New DuPont Technology Gives Auto Safety Glass a New "Look"

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DETROIT, Mich., April 13, 2005 - A new technology that allows digital images
to be printed directly on the DuPont(tm) SentryGlas(r) automotive safety
interlayer blends form and function by introducing design possibilities to
an important safety feature.
Featured at the 2005 SAE World Congress this week in booth #1959, DuPont(tm)
SentryGlas(r) Expressions(tm) patent-pending technology allows designers to
print photographic, graphic images or lettering using DuPont proprietary ink
and ink-jet printing on DuPont(tm) SentryGlas(r) before it is sandwiched
between inner and outer glass layers.
"There are a number of opportunities for designers and brand managers alike
- anything from brand logos, advertising on commercial vehicles, introducing
color or images to the shade band, back window, sunroofs and/or sidelight,"
said David Lee, marketing manager for Automotive Glass Laminating Solutions.
"Like many of the design solutions with DuPont materials, this introduces a
new palette for designers by blending form and function."
Styling and design were identified as "very important" consumer attributes
by 34 percent of engineers and automotive designers planning to attend the
2005 SAE World Congress in Detroit, according to the 11th annual DuPont/SAE
survey - just behind enhanced safety systems and better vehicle performance.
(Editors - see separate release: Collaborating to Deliver Consumer-Focused
Innovation Will Help Strengthen the Auto Industry, Say Engineers Attending
the 2005 SAE World Congress.)
SentryGlas(r) Expressions(tm) is easy to laminate and conforms more readily
to the curved shape of vehicle glass, compared to competitive technologies.
No tooling is needed, and virtually any color is available, with varying
degrees of translucency.  The designer simply supplies the image to DuPont,
which sees it through to production, with unprecedented turnaround time.
DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better,
safer and easier.  Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a
wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture,
nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and
construction, transportation and apparel.