Nitto Group Report 2017

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25Nitto Group Report 2017Safeguarding TransportationFor ExampleAlong with globalization has come the necessity for speedy transportation of large numbers of both people and goods. In addition, automation and electronization of transportation equipment are making rapid progress in order to assure safety. Through the development of new technologies and materials, the Nitto Group is pursuing greater safety and comfort in a bid to fulfill these social needs.Airtight Films for Curtain AirbagsVisible Light-Blocking Material for HUDsReinforcing Material of Steel/Aluminum Panels NITOHARDAs a result of the pursuit of greater safety and comfort, vehicles nowadays come with a greater amount of equipment, and this additional weight then lowers fuel efciency. Meanwhile, in order to improve fuel efciency and reduce gas emissions to meet ever-tightening environmental regulations, panels with a thinner skin are often chosen to make automobiles lighter. However, this then increases the risk of their rigidity being compromised.By simply being attached to skin panels and heated, NITOHARD generates foam and hardens to provide reinforcement to portions of the panels, and also offers excellent vibration-damping, soundproong, and thermal insulation properties. Its exibility allows it to adhere tightly even to complex shapes and curved surfaces.Developed specically for aluminum materials, NITOHARD AS2000 controls skin panel distortions that often occur during heating processes and is used widely in the U.S., where demands for aluminum panels are growing in the quest for lighter weight.Curtain airbagVisible light-blocking materialImage projectionSunlight blockedkm/h500mNew Value for SocietyFeature2016In July 2016, Nitto acquired the functional lm business for curtain airbags from Swiss company nolax Holding AG.In the event of a side impact crash, curtain airbags are activated and deployed to cover the side windows and protect the driver and passengers. In order to prevent the driver and passengers from being thrown out of a car when it rolls or is overturned immediately after a collision, curtain airbags are required to have an airtightness that will allow them to remain deployed for several seconds. Nitto’s thin adhesive lms offer airtightness equivalent to that achieved by the traditional method of applying varnish, and simplies processes to reduce their environmental impact.Head-up displays (HUDs), which project information necessary for safe driving directly into the driver’s line of sight, are expected to grow in demand. They support drivers by projecting not only meter information, but also data related to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.Due to the fact that HUD units are usually installed close to the windshield, sunlight can easily penetrate the device and cause trouble with the display.Nitto’s visible light-blocking material is able to reduce sunlight penetration by 50% while allowing the unit to project images clearly. It also helps to lengthen the HUD unit’s service life.Nitto’s airtight lm applied to a curtain airbagGreenProposals for the Future!Proposals for the Future!