We have some great supplier partners and developed some pretty interesting solutions.

Micro-Perforated Aluminum 

One of our new solutions is our laser micro-perforation product. We can take our bare aluminum substrate, and they can do a laser perforation, micro, so tiny diameter holes that they put in through the laser. It can be any geometry that is needed. The cool thing about it is that it looks like a solid piece of metal until it’s backlit. Until a light guide is in there and lit up, it seems like a solid piece of metal. It’s a neat effect for ambient lighting, information, or a design or logo. We’re working on the ability to use our surface, along with the micro perforation for some capacitive touch capabilities. If you touch the surface, it will actuate a command allowing you to get away from the switches and knobs, so it looks like a flat panel.  

Ingrained Molding 

One of the other solutions we developed, ingrained molding, is a macro-impression of a three-dimensional surface where we take a fragile gauge aluminum product of ours, insert it into the plastic injection mold, and it gets back injected against the feeling that we want and forms it. This can be done with any finish we offer, but if you wish to add a three-dimensional structure to it, then this ingrained molding with the macro-structure that can be picked up through the back injection is an elegant effect. It can pick up light and be reflective depending on the quality that we are using.

Innovating Our Automotive Offerings 

We are very flexible. We have standard colors and standard finishes, but if there is a unique color that we need to duplicate or develop, that is something we can certainly do. The cool touch sensation that you get from actual metal surfaces is something that I think is trending. We’re getting feedback from the automotive industry that they want accurate native materials, and what Alanod has been able to do through our innovation process is provide a lot of different outlets for getting an actual metallic surface, in several other applications, functional and decorative, into the cockpit or onto the exterior of the vehicle. There’s a difference between touching a little piece of plastic and a selection of metal that has structural integrity and the feel of quality. 

Learn More About Our Products And Services 

Please contact us directly to learn how Alanod-Westlake can help you get that exact look and feel for your desired product.