DS Automobiles reveals one of the DS 4's design tail lights: the backlights are both a piece of jewelry and a high-tech element. Metallizing and laser etching are used to create a distinctive scale pattern. The bright PLEXIGLAS cover glass completes the high-quality overall picture, and the glossy black contour ensures a smooth transition between the backlight and the body. The lines of the body are carried over into the three-dimensional backlight thanks to the injection molding process. This is just as sustainable as the DS 4, thanks to durable and recyclable plastic.
The distinctive light signature of DS vehicles allows them to be identified from a distance. It is an essential aspect of the DS identity and distinguishes the noble DS 4 from its competitors. Daytime running lights, headlights, and lamps are all beautifully crafted, whether turned on or off. The distinctive tail lights contribute to the Parisian premium brand's new technology carrier having the appearance of an attractive high-tech vehicle, which is one of the reasons why the DS 4 was named "Most Beautiful Car 2022."
The distinctive rear light shines like a diamond on the massive sedan's appearance. "The metalized faceted design of our rear lights is inspired by nature, such as the shiny scales of a fish, while also reminiscent of luxury symbols such as cut diamonds or the famous glass pyramid in front of the Louvre in Paris," explains Nicolas Deluy, DS Automobiles' Head of Design Lighting & Exterior Design Components.
A unique feature distinguishes the tail lights of the DS 4: for the first time, the cover is fashioned like a sculpture rather than flat. "It takes on the dynamic lines and proportions of avant-garde exterior design and integrates them inside the body," Deluy says. Because of the PLEXIGLAS molding compound, such three-dimensional and voluminous components can be injection molded.
The brilliance of the rear light cover complements the lighting scheme wonderfully. This is done with a crystal-clear PLEXIGLAS molding compound framed by a glossy black contour created of PLEXIGLAS Hi-Gloss 8N black. This interaction completes the backlight's high-quality overall picture. "Our branded PMMA 1 enables emotive product design due to its photometric and aesthetic features." "The rear lights of the DS 4 is an excellent illustration of this," explains Siamak Djafarian, head of Röhm GmbH's Molding Compounds division.
Supplier Marelli also used laser welding to join the cover to the DS 4's tail lights housing. Given the component's intricacy, manufacturing the weld ribs was incredibly difficult, especially on the narrow side, according to Arnaud Mouchon, Head of Research and Development at Marelli Automotive Lighting. "We would not have been able to work accurately enough here with other technologies, such as vibration welding," Mouchon explains. Laser welding can be employed to reduce the distance between the rear light and the body. "Of course, laser-permeable polymers are required," Mouchon says. This condition is met by the PLEXIGLAS utilized (Hi-Gloss 8N black 90114). This molding compound's high-gloss black shape attractively conceals the weld seam and ensures a smooth transition.
The sustainability concept introduced by DS takes effect in DS 4: The DS 4 is developed with a focus on sustainability, without sacrificing quality or noblesse. For example, the DS 4 is made of 95 percent recyclable components, with renewable or recycled metals and plastics accounting for 30 percent of its weight.
"PLEXIGLAS also contributes to resource-saving car design because it is designed to be sustainable," explains Sven Schröbel, Head of Global Sustainability Management in Röhm GmbH's Molding Compounds business line. Röhm's branded PMMA 1 is a high-quality, long-lasting, and recyclable plastic. Its practical and cosmetic features are kept throughout the life of a vehicle because it is permanently UV and weather-resistant. This is especially important for lamp coverings. Colorless PLEXIGLAS Molding materials' permanent transparency and light transmission assure good visibility of light signals and cut LED energy consumption.
