Connected cars: changing the way we manufacture

Connected cars are the present and the future, but to what extent do we have to adapt our manufacturing processes to this new technology? Cars nowadays operate with an ever-increasing number of sensors which are capable of interacting with their environment to collect data and improve our driving experience. However, in order to operate correctly over time, these sensors need to be protected against various factors like thermal exposure, moisture, chemicals exposure, etc… The protecting material needs obviously to show high stability in terms of aging, temperature variations, yellowing and clouding, just to name a few.

Sensors encapsulation with silicone, a better way to protect them and cars!

The solution? Encapsulating or wrapping sensors in a protective silicone layer. This process protects sensors from external aggressions and ensures their longevity. The more sensors our cars are equipped with the greater the need for encapsulation and thus for the modification of current manufacturing processes and technology.

However, we must not forget that at the heart of the matter lies safety. Since technological trends seem to be aimed at manufacturing self-driving cars, we have no room for error. These types of cars will require us to develop high-quality and high-performance products for the encapsulation of components. Quality must not take a back seat. Human lives are at stake!

Thanks to their expertise in silicone encapsulation solutions, Elkem Silicones professionals can help you wrap your head around any queries you may have in this respect. We supply high quality products to the automotive, aerospace and transportation industries. We are aware that industry standards are becoming stricter, especially in the aeronautic industry where improved and innovative new products are required.

Technology is advancing at a fast pace. For example, in the near future we might be able to incorporate smart fabrics into our automobiles, smart fabrics that can sense temperature changes and thus adapt the thermostat accordingly.  In this technological revolution, what’s certain is that silicone will play a very important role in the encapsulation of a wide range of sensors. After all, these sensors are the brainpower behind our smart, self-driving cars.