Covestro Makroblend UT235M adopted for Lexus ES luggage panel via In‑Mold Coating
- Makroblend UT235M selected as the substrate for a large exterior luggage panel on the Lexus ES now in series production.
- Toyoda Gosei manufactures the component using an In‑Mold Coating (IMC) process.
- IMC combines injection molding and coating, eliminating post‑painting, reducing CO2 emissions and delivering Class A surfaces with seamless integration to adjacent glass.
- Makroblend UT235M is a PC blend offering low linear thermal expansion, dimensional stability and compatibility with IMC coatings to support adhesion and the targeted surface finish in series production.
Adoption
Covestro Japan reports Makroblend UT235M has been adopted as the substrate material for a large exterior luggage panel on the Lexus ES, now in series production. The part is produced by Toyoda Gosei using an In‑Mold Coating (IMC) process.
Material and application rationale
Makroblend UT235M is a polycarbonate blend used where low linear thermal expansion and dimensional stability are required. For this luggage panel the grade was selected to meet exterior appearance, dimensional stability and durability requirements while supporting coating adhesion and the targeted surface finish in series production.
Process benefits
In‑Mold Coating integrates injection molding and coating in a single step, eliminating conventional post‑painting operations. The IMC approach supports Class A surface quality, enables seamless visual integration with adjacent glass, and reduces CO2 emissions by removing separate painting stages.
Support and scale‑up
Covestro positions itself as an IMC solution provider in Japan, offering local application development, daily technical assistance and IMC evaluation capabilities at its Japan site to verify performance under near‑production conditions and support partners through scale‑up, coordinating with global teams as needed.
Source: Covestro