs
  • Editor's Viewpoint
  • Industry Insights
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • COAT-IT! Podcast
  • Videos/PCI TV
  • EVENTS
  • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
  • Paint and Coatings Academy
  • Webinars
  • Calendar of Events
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
  • Buyer's Guide
  • Equipment Directory
  • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
  • Current Issue
  • eMagazine Archive
  • China Issue Archive
  • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to eMagazine
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!

Innovative Black Acrylic Brings Style and Durability to Cadillac

November 1, 2009


Cadillac designed its SRX crossover SUV to be a sleek and elegant luxury utility vehicle. Its swept-back and angular styling upholds the tradition of the automaker known for its sophistication. Continuing in that tradition is the Crossover sunroof, developed by Webasto, a leading Tier 1 supplier of roof and heating systems, who used an innovative acrylic material from Evonik CYRO LLC that delivered manufacturing and performance benefits to the sunroof appliqué manufacturing process.

Long-recognized for its quality, Webasto wanted to find an alternative to conventional polycarbonate or metal for the appliqués used on the sunroof, offered as part of the SRX’s Premium Luxury Collection package. Webasto project engineer Lisa Pomeroy needed an engineering polymer that could not only deliver the style expected by Cadillac but also simplify manufacturing and control costs.

“In the past we used a TPU (thermoplastic urethane) part and painted it to create the trim panels on cars,” explained Pomeroy. “This always created a lot of issues. We had to deal with costly factors such as overspraying, ‘orange peeling,’ and repainting. Often times, the result was the part became too thick. When you also consider the numerous rejections that follow such issues, you’re dealing with an expensive problem.”

Beyond the cost of imperfections created while coating the appliqués, additional setbacks occurred during the process. Webasto could not paint the material on-site in its Rochester Hills, MI, facility. Rather, the appliqués had to be sent to an outside vendor, who coated the material after the molding process was complete. If there were any imperfections with the coating or if any of the aforementioned issues occurred, the process had to be restarted until the finished product met the quality criteria.

Pomeroy and her team found their solution after meeting with Applied Plastic Products, a molding company based in Fair Haven, MI, that specializes in the automotive industry. Vice President Paul Taylor suggested using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for the injection-molded appliqués. He believed PMMA was the best material because it molds in one step to yield a clearcoat painted look without the coating step. After careful evaluation, the ACYLITE FT8 piano black acrylic polymer was selected.

“Of all the PMMAs we tested, ACRYLITE FT8 had the best performance. In post-mold tests, after being placed in a hot environment 24 hours after molding where most acrylics shrink, the FT8 had the highest stability,” said Pomeroy. “It had the best performance in -30 °C/+95 °C tests and it was domestically made, making it less expensive than European alternatives.”

The use of ACRYLITE also brought benefits in terms of overall look. Trim panels made from polycarbonate plastic or metal require a protective coating. If (or more accurately, when) the coating is penetrated, the entire trim needs to be replaced, resulting in a pricey and inconvenient repair for the consumer. ACRYLITE FT8 has a robust, high-gloss surface that allows minor scratches to be easily polished away.

High Durability

Complications from painting aside, polycarbonate and metal often fall victim to Mother Nature. Conversely, ACRYLITE FT8 has exceptional weathering properties so that, in spite of the direct exposure to the sun, the material maintains its high-gloss appearance and deep jet-black color for the life of the car.

Warping was also a potential concern that had to be addressed. Webasto, which has won numerous automotive design awards, adheres to strict quality standards. The four-plus foot appliqués had to fit perfectly on the Cadillac SRX’s roof and adjacent metal parts, and maintain that fit, so there would be no rattling or undesirable stress. Additionally, the fact that the acrylic did not warp ensures that the weather strip mounted along a flange over the whole breadth of the frame has no undulation.

The functional strength of the acrylic also proves advantageous during operation of the sunroof. Because the electric motor that opens and closes the sunroof is mounted on the frame, the appliqués must absorb the tensile, compressive and bending stresses associated with its operation.

Synergistic Approach

A successful design takes more than the right materials; there must be synergy between the various companies. That was the case with the design of the sunroof appliqués.

Evonik Cyro provided Webasto with detailed mold and gate analyses for each of its products tested, including the ACRYLITE FT8. Evonik Cyro worked closely with Applied Plastics Products throughout the entire process and offered consultation on all molding issues. In fact, the working relationship led to the blending of certain materials that improved the properties of the polymer for this specific application.

“Evonik Cyro was very helpful during the entire testing and molding process. In regards to appearance and performance, our high expectations have been met. We were looking for an acrylic that could provide a black sheen exterior free from imperfections. Between an acrylic and a painted coating, the difference is night and day. The molded acrylic provides a much nicer, easily distinguishable final product,” said Pomeroy.

A project that set out to maintain the high standard of quality associated with the Cadillac brand and continue the reputation of Tier 1 supplier Webasto was ambitious. Using innovative materials and working as a team, sunroof appliqués were developed that offered improved quality and a robust stylish appearance, while also improving manufacturing efficiency.

Evonik Cyro LLC is an Evonik Degussa Corporation group company. Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, Evonik CYRO is a leading manufacturer of durable solid surface sheet and molding compounds, and bulk and performance monomers. Evonik Cyro manufactures and markets its durable solid surface sheet products under the ACRYLITE® trade name in the Americas. These same products are manufactured and marketed under the PLEXIGLAS® trade name throughout the rest of the world.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • pci1022-Kinaltek-Lead-1170.jpg

    A Novel Pigment Production Technology

    Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated...
    Paint and Coating Pigments
    By: Jawad Haidar and Nitin Soni
  • pci global top 10

    2025 Global Top 10: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    The following is PCI’s annual ranking of the top 10...
    Paint and Coating Market Reports
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • 2025 pci 25

    2025 PCI 25: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    PCI's annual ranking of the top 25 North American paint...
    Global Top 10 and PCI 25
    By: Courtney Bassett
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

CTT Registration Now Open

CTT Registration Now Open

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
    Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

    Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

  • paint sprayer in a workshop
    Sponsored byallnex

    Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

Popular Stories

No. 3 AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel’s $1.4B Divestment Signals Strategy Shift

PCI voices from the top

eBook | PCI Voices from the Top

Mergers and Acquisitions

RPM Expands Portfolio With Strategic Acquisition



PCI Buyers Guide

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

Start your RFP

Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

Find Suppliers

Events

September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Longest-running laboratory experiment

What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

See More Products
pci voices from the top ebook

PCI CASE EBOOK

Related Articles

  • GettyImages-1278658167.jpg

    Comparison of Low-Tg Acrylic Latex Binders to Increase Durability of Elastomeric Liquid Roofing Membranes

    See More
  • Texas Hill Country Landmark Suspension Bridge

    Innovative Approaches to Water-Based DTM Coatings

    See More
  • Screenshot-2025-01-30-at-23.00.39.jpg

    Automated Dispensing System Brings Transformative Benefits to Coatings Manufacturer

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • durability.jpg

    Increasing the Durability of Paint and Varnish Coatings in Building Products and Construction 1st Edition

See More Products
×

Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey & Sample
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!